2012 Mercedes-benz GL Class Owners Manual

converter may not be available. Leaded fuel may cause damage to the catalytic converter.

Rthe fuel may have a considerably lower octane rating. Unsuitable fuel can cause engine damage.

Sport Utility Vehicle G WARNING This Sport Utility Vehicle is designed for both on-road and off-road use. It can go places and perform tasks for which conventional 2-wheel drive passenger cars are not intended. This vehicle will handle and maneuver differently

from conventional passenger cars in driving conditions which may occur on streets, highways and off-road use. This vehicle has a higher ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than many passenger cars. As with other vehicles of this type, if you make sharp turns at excessive speeds or abrupt maneuvers, the vehicle may roll over or may go out of control and crash. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result in an accident, rollover of the vehicle, and severe or fatal injury. Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the Operator's Manual. Take time to become familiar with the driving characteristics of this vehicle. Be sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls. Learn how your vehicle handles on different road surfaces. Do not attempt sharp turns at excessive speeds or abrupt maneuvers or other unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle control. When driving off-road or working the vehicle hard, do not overload it. And, always wear your seat belts at all times. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.

Operating safety Safety notes G WARNING Work improperly carried out on electronic components and associated software could cause them to cease functioning. Because the vehicle's electronic components are interconnected, any modifications made may produce an undesired effect on other systems. Electronic malfunctions could seriously impair the operating safety of your vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for repairs or modifications to electronic components.

24

Introduction

Other improper work or modifications on the vehicle could also have a negative impact on the operating safety of the vehicle. Some safety systems only function when the engine is running. You should therefore never turn off the engine while driving. G WARNING Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or tires/wheels may cause serious damage and impair the operating safety of your vehicle. Such blows can be caused, for example, by running over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole. If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect that damage to your vehicle has occurred: Rturn on your hazard warning flashers. Rslow down carefully. Rdrive with caution to an area which is a safe

distance from the road.

Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/ wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other qualified maintenance or repair facility for further inspection or repairs.

Qualified specialist workshop An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a qualified specialist workshop. It has the necessary specialist knowledge, tools and qualifications to correctly carry out the work required on your vehicle. This is especially the case for work relevant to safety. Observe the notes in the service booklet. Always have the following work carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center: Rwork relevant to safety Rservice and maintenance work Rrepair work

Ralterations, installation work and

modifications

Rwork on electronic components

Proper 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.

The proper use of the vehicle requires that you familiarize yourself with the following information and rules: Rsafety notes in this Operator's Manual Rtechnical data in this Operator's Manual 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 malfunctions relevant to safety For the 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.

Reporting safety defects 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 also obtain additional information about vehicle safety from: http://www.safercar.gov.

3 The system is called TELE AID in Canada.

Introduction

25

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 are not covered either by Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty or by the New or Used-Vehicle Warranty of Daimler AG.

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 mbrace3, 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 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 observe the mbrace3 purchase agreement for further details on the recording and transfer of data by this system.

26

Cockpit ................................................. 28
Instrument cluster .............................. 29
Multifunction steering wheel ............. 31
Center console .................................... 32
Overhead control panel ...................... 35
Door control panel .............................. 36

27

28

Cockpit

Cockpit

Function

: Combination switch ; Cruise control lever = Instrument cluster ? Horn A Steering wheel paddle

shifters

B DIRECT SELECT lever C PARKTRONIC warning

display

D Overhead control panel E Climate control systems F Ignition lock

Start/Stop button

Page 121
180
29

157
154

196
35
134
149
149

Function

G Adjusts the steering wheel

manually

H On-board diagnostics

socket

I Opens the hood J Parking brake K Releases the parking brake L Light switch M Adjusts the steering wheel

electrically Steering wheel heating

Page

109

300
167
167
118

109
110

Instrument cluster Displays and controls

Instrument cluster

29

Function

: Speedometer with

segments

; Adjusts the instrument cluster lighting: dimmer

= Reset button ? Adjusts the instrument cluster lighting: brighter

Page

217

Function

A Tachometer B Fuel gauge C Multifunction display D Clock

Page 216

218
224

30

Instrument cluster

Warning and indicator lamps

Function

: ABS ; The lamp lights up briefly,

but has no function.

= Brakes (USA only) ? ESP® A Distance warning signal

On vehicles without DISTRONIC, the lamp lights up briefly but has no function.

B Brakes (Canada only) C Tire pressure monitor (USA

only)

Page 260

259
261
265

259

265

Function D Turn signal E ESP® OFF F Seat belt G Diesel engine: preglow H SRS I Low-beam headlamps J Check Engine (Canada

only)

K Check Engine (USA only) L High-beam headlamps M Reserve fuel

Page 121
261
258
150
263
119

264
264
121
264

Multifunction steering wheel

31

Multifunction steering wheel

Function

: Multifunction display ; COMAND; see the separate

operating instructions

= ~

Page 218

Function 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 Selects submenus in the Settings menu Changes values Adjusts the volume

230

? VU

Selects a menu: scrolls back and forth Switches off the Voice Control System; see the separate operating instructions &* Scrolls back and forth within a menu

223

Page

219

219

32

Center console

Center console Center console, upper section

Function

F ATA indicator lamp G å ESP® H e Adaptive Damping

System

I c PARKTRONIC

Page 72

69

195
196

i Vehicles with the Off-Road Pro

engineering package

Function

Page

: Audio system/COMAND;

see separate operating instructions

; £ Hazard warning

lamps

= 42 Indicator

lamp

? c Seat heating A s Seat ventilation B 8 Engages the differential locks

C Å LOW RANGE off-road

gear

D Ã Downhill Speed

Regulation

E Á Level control

121

45
108
109

208

206

204
189

Center console

33

i Vehicles without the Off-Road Pro

engineering package

Function

Page

: Audio system/COMAND;

see separate operating instructions

; £ Hazard warning

lamps

= Ç Off-road program ? c Seat heating A s Seat ventilation B c PARKTRONIC

121
206
108
109
196

Function

C Á Level control D 42 Indicator

lamp

E Stowage compartment F ATA indicator lamp G å ESP® H e Adaptive Damping

System

I Ã Downhill Speed

Regulation

Page 189

45
268
72

69

195

204

34

Center console

Center console, lower section

Function

J Ashtray

Cigarette lighter

Page 284
284

Function

K Stowage compartment L Cup holder

Page 268
282

Overhead control panel

Overhead control panel

35

Function

Page

Function

: p Switches the left-

hand reading lamp on/off

; u Switches the rear interior lighting on/off

= | Switches the

automatic interior lighting control on/off

? c Switches the front

interior lighting on/off

122

123

123

123

A p Switches the right- hand reading lamp on/off

B 2 Opens/closes the

sliding sunroof

C Rear-view mirror D Buttons for the garage door

opener

Page

122

94
112

296

36 Door control panel

Door control panel

Function

: Opens the door ; %& Unlocks/locks

the vehicle

= 7 Adjusts the exterior

mirrors

? Zö\ Selects the exterior mirror, electrically folds the exterior mirrors in/out

A W Opens/closes the

side windows

B n Activates/

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

C ± Opens/closes the

hinged power side windows

D q Opens/closes the

tailgate

Page 84

84

112

112

90

66

91

88

Useful information .............................. 38
Occupant safety .................................. 38
Children in the vehicle ........................ 61
Panic alarm .......................................... 67
Driving safety systems ....................... 67
Theft deterrent locking systems ....... 72

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 Please read the information on qualified

specialist workshops (Y page 24).

Occupant safety Overview of occupant safety 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/NECK-PRO

luxury head restraints

RPRE-SAFE® RAir bag system components with:

- PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp - USA only: front-passenger seat with

Occupant Classification System (OCS) - Canada only: 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 deployed in an accident.

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/ belt buckle tensioners, for example, could deploy inadvertently or fail to deploy. Therefore, never modify the restraint systems. Do not tamper with electronic components or their software.

i See "Children in the vehicle"

(Y page 61) for more information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraints for infants and children.

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Introduction SRS consists of: Rthe + SRS warning lamp Rair bags Rair bag control unit (with crash sensors) REmergency Tensioning Devices/belt

buckle tensioners Rbelt force limiters 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 warning lamps 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 + 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 warning lamp is not lit while the engine is running . G WARNING The SRS self-check has detected a malfunction if the + SRS warning lamp: Rdoes not come on at all Rfails to go out approximately 4 seconds

after the engine was started

Rcomes on after the engine was started or

while driving

For your safety, Mercedes-Benz strongly recommends that you have the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when it is needed in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury. The SRS might also deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could also result in injury. In addition, improper 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. 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: Call our Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) for details.

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

Occupant safety

39

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. PRE- SAFE® has electrically operated reversible belt tensioners in addition to the pyrotechnic ETDs.

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. to the: - padded steering wheel boss - knee bag covers - outer side of front seat bolsters - outer side of rear bench seat backrest

front-passenger air bag cover

seat bolsters roof lining trim

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

40 Occupant safety

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 incidence of injuries and fatalities in certain situations: Rfrontal impacts (driver's and front-

passenger front air bags and driver's knee bag)

Rside impacts (side impact air bags and

window curtain air bags)

Rrollover (window curtain air bags) However, no system available today can completely eliminate injuries and fatalities. When the air bags are deployed, a small amount of powder is released. The powder generally does not constitute a health hazard and does not indicate that there is a fire in the vehicle. In order to prevent potential breathing difficulties, you should leave 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 injuries during front air bag inflation, the driver and front-passenger must always be seated correctly and have their seat belts fastened accordingly. For maximum protection in the event of a collision, you must always be in the normal seat position with your back against the backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure that it is correctly positioned on your body.

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.

ROnly hold the steering wheel by the 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 back as possible 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 side impact air bag inflates. This could result in serious injuries or death should the side impact air bag be deployed. Always sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt properly and use an appropriately sized child restraint, infant restraint or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.

RCanada only: children under 12 years may only sit in the front-passenger seat if they are seated in a child restraint system which

Occupant safety

41

is compatible with BabySmart™ and approved by Mercedes-Benz. If the child restraint system is installed properly, the front-passenger front air bag is deactivated in conjunction with the BabySmart™ system installed in the vehicle. Otherwise, the child could be struck by the air bag when it inflates in a crash. This could lead to serious or fatal injuries.

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. A side impact air bag related injury may occur if occupants, especially children, are not properly seated or restrained when next to a side impact air bag which needs to deploy rapidly in a side impact in order to do its job. To help avoid the possibility of injury, please follow these guidelines:

(1)

(2)

Always sit as upright as possible and use the seat belts properly. Make sure that children 12 years old and under use an appropriately sized child restraint, infant restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. Always wear seat belts properly.

The air bags are only deployed if the air bag control unit detects the need for deployment. Only in the event of such a situation will they provide their supplemental protection. The driver and passenger should always wear their seat belts. Otherwise, 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

42 Occupant safety

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 in a rollover. 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 passenger 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 a crash.

Front air bags The front air bags increase protection for the driver's and front-passenger's head and chest.

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. 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

Rif the seat belt is fastened Rindependently of other air bags in the

vehicle

If the vehicle overturns, the front air bags are generally not deployed unless the system detects high vehicle deceleration in a longitudinal direction. Your vehicle has adaptive, two-stage front air bags. In the event of a collision, the air bag control unit evaluates the vehicle deceleration. In the first deployment stage, the front air bag is filled with enough propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries. The front air bag is fully deployed if a second deployment threshold is exceeded within a few milliseconds. Vehicles with OCS (USA only): deployment of the front-passenger front air bag is also influenced by the weight category of the front passenger, which is determined by the Occupant Classification System (OCS) (Y page 45). Vehicles with OCS (USA only): the lighter the passenger side occupant, the higher the vehicle deceleration rate required (predicted at the start of the impact) for second stage inflation of the front-passenger front air bag. In the second stage, the front air bags are inflated with the maximum amount of propellant gas available. The front air bags are not deployed in situations where a low impact severity is predicted. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belt. ! Vehicles with BabySmart™ (Canada only): do not place any objects which weigh more than 20 lb (9 kg) on the front-passenger seat. This could cause the system to identify the seat as being occupied. In the event of an accident, the restraint systems on the front-passenger side are triggered. Have restraint systems that have been triggered replaced.

The front-passenger front air bag will only deploy if: Rthe system, based on the OCS weight sensor readings, detects that the front- passenger seat is occupied (USA only).

Rthe 42 indicator lamp in the

center console is not lit, USA: (Y page 45), Canada: (Y page 50) the 42 indicator lamp in the center console is not lit, (Y page 45). Rthe air bag control unit predicts a high

impact severity.

Driver's knee bag

Driver's knee bag : provides additional protection for the driver against: Rknee injuries Rthigh injuries Rlower leg injuries Driver's knee bag : deploys below the steering wheel. During a frontal impact, if the system determines that air bag deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt, driver's knee bag : is deployed along with the driver's air bag. The driver's knee bag : operates best in conjunction with a properly positioned and fastened seat belt.

Side impact air bags G WARNING The pressure sensors for side impact air bag control are located in the doors. Do not

Occupant safety

43

modify any components of the doors or door trim panels including, for example, the addition of door speakers. Improper repair work on the doors or the modification or addition of components to the doors create a risk of rendering the side impact air bags inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the doors must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. G WARNING Only use seat covers which have been tested 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 an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.

When deployed, the side impact air bags offer additional protection for the thorax of the vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs. However, they do not protect the: Rhead Rneck Rarms

Front side impact air bags : and rear side impact air bags ; deploy next to the outer seat cushions.

44 Occupant safety

The side impact 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

Rindependently of seat belt use Rindependently of the front air bags Rindependently of the ETDs/beat buckle

tensioners

If the vehicle overturns, the side impact air bags are generally not deployed. They are deployed if the system detects high vehicle deceleration or acceleration in a lateral direction and determines that side impact air bag deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt. Side impact air bags will not deploy in side 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. Vehicles with OCS (USA only): if OCS detects that the front-passenger seat is not occupied and the front-passenger seat belt is not fastened (the belt tongue is not engaged in the seat belt buckle), the side impact air bag on the front-passenger side will not deploy. The side impact air bag on the front- passenger side will deploy if the front- passenger seat belt is fastened, regardless of whether the front-passenger seat is occupied or not. ! Vehicles with BabySmart™ (Canada only): do not place any objects which weigh more than 20 lb (9 kg) on the front-passenger seat. This could cause the system to identify the seat as being occupied. In the event of an accident, the restraint systems on the front-passenger side are triggered. Have restraint systems that have been triggered replaced.

Window curtain air bags The 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. The 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 side window (D-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 overturns 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 with deceleration 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.

Occupant safety

45

Occupant Classification System (OCS) How the occupant classification system works The OCS is standard equipment in the USA. The OCS categorizes the occupant on the front-passenger seat by means of a weight sensor. The front-passenger front air bag is deactivated automatically for certain weight categories. The 42 indicator lamp shows you the current status. If the 42 indicator lamp is illuminated, the front-passenger front air bag is deactivated. The system does not disable: Rthe side impact air bag Rthe window curtain air bag Rthe Emergency Tensioning Devices/belt

buckle tensioners

To be classified correctly, the front passenger must sit: Rwith the seat belt fastened correctly Rin a position that is as upright as possible with their back against the seat backrest

Rwith their feet on the floor If the front-passenger's weight is transferred to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by leaning on armrests), OCS may not be able to approximate the occupant's weight category. In addition, the occupant weight may appear to increase or decrease due to the following: Robjects hanging on the seat Robjects lodged underneath the seat Robjects lodged between the seat and the

center console

Robjects lodged between the seat and the

door

Rother passengers exerting weight on the

seat

Robjects applying pressure to the back of

the seat

Make sure that the seat always has clearance in all directions. If the front-passenger seat, the seat cover or the seat cushion are damaged, have the necessary repair work carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use seat accessories which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz. Both the driver and the passenger should always use the 42 indicator lamp as an indication of whether or not the passenger is properly positioned. G WARNING If the 42 indicator lamp illuminates when an adult or someone larger than a small individual is in the front passenger seat, have the front passenger reposition himself or herself in the seat until the 42 indicator lamp goes out, or check whether objects are caught under or around the seat. In the event of a collision, the air bag control unit will not allow front passenger front air bag deployment when the OCS has classified the front passenger seat occupant as weighing as much as or less than a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or if the front passenger seat is classified as being empty. When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat occupant is classified as being up to or less than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint, the 42 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illuminated. This indicates that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat is classified as being empty, the 42 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illuminated. This indicates that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.

46 Occupant safety

When the OCS senses that the front passenger 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 42 indicator lamp will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds when the engine is started. Depending on occupant weight sensor readings from the seat, it will then remain illuminated or go out. With the 42 indicator lamp illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. With the 42
indicator lamp out, the front passenger front air bag is activated. When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat occupant is classified as an adult or someone larger than a small individual, the 42 indicator lamp will illuminate for approximately six seconds when the engine is started and then go out. This indicates that the front passenger front air bag is activated. If the 42 indicator lamp is illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated and will not be deployed. If the 24 indicator lamp is not illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is activated and will be deployed Rin the event of certain frontal impacts Rif the impact exceeds a predetermined

triggering threshold

Rindependently of the side impact air bags If the front passenger front air bag is deployed, the rate of inflation will be influenced by Rthe rate of vehicle deceleration as assessed

by the air bag control unit

Rthe front passenger's weight category as

identified by the OCS

For further information, see "air bag display messages" (Y page 239).

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 seats 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. The infant or child restraint system 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 appropriate 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: RYour vehicle is equipped with air bag technology designed to deactivate the front-passenger front air bag in your vehicle when the system senses the weight of a typical 12-month-old child or less along with the weight of a standard appropriate child restraint on the front-passenger seat. 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 eliminate this risk completely is never to place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front- passenger seat. We therefore strongly

recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint on the rear seat.

RIf you install a rear-facing child restraint on

the front-passenger seat, make sure the 42 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front- passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 42 indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 42
indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 42 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 42 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 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

- secure child restraint with the vehicle's

seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions

RFor children larger than a typical 12-month- old child, the front-passenger front air bag can be activated or deactivated.

If the driver's air bag deploys, this does not mean that the front-passenger front air bag also has to deploy. The OCS may have detected that the seat: Rwas empty or occupied by a person with a weight of up to or less than that of a typical

Occupant safety

47

12-month-old child seated in a standard child restraint

Rwas occupied by a small individual, such as

a young teenager or a small adult

Rwas occupied by a child in a child restraint system, whose weight is greater than that of a typical 12-month-old child.

These are examples of when the OCS deactivates the front-passenger front air bag. Deactivation takes place although the collision fulfills the criteria for deploying the driver's air bag.

If the SmartKey has been removed from the ignition lock or is in position 0, indicator lamp 42: does not light up. G WARNING If the red + SRS warning lamp in the instrument cluster and the 42
indicator lamp light up simultaneously, the OCS is malfunctioning. The front passenger front air bag will be deactivated in this case. Have the system checked by qualified technicians as soon as possible. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Only have the seat repaired or replaced at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. In order to ensure proper operation of the air bag system and OCS: RDo not place more than 4.4 lb(2 kg) into the

parcel net on the rear of the front passenger seat. Otherwise, the OCS may

You must contact an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat.

For more information, see "Problems with the Occupant Classification System" (Y page 49). G WARNING Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. a pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness of the OCS. The underside and rear side child restraint system must be placed entirely on the seat cushion and the backrest of the front-passenger seat backrest. If necessary, adjust the tilt of the passenger seat backrest. An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of an accident, instead of increasing protection for the child. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation of child restraint systems.

48 Occupant safety

not be able to properly approximate the occupant weight category.

RDo not place objects under and/or around

the front passenger seat.

RDo not hang anything from or attach any

items to the seats.

Rdo not store any objects, such as books, between the front passenger seat and the center console or the front-passenger door.

RDo not move the front passenger seat

backwards against rigid objects.

RSit with the seat belt properly fastened in a position that is as upright as possible with your back against the seat backrest. RWhen seated, a passenger should not

position him/herself in such a way as to cause the passenger's weight to be lifted from the seat cushion as this may result in the OCS being unable to correctly approximate the passenger's weight category.

RRead and observe all warnings in this

chapter.

System self-test The 42 indicator lamp illuminates when you: Rturn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the

ignition lock

Rpress the KEYLESS-GO Start/Stop button

once or twice

If an adult occupant is properly sitting on the passenger seat and the OCS classifies the occupant as an adult, the 42
indicator lamp illuminates and goes out again after approximately 6 seconds. If the seat is not occupied and the OCS classifies the front passenger seat as being unoccupied, the 42 indicator lamp will illuminate and not go out. G WARNING If the 4 2 indicator lamp does not illuminate, the system is not functioning.

Problems with the occupant classification system

Occupant safety

49

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions The OCS is malfunctioning. X Have the OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Center.

X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction

display (Y page 239).

Problem The 42
indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated. The person on the front-passenger seat: Rhas the weight of a

typical adult

Rhas been determined by the system not to be a child.

G WARNING If the 42 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, the system then determines the occupant cannot be a child. Do not allow any occupant to use the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

Problem The 42
indicator lamp does not illuminate and/or does not remain illuminated. The front-passenger seat is: Runoccupied Roccupied with a

weight up to or less than a typical 12- month-old child in a standard child restraint system

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions The OCS is malfunctioning. X Make sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the

child seat.

X Check the installation of the child restraint system. X Make sure that no objects are applying additional weight onto

the seat.

X Make sure there are no objects applying additional force to the seat. Head restraints that press against the roof or books that are behind or trapped between the seat, for example, apply additional force to the seat. The OCS senses such forces as additional weight.

X If the 42 indicator lamp does not illuminate, have

the OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not transport a child on the front- passenger seat as long as the OCS is not functioning.

X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction

display (Y page 239).

50 Occupant safety

G WARNING If the 42 indicator lamp does not illuminate or remains out with the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or less, or is unoccupied, on the front- passenger seat, do not transport a child on the front-passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system How the air bag deactivation system works The BabySmart™ system is standard equipment in Canada. G WARNING Accident statistics show that children secured in the rear seats are safer than children secured in the front-passenger seat. For this reason, Mercedes-Benz strongly advises that you always secure children in the rear seats. Regardless of the seat position, children under 12 years must be secured correctly in a suitable infant or child restraint system or booster seat suitable for the size and weight of the child. Secure the infant restraint system or child restraint system using: Rthe seat belt of the vehicle Rthe seat belt and a Top Tether belt Rthe LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat mount

and a Top Tether belt

The child restraint system must be installed and secured correctly, observing the manufacturer's installation instructions. Occupants, in particular children, must sit as upright as possible, fasten the seat belt correctly and use a suitable infant restraint system, child restraint system or booster seat suitable for the size and weight of the child.

Children can be seriously or even fatally injured by an air bag deploying. Observe the following important information if it is necessary to carry a child on the front- passenger seat: RCanada only: children under 12 years of age may only sit in the front-passenger seat if they are seated in a child restraint system which is compatible with BabySmart™ and approved by Mercedes-Benz. When the child restraint system is installed correctly, the front-passenger front air bag is disabled in conjunction with the BabySmart™ system installed in the vehicle. If the front- passenger front air bag is deployed in the event of a collision, it could hit the child. This could lead to serious or fatal injuries. RA child in a rearward-facing child restraint system on the front-passenger seat could be seriously injured or even killed if the front-passenger front air bag inflates in a collision despite the air bag technology installed in your vehicle, which could occur under some circumstances. The only way to completely rule out this risk is by making sure you never place a child in a rearward- facing child restraint system on the front- passenger seat. For this reason, we strongly advise that you always carry children in a rearward-facing child restraint system on a rear seat.

RIf it is necessary to install a BabySmart™-

compatible rear-facing child restraint system on the front-passenger seat, make sure the 42 indicator lamp is illuminated. This indicates that the front- passenger front air bag is deactivated. If the 42 indicator lamp does not light up or goes out when the child restraint

Occupant safety

51

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.

system is installed, check the anchorages of the restraint system. Periodically check the 42 indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 42
indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 42 indicator lamp goes out or remains out, you may only carry a child on the front-passenger seat once the system has been repaired. A child in a rearward-facing child restraint system on the front-passenger seat can be seriously injured or even killed if the front- passenger front air bag is deployed.

RWhen securing a child in a front-facing child

restraint system on the front-passenger seat, you must: - move the front-passenger seat as far

back as possible

- use a child restraint system that is

suitable for the age, size and weight of the child

- observe the manufacturer's installation instructions in order to install and secure the child restraint system correctly.

G WARNING When using a BabySmart™-compatible child restraint system on the front-passenger seat, the front-passenger front air bag is only disabled if the 42 indicator lamp is illuminated. Check the 42 indicator lamp repeatedly, every time you use a BabySmart™-compatible child restraint system on the front-passenger seat. Should the 42 indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. If the 42 indicator lamp remains out, do not use the BabySmart™ child restraint system to carry 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

Special child restraint systems which are compatible with BabySmart™ are necessary for deactivating the front-passenger front air bag. When the special child restraint system which is compatible with BabySmart™ is installed correctly and is recognized by the sensor system in the front-passenger seat, the front-passenger front air bag is deactivated. In this case, the 42: indicator lamp illuminates. If you have any questions regarding the special child restraint systems which are compatible with BabySmart™, consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. If the SmartKey has been removed from the ignition lock or is in position 0, indicator lamp 42: does not light up.

52 Occupant safety

The system does not disable: Rthe side impact air bag Rthe window curtain air bag Rthe Emergency Tensioning Devices/belt

buckle tensioners

System self-test The 42 indicator lamp illuminates when you: Rturn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the

ignition lock

Ron vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the

Start/Stop button once or twice

The 42 indicator lamp goes out again after approximately six seconds. If the 42 indicator lamp does not illuminate or is lit continuously, 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 53). G WARNING Do not place powered-on laptops, mobile phones, electronic tags such as those used in ski passes or similar electronic devices on the front passenger seat. Signals from such devices may interfere with the BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system. Such signal interference may cause the 42
indicator lamp not to come on during self-test. The + SRS indicator lamp and/or the 42 indicator lamp could be continuously lit, indicating that the system is not functioning. The front-passenger front air bag could deploy inadvertently or fail to deploy in an accident.

Occupant safety

53

Problems with air bag deactivation system

Problem The 42
indicator lamp lights up and remains illuminated.

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions A BabySmart™ compatible child restraint system is installed on the front-passenger seat. The front-passenger air bag is therefore disabled. There is no BabySmart™ compatible child restraint system installed 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.

G WARNING If the 42 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, the system then determines the occupant cannot be a child. Do not allow any occupant to use the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

Problem The 42
indicator lamp does not illuminate or does not remain illuminated with a BabySmart™ compatible child restraint system properly installed on the front-passenger seat.

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions The BabySmart™ system is malfunctioning. X Make sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the

child seat.

X Check the installation of the child restraint system. X If the 42 indicator lamp does not illuminate, 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.

PRE-SAFE® (preventative occupant protection) G WARNING The PRE-SAFE® system reduces the impact of an accident on vehicle occupants, as long as their seat belts have been fastened correctly. Although your vehicle is equipped with a PRE- SAFE® system, the possibility of injury in the event of an accident cannot be ruled out. You should therefore always drive carefully and adapt your driving style to the prevailing road, weather and traffic conditions.

PRE-SAFE® takes preemptive measures to protect occupants in certain hazardous situations. PRE-SAFE® intervenes: Rin emergency braking situations when BAS

intervenes

Rin critical driving situations, e.g. when

physical limits are exceed and the vehicle understeers or oversteers severely

54 Occupant safety

PRE-SAFE® takes the following measures depending on the hazardous situation detected: Rthe front seat belts are pre-tensioned. Ron vehicles with memory function for the front-passenger seat: the front-passenger seat is adjusted if it is in an unfavorable position.

Rif the vehicle skids, the side windows are closed so that only a small gap remains. Ron vehicles with a sliding sunroof: if the

vehicle skids, the sliding sunroof closes so that only a small gap remains.

If the hazardous situation passes without resulting in an accident, PRE-SAFE® slackens the belt pretensioning. All settings made by PRE-SAFE® can then be reversed. If the seat belts are not released: X Move the backrest or seat back slightly, but

only when the vehicle is stationary. The belt pretensioning is reduced and the locking mechanism is released. G WARNING Make sure that nobody can become trapped as you adjust the seat.

! Make sure that there are no objects in the footwell or behind the seats when resetting the seats. There is a risk that the seats and/or the objects could be damaged.

More information about seat-belt adjustment, a convenience function integrated into PRE-SAFE®, can be found in the "Seat-belt adjustment" section (Y page 58).

NECK-PRO head restraints