Login- Download PDF Manual
-
1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:
Rservice facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
Runleaded fuel for vehicles with a catalytic 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.
Some Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe through our European Delivery Program. For details, consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to one of the following addresses.
In the USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Sports 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
Important 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.
Introduction
27
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for repairs or modifications to electronic components.
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.
the user’s authority to operate the equipment."
Canada: "The wireless devices of this vehicle comply with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) These devices may not cause interference, and (2) These devices must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device."
Diagnostics connection
The diagnostics connection is only intended for the connection of diagnostic equipment at a qualified specialist workshop.
G WARNING If you connect equipment to the diagnostics connection in the vehicle, it may affect the operation of the vehicle systems. As a result, the operating safety of the vehicle could be affected. There is a risk of an accident.
Rdrive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Do not connect any equipment to a diagnostics connection in the vehicle.
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.
Declarations of conformity
Vehicle components which receive
and/or transmit radio waves
USA: "The wireless devices of this vehicle comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) These devices may not cause harmful interference, and 2) These devices must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
G WARNING Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal. The operating and road safety of the vehicle is jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter the driver's footwell. Install the floormats securely and as specified in order to ensure sufficient clearance for the pedals. Do not use loose floormats.
! If the engine is switched off and
equipment on the diagnostics connection is used, the starter battery may discharge.
Connecting equipment to the diagnostics connection can lead to emissions monitoring information being reset, for example. This may lead to the vehicle failing to meet the requirements of the next emissions test during the main inspection.
28
Introduction
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 Maintenance 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
Correct use
If you remove any warning stickers, you or others could fail to recognize certain dangers. Leave warning stickers in position.
Observe the following information when driving your vehicle:
Rthe safety notes in this manual
Rthe Technical Data section in this 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 safety defects
USA only:
The following text is published as required of manufacturers under 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, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590.
You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov
Introduction
29
Limited Warranty
Information on copyright
! Follow the instructions in this manual
General information
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.
You can find information on licenses for free and open-source software used in your vehicle and its electronic components on the following website:
http://www.mercedes-benz.com/ opensource
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
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.
30
Dashboard ........................................... 32
Instrument cluster .............................. 33
Multifunction steering wheel ............. 35
Center console .................................... 36
Overhead control panel ...................... 39
Door control panel .............................. 40
31
32 Dashboard
Dashboard
Function
Page
Function
Page
: Steering wheel paddle
F Adjusting the steering
shifters
; Combination switch
= Instrument cluster
? Horn
A DIRECT SELECT lever
B PARKTRONIC warning
display
C Overhead control panel
D Climate control systems
E Ignition lock
Start/Stop button
173
127
33
169
217
39
142
163
163
wheel manually
G Adjusting the steering
wheel electrically
Steering wheel heating
H Cruise control lever
I Opening the hood
J Diagnostics connection
K Electric parking brake
L Light switch
M Night View Assist Plus
115
115
116
196
366
27
184
124
235
Instrument cluster
Displays and controls
Instrument cluster
33
Function
Page
Function
: Speedometer with
segments
; Fuel gauge
= Tachometer
? Coolant temperature
A Multifunction display
B Instrument lighting
268
268
Page
267
269
267
34
Instrument cluster
Warning and indicator lamps
Function
Page
Function
Page
: L Low-beam
headlamps
; T Parking lamps
= ÷ ESP®
? K High-beam
headlamps
A Electric parking brake (red)
F (USA only) ! (Canada only)
B ! Electric parking brake
(yellow)
C · Distance warning
D #! Turn signals
E h Tire pressure monitor
125
126
325
128
328
328
332
127
333
F 6 SRS
G ü Seat belt
H % Diesel engine:
preglow
I ? Coolant
J R Rear fog lamp
K ; Check Engine
L 8 Reserve fuel
M å ESP® OFF
N ! ABS
O Braking
$ (USA only) J (Canada only)
328
321
165
330
126
329
329
325
323
322
Multifunction steering wheel
35
Multifunction steering wheel
Function
Page
A =;
Selects a menu 9:
Selects a submenu or scrolls through lists
Confirms your selection
Hides display messages
B %
Back
Switches off the Voice Control System; see the separate operating instructions
268
268
268
286
268
Page
269
Function
: Multifunction display
; COMAND display; see the
separate Operating Instructions
= ?
Switches on the Voice Control System; see the separate operating instructions
? ~
Rejects or ends a call
274
Exits phone book/redial memory
Makes or accepts a call
Switches to the redial memory WX
Adjusts the volume
Mute
36
Center console
Center console
Center console, upper section
Function
Page
Function
Page
: COMAND; see the separate
A £ Hazard warning
operating instructions
lamps
; c Seat heating
= s Seat ventilation
? c PARKTRONIC
112
114
217
B 45 Indicator lamp
C å ESP®
128
48
71
Center console, lower section
Center console
37
i Vehicles with ON&OFFROAD menu
Function
Function
F Cup holder
Ashtray
Cigarette lighter
Socket
G COMAND controller; see
the separate operating instructions
H d ON&OFFROAD menu
button
I + LOW RANGE off-road
gear
Page
J Á Level control
K Ã DSR (Downhill Speed
Regulation)
L p Manual drive program
M Selector wheel for on-road
programs
Selector wheel for off-road programs
N Stowage compartment
344
347
348
348
256
254
Page
207
250
175
247
252
338
38
Center console
i Vehicles without ON&OFFROAD menu
and AMG vehicles
Function
F Cup holder
Ashtray
Cigarette lighter
Socket
Page
344
347
348
348
Function
I Á Level control
J e Adaptive Damping
System
à Adjusts the AMG adaptive damping system (AMG vehicles)
G COMAND controller; see
K Stowage compartment
Page
213
212
217
338
the separate operating instructions
H Ã DSR (Downhill Speed
Regulation)
250
Overhead control panel
Overhead control panel
39
Function
Page
Function
Page
: p Switches the left-
C Eyeglasses compartment
338
hand reading lamp on/off
131
; 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 2 Opens/closes the
sliding sunroof 3 Opens/closes the panorama roof with power tilt/sliding panel with roller sunblinds
132
132
132
131
97
98
D F Roadside Assistance
call button (mbrace system)
E G SOS button (mbrace
system)
F ï MB Info call button
(mbrace system)
G Rear-view mirror
H Buttons for the garage door
opener
I Microphone for mbrace (emergency call system) telephone and the Voice Control System1
354
352
354
118
362
1 Voice Control System only available together with COMAND. Observe the additional operating instructions.
40 Door control panel
Door control panel
Function
Page
Function
: Opens the door
; %& Unlocks/locks
the vehicle
= r45=
Stores settings for the seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel (memory function)
? Adjusts the seats
A 7Zö\ Adjusts and folds the exterior mirrors in/out electrically
Page
92
85
85
B W Opens/closes the
side windows
C ± Opens/closes the
hinged power side windows
93
D q Opens/closes the
tailgate
E n Activates/
deactivates the override feature for the side windows in the rear compartment
90
65
121
103
118
Useful information .............................. 42
Panic alarm .......................................... 42
Occupant safety .................................. 42
Children in the vehicle ........................ 60
Driving safety systems ....................... 66
Theft deterrent locking system ......... 75
41
42 Occupant safety
Useful information
Occupant safety
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 28).
Panic alarm
X To activate: press ! button : for at
least one second. An alarm sounds and the exterior lighting flashes.
X To deactivate: press ! button :
again.
or
X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
X Press the KEYLESS-GO Start/Stop button.
The KEYLESS-GO key must be in the vehicle.
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)
RPRE-SAFE®
Rair bag system components with:
- PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
front-passenger seat with Occupant Classification System (OCS)
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 See "Children in the vehicle" for
information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle restraint systems for infants and children (Y page 60).
Occupant safety
43
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Introduction
SRS consists of:
R6 SRS warning lamp
RAir bags
RThe air bag control unit with crash sensors
REmergency Tensioning Devices for the
front seat belts and the outer seat belts in the rear
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.
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. The6 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 6 SRS warning lamp goes out while the engine is running.
Safety guidelines for seat belts,
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
SRS warning lamp
and air bags
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
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.
Rlights up after the engine is started or while
RAir bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
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
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.
44 Occupant safety
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
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.
covers, badges, etc. to the:
- padded steering wheel boss
- knee bag covers
front-passenger air bag cover
- outer side of front seat bolsters
- outer side of rear bench seat backrest
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 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
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 In order to reduce the potential danger of injuries caused during the deployment of the front air bags, the driver and front passenger
must always be correctly seated and wear their seat belts.
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.
As 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 fastened correctly and in a position that is as upright as possible with your back against the 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). 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 on the outside. Placing hands and arms inside the rim can increase the risk and potential severity of hand/arm injury if 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 or fatal injuries should the side impact air bag be deployed. Always sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt
Occupant safety
45
properly and use an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.
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)
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.
(2)
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.
46 Occupant safety
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 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 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 a crash.
Front air bags
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 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
Rdepending on whether the seat belt is being
used
Rindependently of other air bags in the
vehicle
If the vehicle overturns, 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.
When a child restraint system is installed on the front-passenger seat and the 4
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp in the center console does not light up:Ra child restraint system without a
transponder for the air bag deactivation system is installed or
Ra child restraint system with a transponder
has not been installed properly.
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.
The deployment of 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 48).
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.
Front-passenger front air bag ; will only deploy if:
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.
Occupant safety
47
Rthe system, based on the OCS weight sensor readings, has detected that the front-passenger seat is occupied.
Rthe45 indicator lamp on the center
console is not lit (Y page 48).
Rthe air bag control unit predicts a high
impact severity.
Driver's knee bag
G WARNING The pressure sensors for side impact air bag control are located in the doors. Do not 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.
Driver's knee bag : deploys under the steering column. The driver's knee bag is always deployed along with the driver's front air bag. The driver's knee bag is designed to operate together with the front air bags in frontal impacts if certain thresholds are exceeded. The driver's knee bag operates best in conjunction with correctly positioned and fastened seat belts.
The driver's knee bag increases protection of the driver against:
Rknee injuries
Rthigh injuries
Rlower leg injuries
Side impact air bags
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
Front side impact air bags : and side impact air bags in the 2nd row of seats ; inflate next to the outer seat cushion.
When deployed, the side impact air bags offer additional protection for the thorax and, on the front seats, the pelvis of the vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs. However, they do not protect the:
Rhead
Rneck
Rarms
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
48 Occupant safety
Rregardless of whether the seat belt on the driver's seat and the outer seats of the 2nd row of seats is used
Rindependently of the front air bags
Rindependently of the ETDs
If the vehicle rolls over, the side impact air bags are generally not deployed. side impact air bags are deployed if the system detects high vehicle deceleration or acceleration in a lateral direction, or also if the vehicle rolls over, and the system 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.
The side impact air bag on the front- passenger side is not deployed in the following situations:
Rthe OCS system detects that the front-
passenger seat is not occupied, and
Rthe front-passenger seat belt is not
fastened.
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.
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:
Rat the start of an accident with a high rate
of lateral vehicle deceleration or acceleration, e.g. in a side impact
Ron the side on which an impact occurs
Ron the driver's side and passenger side, in
the event of a vehicle rollover and if the system determines that air bag deployment can offer the vehicle occupants additional protection to that provided by the seat belt
Rindependently of the use of the seat belt
Rregardless of whether the front-passenger
seat is occupied
Rindependently of the front air bags
Window curtain air bags : will not deploy in the event of impacts which do not exceed the system's preset deployment thresholds for vehicle acceleration/deceleration. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belt.
Occupant Classification System
(OCS)
Window curtain air bags
Method of operation
G WARNING If the 45 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 45
indicator lamp goes out.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 45 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 45 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 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 45 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 45 indicator lamp illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. With the 45 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 45 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 the45 indicator lamp is illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated and will not be deployed.
Occupant safety
49
If the 45 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
Rindependent of the side impact air bag or
pelvis air bag
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
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 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.
50 Occupant safety
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 45 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front-passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 45
indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 45 indicator lamp while driving to make sure that the 45 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 45
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 the typical 12-
month-old child, the front-passenger front air bag may or may not be activated.
G WARNING If the red 6 SRS warning lamp in the instrument cluster and the 45
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:
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.
Occupant safety
51
Both the driver and the front passenger should always observe the 45
indicator lamp to determine whether or not the front passenger is positioned correctly. Also observe the air bag display messages, which appear in the instrument cluster (Y page 298).If the driver's air bag deploys, this does not mean that the front-passenger front air bag will also deploy.
The OCS may have detected that the seat:
Ris empty or occupied by the weight of a
typical child up to twelve months old, seated in a child restraint system
Ris occupied by a small individual, such as a
young teenager or a small adult
Ris occupied by a child in a child restraint system whose weight is greater than that of a typical twelve 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.
System self-test
G WARNING If the 4 5indicator lamp does not illuminate, the system is not functioning. You must contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat.
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.
If the SmartKey has been removed from the ignition lock or is in position 0, 45 indicator lamp : does not light up.
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) categorizes the occupant on the front- passenger seat using a weight sensor. The front-passenger front air bag is deactivated automatically for certain weight categories. 45 indicator lamp : shows you the current status. If 45 indicator lamp : lights up, the front-passenger air bag is disabled.
The system does not deactivate:
Rthe side impact air bag
Rthe window curtain air bag
Rthe Emergency Tensioning Devices
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
The OCS weight sensor reading is affected if the occupant's weight is transferred, e.g. by leaning on the armrest.
If the front-passenger seat, the seat cover or the seat cushion are damaged, have the necessary repair work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use seat accessories that have been approved by Mercedes-Benz.
52 Occupant safety
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.
The 45 indicator lamp lights up:
Rif you turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock
to position 1 or 2
Rif you press the KEYLESS-GO Start/Stop
button once or twice on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO
Rif an adult is seated properly on the front- passenger seat and the OCS classifies the occupant as an adult The 45 indicator lamp goes out after approximately six seconds.
If the seat is not occupied and the OCS detects that the front-passenger seat is empty, the 45 indicator lamp will continue to light up. The 45
indicator lamp will not go out.For more information about the OCS, see "Problems with the Occupant Classification System" (Y page 53).
Occupant safety
53
Problems with the occupant classification 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.
G WARNING If the 45 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.
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions
The OCS is malfunctioning.
X Have the OCS checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional messages in the multifunction display
(Y page 298).
The 45
indicator lamp lights up and stays on.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
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions
The 45
indicator lamp does not light up and/or does not stay on.The front-passenger seat is:
Runoccupied
