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Roccupied with a
weight up to that of a typical twelve- month-old child in a standard child restraint system
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 If the 45 indicator lamp remains off, have the OCS
checked as soon as possible at a qualified specialist workshop. Do not transport a child on the front-passenger seat as long as the OCS is not functioning.
X Observe the additional messages in the multifunction display
(Y page 298).
54 Occupant safety
PRE-SAFE® (anticipatory occupant protection system)
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.
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.
PRE-SAFE® takes preemptive measures to protect occupants in certain hazardous situations.
Rvehicles with a multicontour seat: the air pressure in the side bolsters of the seat backrest is increased.
Rif the vehicle skids, the sliding sunroof/
panorama roof with power tilt/sliding panel and the side windows are closed so that only a small gap remains.
If the hazardous situation passes without resulting in an accident, PRE-SAFE® slackens the belt pretensioning. In vehicles with multicontour seats, the air pressure in the side bolsters is reduced again. 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.
More information about seat belt adjustment, a convenience function integrated into PRE- SAFE®, can be found in the "Seat belt adjustment" section (Y page 57).
PRE-SAFE® intervenes:
Seat belts
Rif BAS intervenes, e.g. in emergency
Important safety notes
braking situations
Rif BAS PLUS intervenes powerfully — on
vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS
Rif, on vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS, the radar sensor system detects an imminent danger of collision in certain situations
Rin critical driving situations, e.g. when
physical limits are exceeded and the vehicle understeers or oversteers severely
PRE-SAFE® takes the following measures depending on the hazardous situation detected:
Rthe front seat belts are pre-tensioned.
Rvehicles with the memory function: the
front-passenger seat is adjusted if it is in an unfavorable position.
G WARNING Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure all of your passengers are properly restrained. You and your passengers should always wear seat belts.
Failure to wear and properly fasten and position your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injuries and their likely severity in an accident.
If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be considerably more severe without your seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled, you are much more likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed.
In the same crash, the possibility of injury or death is lessened if you are properly wearing your seat belt. The air bags can only protect
as intended if the occupants are properly wearing their seat belts.
The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in:
Occupant safety
55
G WARNING Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat backrest in an excessively reclined position as this can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the seat belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint when the wearer is in a position that is as upright as possible and the seat belt is properly positioned on the body.
G WARNING Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seat belts available. Make sure everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a separate seat belt. Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time.
G WARNING Always have damaged seat belts or seat belts that have been subjected to a load in an accident replaced and the anchorages checked.
Only use seat belts that have been approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Never tamper with seat belts. This can result in the unintended deployment of the Emergency Tensioning Devices or the failure to deploy when necessary.
Do not bleach or dye seat belts, as this may severely weaken them. In the event of a collision, they may be unable to provide adequate protection.
Have all work carried out only by qualified technicians. Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Rall 50 states
RU.S. territories
Rthe District of Columbia
Rall Canadian provinces
Even where this is not required by law, all vehicle occupants should correctly fasten their seat belts before starting the journey.
i See "Children in the vehicle"
(Y page 60) for further information on infants and children traveling in the vehicle as well as on child restraint systems.
Correct use of the seat belts
G WARNING USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY
RSeat belts can only work when used
properly. Never wear seat belts in any other way than as described in this section, as that could result in serious injuries in the event of an accident.
REach occupant should wear their seat belt at all times, because seat belts help reduce the likelihood of and potential severity of injuries in accidents, including rollovers. The integrated restraint system includes SRS (driver front air bag, driver's side knee bag, front-passenger front air bag, side impact air bags, window curtain air bags for the side windows), Emergency Tensioning Devices, seat belt force limiters, and front seat knee bolsters.
The system is designed to enhance the protection offered to properly belted occupants in certain frontal (front air bags, driver's side knee bag and ETDs) and side (side impact air bags, window curtain air bags, and ETDs) impacts which exceed preset deployment thresholds and in certain rollovers (window curtain air bags and ETDs).
RNever wear the shoulder belt under your
arm, across your neck or off your shoulder.
56 Occupant safety
In a frontal crash, your body would move too far forward. That would increase the chance of head and neck injuries. The seat belt would also apply too much force to the ribs or abdomen, which could severely injure internal organs such as your liver or spleen.
Adjust the seat belt so that the shoulder section is located as close as possible to the middle of the shoulder. It should not touch the neck. Never pass the shoulder portion of the seat belt under your arm. For this purpose, you can adjust the height of the seat belt outlet.
RPosition the lap belt as low as possible on your hips and not across the abdomen. If the lap belt is positioned across your abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in a crash.
RNever wear seat belts over rigid or
breakable objects in or on your clothing, such as eyeglasses, pens, keys etc., as these might cause injuries.
RMake sure the seat belt is always fitted
snugly. Take special care of this when wearing loose clothing.
RNever use a seat belt for more than one
person at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt around a person and another person or other objects at the same time.
RSeat belts should not be worn twisted. In a crash, you would not have the full width of the seat belt to distribute impact forces. The twisted seat belt against your body could cause injuries.
RPregnant women should also always use a
lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt portion should be positioned as low as possible on the hips to avoid any possible pressure on the abdomen.
RPlace the seat backrest in a position that is
as upright as possible.
RCheck your seat belt during travel to make
sure it is properly positioned.
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.
RWhen using a seat belt to secure infant
restraints, toddler restraints, or children in booster seats, always follow the child seat manufacturer's instructions.
G WARNING Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges. They could tear.
Do not allow the seat belt to get caught in the door or in the seat adjustment mechanism. This could damage the seat belt.
Never attempt to make modifications to seat belts. This could impair the effectiveness of the seat belts.
Fastening seat belts
G WARNING According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained on the rear seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seat whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriately sized child restraint system or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. For additional information, see the "Children in the vehicle" section.A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and/ or the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.
Occupant safety
57
Seat belt adjustment
The seat-belt adjustment function adjusts the driver's and front-passenger seat belt to the upper body of the occupants.
The belt strap is tightened slightly when:
Ryou engage the belt tongue in the belt
buckle and you then turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock.
Rthe SmartKey is in position 2 in the ignition lock and you then engage the belt tongue in the buckle.
The seat-belt adjustment will apply a retraction force if any slack is detected between the occupant and the seat belt. Do not hold on to the seat belt tightly while it is adjusting. You can switch the seat-belt adjustment on and off in the on-board computer (Y page 281).
The seat-belt adjustment is an integral part of the PRE-SAFE® convenience function. More information about PRE-SAFE® can be found under "PRE-SAFE® (preventative occupant protection)" (Y page 54).
Belt height adjustment
You can adjust the seat belt height on the front seats. Adjust the belt to a height that allows the upper part of the seat belt to be routed across the center of your shoulder.
X To raise: slide the belt sash guide upwards.
The belt sash guide engages in various positions.
X To lower: press and hold belt sash guide
release :.
X Adjust the seat and move the backrest to an almost vertical position (Y page 102).
X Pull the seat belt smoothly through belt
sash guide :.
X Without twisting it, guide the shoulder
section of the seat belt across the middle of your shoulder and the lap section across your pelvis.
X Engage belt tongue ; in buckle =.
Seat-belt adjustment: if necessary, the driver's and front-passenger seat belts automatically adjust to the upper body (Y page 57).
X If necessary, adjust the seat belt to the
appropriate height (Y page 57).
X If necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder section of the seat belt to tighten the belt across your body.
All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are equipped with a special seat belt retractor to securely fasten child restraint systems in the vehicle. Further information can be found under "Special seat belt retractor" (Y page 62).
For more information about releasing the seat belt with release button ?, see "Releasing seat belts" (Y page 58).
58 Occupant safety
X Slide the belt sash guide downwards.
X Release belt sash guide release : and make sure that the belt sash guide has engaged.
Releasing seat belts
! Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue will be trapped in the door or in the seat mechanism. This could damage the door, the door trim panel and the seat belt. Damaged seat belts can no longer fulfill their protective function and must be replaced. Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
: Belt sash guide
; Seat belt tongue
= Buckle
? Release button
X Press release button ? and guide belt
tongue ; back towards belt sash guide : .
lights up for six seconds each time the engine is started. It then goes out if the driver and the front passenger have already fastened their seat belts.
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened when the engine is started, an additional warning tone will sound. This warning tone stops after a maximum of six seconds or once the driver's seat belt is fastened.
If after six seconds, the driver or front passenger have not fastened their seat belts and the doors are closed:
Rthe7 seat belt warning lamp remains lit as long as the driver's or front-passenger's seat belt is not fastened
and
Rif a vehicle speed of 15 mph (25 km/h) is exceeded, the7 seat belt warning lamp begins to flash. A warning tone also sounds with increasing intensity for a maximum of 60 seconds or until the driver or front passenger have fastened their seat belts.
If the driver/front passenger unfasten their seat belt while the vehicle is in motion, the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up and a warning tone sounds again.
The warning tone ceases even if the driver or front-passenger seat belt has still not been fastened after 60 seconds. The7 seat belt warning lamp stops flashing but remains illuminated.
After the vehicle comes to a standstill, the warning tone is reactivated and the seat belt warning lamp7 flashes again if the vehicle speed again exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h). The 7 seat belt warning lamp only goes out if:
Rboth the driver and the front passenger
have fastened their seat belts.
Belt warning for the driver and front
or
passenger
Regardless of whether the driver's and front- passenger seat belts have already been fastened, the 7 seat belt warning lamp
Rthe vehicle is stationary and a door is open.
i For more information on the 7 seat
belt warning lamp, see "Warning and
Occupant safety
59
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster, seat belts" (Y page 321).
Emergency Tensioning Devices, seat
belt force limiters
G WARNING Pyrotechnic Emergency Tensioning Devices that have been deployed must be renewed.
For your safety, when disposing of Emergency Tensioning Devices, always observe the safety instructions. These are available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The PRE-SAFE® system has electrically operated reversible pre-tensioners that do not require replacement after activation.
! If the front-passenger seat is not
occupied, do not engage the seat belt tongue in the buckle on the front- passenger seat. Otherwise, the Emergency Tensioning Device could be triggered in the event of an accident.
The belt force limiters for the front seats are synchronized with the front air bags, which take on a part of the deceleration force. This results in the force exerted on the occupant being distributed over a greater area.
The ETDs can only be activated when:
Rthe ignition is switched on.
Rthe restraint systems are operational; see
"SRS warning lamp" (Y page 43).
Rthe belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on each of the lap-shoulder belts in the front.
The belt tensioners on the outside seats in the second row and on the seats in the third row are triggered independently of the lock status of the seat belts.
The ETDs are triggered depending on the type and severity of an accident:
Rif, in the event of a head-on or rear-end
collision, the vehicle decelerates or accelerates rapidly in a longitudinal direction during the initial stages of the impact
X In order to ensure that the pyrotechnic
Rif, in the event of a side impact, on the side
opposite the impact the vehicle decelerates or accelerates rapidly in a lateral direction
Rif, in certain situations where the vehicle overturns, the system determines that it can provide additional protection
If the ETDs are deployed, you will hear a bang, and a small amount of powder may also be released. Only in rare cases will the bang affect your hearing. The powder that is released generally does not constitute a health hazard. The 6 SRS warning lamp lights up.
Emergency Tensioning Devices have not been triggered, always have the seat belts checked after an accident. If the Emergency Tensioning Devices have been triggered, they must be replaced.
The seat belts on the following seats have Emergency Tensioning Devices and belt force limiters:
Rdriver's and front-passenger seat
Rthe outer seats in the second row
Rthe seats in the third row
The ETDs tighten the seat belts in an accident, pulling them close against the body.
The ETDs do not correct incorrect seat positions or incorrectly fastened seat belts.
The ETDs do not pull vehicle occupants back towards the backrest.
If the seat belt is also equipped with a seat belt force limiter and this is triggered, the force exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle occupant is reduced.
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Children in the vehicle
Children in the vehicle
RA child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
Child restraint systems
Important safety notes
G WARNING According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.
The infant or child restraint must be properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt, the seat belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer's instructions.
Occupants, especially children, should always sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt properly and use an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.
Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following important information when circumstances require you to place a child in the front passenger seat:
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.
RFor children larger than the typical
12-month-old child, the front passenger front air bag may or may not be activated. Always make sure the 4 5indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.
front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates in a collision which could occur under some circumstances, even with the air bag technology installed in your vehicle. The only means to completely eliminate this risk is to never place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in a backseat.
RIf you must install a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat because circumstances require you to do so, make sure the 4 5indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 4 5indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the45indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 4
5 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 4 5indicator lamp goes out or remains out, do not transport a child on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates.
RIf you have to place a child in a forward-
facing child restraint on the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible, use the proper child restraint recommended for the age, size and weight of the child, and secure child restraint with the vehicle's seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions.
G WARNING If the child restraint system is not fitted correctly on a suitable seat, it may not fulfil its protective function. In the event of an accident, sharp braking or a sudden change
in direction, the child may not be held securely. The child could thus be seriously or even fatally injured. For this reason, when fitting a child restraint system, observe the manufacturer's installation instructions and the correct use of the child restraint system.
Child restraint systems should preferably be fitted on the rear seats. The child is generally better protected there.
The entire base of the child restraint system must always rest on the seat cushion. Therefore, never place objects, e.g. a cushion, under the child restraint system.
Only use child restraint systems with the original cover designed for them. Only replace damaged covers with genuine covers.
We recommend that you use the child restraint systems which have been recommended for Mercedes-Benz.
G WARNING Infants and small children should never share a seat belt with another occupant. In the event of an accident, they could be crushed between the occupant and seat belt.
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and/ or the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.
Children that are too large for a child restraint must travel in seats using normal seat belts. Position the shoulder belt across the chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper seat belt positioning for children over 41 lb (18 kg) until they reach a height where a lap-shoulder belt fits properly without a booster.
When the child restraint is not in use, remove it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat belt to prevent the child restraint from becoming a projectile in the event of an accident.
Children in the vehicle
61
G WARNING When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child restraint system, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury. The children could:
Rinjure themselves on parts of the vehicle
Rbe seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
Rinjure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated even if the SmartKey is removed from the ignition lock or removed from the vehicle, such as seat adjustment, steering wheel adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other persons or get out of the vehicle and injure themselves or be injured by following traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to direct sunlight. The child restraint system's metal parts, for example, could become very hot, and the child could be burned on these parts.
G WARNING Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the passenger compartment or cargo compartment unless they are firmly secured in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo increases a child's risk of injury in the event of
Rstrong braking maneuvers
Rsudden changes of direction
Ran accident
Further information on secure stowage of loads can be found under "Loading guidelines".
62
Children in the vehicle
If an infant or child is traveling in the vehicle:
Special seat belt retractor
RSecure the child with a child or infant seat restraint system appropriate to the age and weight of the child.
RMake sure that the infant or child is
properly secured at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you always properly secure all infants and children with a child or infant seat restraint system for the trip.
The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in:
Rall 50 states
RU.S. territories
Rthe District of Columbia
Rall Canadian provinces
Infants and children must always be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system recommended for the size and weight of the child. The infant or child restraint system must be properly secured in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
All infant or child restraint systems must meet the following standards:
RU.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards 213 and 225
G WARNING If you release the seat belt when driving, the special seat belt retractor is deactivated.
The released seat belt cannot be engaged again while driving, because the inertia reel pulls in the seat belt a small distance. The child restraint system is no longer properly secured. There is an increased risk of serious injury or even fatal injury.
Always keep the seat belt of the activated special seat belt retractor engaged when driving.
All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are equipped with a special seat belt retractor. When activated, the special seat belt retractor ensures that the seat belt will not slacken once the child restraint system has been secured.
Installing a child restraint system:
X Always comply with the manufacturer's
installation instructions.
X Pull the seat belt smoothly from the seat
belt retractor.
X Engage the seat belt tongue in the belt
buckle.
RCanadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
Activating the special seat belt retractor:
213 and 210.2
An information label on the child restraint system indicates whether it meets these standards. This information is also provided in the installation instructions supplied with the child restraint system.
Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions when using an infant or child restraint system or booster seat.
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle interior or on the infant or child restraint.
X Pull the seat belt out fully and let the seat
belt retractor retract it again. While the seat belt is retracting, you should hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat belt retractor is activated.
X Push down on the child restraint system to
take up any slack.
Removing a child restraint system/ deactivating the special seat belt retractor:
X Always comply with the manufacturer's
installation instructions.
X Press the seat belt release button and
guide the belt tongue to the belt outlet. The special seat belt retractor is deactivated.
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat anchors
in the rear
G WARNING Children that are too large for a child restraint must travel in seats using normal seat belts. Position shoulder belt across the chest and shoulder, not face or neck.
A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper seat belt positioning for children over 41 lb (18 kg) until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster.
Install the child restraint system in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Attach the child restraint system to both securing rings.
An incorrectly installed child restraint system could come loose during an accident and seriously or even fatally injure the child.
Child restraint systems or child seat securing rings that are malfunctioning or damaged as the result of a collision must be replaced.
Children in the vehicle
63
Securing rings for the third row of seats
Securing rings : and ; for two LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint systems can be found on the left and right:
Ron the rear seat backrests of the outer
seats in the second row
Ron the backrests of the seats in the third
row of seats
Before installing a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint system in the second row:
X Move the rear seat backrests in the second
row to an upright position (Y page 107).
X Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
securing system.
Comply with the manufacturer's instructions when installing.
Secure child restraint systems without a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat securing system using the seat belts in the vehicle. When installing child restraint systems, you must observe the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Securing rings for the outer seats in the second row
Top Tether
Top Tether anchorages
G WARNING Always lock the rear seat backrests in their upright position when the rear seats are occupied by passengers. Lock the rear seat backrests in their upright position before installing the Top Tether straps or when the cargo compartment is not in use. Make sure that rear seat backrests are secured properly
X Route Top Tether belt B under head
restraint = between the two head restraint bars.
X Guide Top Tether belt B downwards
between cargo compartment cover : and rear seat backrest ;.
X Hook Top Tether hook A of Top Tether belt
B into Top Tether anchorage ?.
Ensure that:
RTop Tether hook A is hooked into Top
Tether anchorage ? as shown.
RTop Tether belt B is not twisted.
RTop Tether belt B is routed between rear
seat backrest ; and cargo compartment cover : if cargo compartment cover is installed.
RTop Tether belt B is routed between the rear seat backrest ; and the cargo net if the cargo net is installed.
X Tension Top Tether belt B. Comply with
the manufacturer's installation instructions when doing so.
X Move head restraint = back down again slightly if necessary (Y page 106). Make sure that you do not interfere with the correct routing of Top Tether belt B.
64
Children in the vehicle
by pushing and pulling on the seat backrests. If the seat backrest is not locked properly, the seat backrest could fold forward. The child restraint system is no longer supported properly or held in position and can no longer fulfill its function. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries.
Top Tether provides an additional connection between a child restraint system, secured with a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat mount, and the rear seat. This helps reduce the risk of injury even further.
The Top Tether anchorages for the second row of seats are located on the rear of the rear seat backrests. For the third row of seats, use the cargo tie-down rings in the cargo compartment floor.
X Move head restraint = upwards.
X Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restraint system with Top Tether. Comply with the manufacturer's installation instructions when doing so.
Child-proof locks
Important safety notes
G WARNING When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child restraint system, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury. The children could:
Rinjure themselves on parts of the vehicle
Rbe seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
Rinjure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated even if the SmartKey is removed from the ignition lock or removed from the vehicle, such as seat adjustment, steering wheel adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other persons or get out of the vehicle and injure themselves or be injured by following traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to direct sunlight. The child restraint system's metal parts, for example, could become very hot, and the child could be burned on these parts.
Child-proof locks for the rear doors
G WARNING Children could open a rear door from inside the vehicle. This could result in serious injuries or an accident. Therefore, when children ride in the rear always secure the rear doors with the child-proof locks.
Children in the vehicle
65
You secure each door individually with the child-proof locks on the rear doors. A door secured with a child-proof lock cannot be opened from inside the vehicle. When the vehicle is unlocked, the door can be opened from the outside.
X To activate: press the child-proof lock lever down in the direction of arrow ;.
X Make sure that the child-proof locks are
working properly.
X To deactivate: press the child-proof lock
lever up in the direction of arrow :.
Override feature for the rear side
windows
G WARNING When children ride on the vehicle's rear seats, activate the override switch. Otherwise, the children could be injured, e.g. by trapping themselves in the rear side window.
X To activate/deactivate: press button :. If indicator lamp ; is lit, operation of the rear side windows is disabled. Operation is
66 Driving safety systems
only possible using the switches in the driver's door. If indicator lamp ; is off, operation is possible using the switches in the rear compartment.
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about the following driving safety systems:
attention to the notes on tires, recommended minimum tire tread depths, etc. (Y page 400).
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow chains. Only in this way will the driving safety systems described in this section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
RABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
(Y page 66)
RBAS (Brake Assist System) (Y page 67)
RBAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus)
(Y page 67)
RCOLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
(Y page 68)
RESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
(Y page 71)
REBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution)
(Y page 73)
RADAPTIVE BRAKE (Y page 73)
RPRE-SAFE® Brake (Y page 73)
RSTEER CONTROL (Y page 75)
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style or become distracted, the driving safety systems can neither reduce the risk of accident nor override the laws of physics. Driving safety systems are merely aids designed to assist driving. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed and for braking in good time. Always adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing road and weather conditions and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
i The driving safety systems described only work as effectively as possible when there is adequate contact between the tires and the road surface. Please pay special
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Ypage 66).
G WARNING If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when braking. The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely impaired. Additionally, further driving safety systems are deactivated. There is an increased danger of skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems, including driving safety systems, will also become inoperative. Observe the information on the ABS warning lamp (Y page 322) and display messages which may be shown in the instrument cluster (Y page 287).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way that the wheels do not lock when you brake. This allows you to continue steering the vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-surface conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, even if you only brake gently. The yellow ! ABS warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is switched on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
X If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking situation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel a pulsing in the brake pedal.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions, and functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.
Off-road ABS
An ABS system specifically suited to off-road terrain is activated automatically once the off- road program is activated on:
Rvehicles without the ON&OFFROAD
package (Y page 252)
Rvehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package
(Y page 252)
At speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h), the front wheels lock cyclically during braking. The digging-in effect achieved in the process reduces the stopping distance on off-road terrain. This limits steering capability.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 66).
G WARNING If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance in an emergency braking situation is increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
BAS operates in emergency braking situations. If you depress the brake pedal quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
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67
The brakes will function as usual once you release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 66).
BAS PLUS is only available in vehicles equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS.
For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the radar sensor system must be:
Ractivated (Y page 281)
Roperational
With the help of the radar sensor system, BAS PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the path of your vehicle for an extended period of time.
If the radar sensor system is malfunctioning, BAS PLUS will not be available. The brake system is still available with complete brake boosting effect and BAS.
BAS PLUS provides braking assistance in hazardous situations at speeds greater than 4 mph (7 km/h).
At speeds of up to approximately 40 mph (70 km/h), BAS PLUS can also detect stationary objects. Examples of stationary objects are stopped or parked vehicles.
To prevent a front-end collision, BAS PLUS calculates the brake force necessary if:
Ryou approach an obstacle, and
RBAS PLUS has detected a risk of collision
At a speed less than 20 mph (30 km/h): if you depress the brake pedal, BAS PLUS is activated. The increase in brake pressure will be carried out at the last possible moment.
At a speed greater than 20 mph (30 km/h): if you depress the brake pedal sharply, BAS PLUS automatically raises the brake pressure to a value adapted to the traffic situation.
If BAS PLUS demands particularly high braking force, preventative passenger
68 Driving safety systems
protection measures (PRE-SAFE®) are activated simultaneously.
X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
As a result, BAS PLUS may not intervene in all critical situations. There is a risk of an accident.
emergency braking situation is over. ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.
BAS PLUS is deactivated and the brakes function as usual, if:
Ryou release the brake pedal.
Rthere is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision.
Rno obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
If you have activated DSR (Y page 250), BAS PLUS is likewise deactivated.
G WARNING BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify objects and complex traffic situations. BAS PLUS cannot intervene in these cases. There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.
Following damage to the front end of the vehicle, have the configuration and operation of the radar sensors checked at a qualified specialist workshop. This also applies to collisions at low speeds where there is no visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
General notes
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST consists of Adaptive Brake Assist and the distance warning function, which are described in the following.
Distance warning function
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be impaired if:
Important safety notes i Observe the "Important safety notes"
Rthere is dirt on the sensors or anything else
section (Y page 66).
covering the sensors.
Rsnow or heavy rain
Rinterference by other radar sources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages
Ra narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
Ra vehicle traveling in front on a different line
relative to the center of your vehicle
G WARNING BAS PLUS does not react:
Rto people or animals
Rto oncoming vehicles
Rto crossing traffic
Rwhen cornering
G WARNING The distance warning function does not react:
Rto people or animals
Rto oncoming vehicles
Rto crossing traffic
Rwhen cornering
Thus, the distance warning function cannot provide a warning in all critical situations. There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.
The distance warning function cannot always clearly identify objects and complex traffic situations.
Driving safety systems
69
In such cases, the distance warning function may:
Rgive an unnecessary warning
Rnot give a warning
Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and do not rely solely on the distance warning function.
Function
X To activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate the distance warning function in the on-board computer (Y page 276).
When the distance warning function is activated, the multifunction display shows the Ä symbol, as long as the HOLD function is not switched on (Y page 211). On vehicles with Active Parking Assist, the Ä symbol is displayed when P is engaged or you are driving faster than 22 mph (35 km/h).
The distance warning function can help you to minimize the risk of a front-end collision with a vehicle ahead or reduce the effects of such a collision. If the distance warning function detects that there is a risk of a collision, you will be warned visually and acoustically. The distance warning function cannot prevent a collision without your intervention.
Starting at a speed of around 20 mph (30 km/h), this function warns you if you rapidly approach a vehicle in front. An intermittent warning tone will then sound and the · distance warning lamp will light up in the instrument cluster.
X Brake immediately in order to increase the
Due to the nature of the system, particularly complicated driving conditions may cause the system to display unnecessary warnings.
With the help of the radar sensor system, the distance warning function can detect obstacles that are in the path of your vehicle for an extended period of time.
At speeds up to 40 mph (70 km/h), the distance warning function may also detect stationary obstacles, for example stopped or parked vehicles.
If you approach an obstacle and the distance warning function detects a risk of a collision, the system will initially alert you both visually and acoustically.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be impaired if:
Rthere is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Rsnow or heavy rain
Rinterference by other radar sources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages
Ra narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
Ra vehicle traveling in front on a different line
relative to the center of your vehicle
Following damage to the front end of the vehicle, have the configuration and operation of the radar sensor checked at a qualified specialist workshop. This also applies to collisions at low speeds where there is no visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
Adaptive Brake Assist
distance from the vehicle in front.
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
or
section (Y page 66).
X Take evasive action, provided it is safe to
do so.
For the distance warning function to assist you when driving, the function must be activated in the on-board computer and be operational (Y page 276).
G WARNING Adaptive Brake Assist cannot always clearly identify objects and complex traffic situations. In these cases, Adaptive Brake Assist may not intervene. There is a risk of an accident.
70 Driving safety systems
Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.
G WARNING Adaptive Brake Assist does not react:
Rto people or animals
Rto oncoming vehicles
Rto crossing traffic
Rto stationary obstacles
Rwhen cornering
As a result, Adaptive Brake Assist may not intervene in all critical conditions. There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.
Adaptive Brake Assist provides braking assistance in hazardous situations at speeds greater than 20 mph (30 km/h) and uses radar sensor technology to assess the traffic situation.
With the help of Adaptive Brake Assist, the distance warning signal can detect obstacles that are in the path of your vehicle for an extended period of time.
Should you approach an obstacle and Adaptive Brake Assist has detected a risk of collision, Adaptive Brake Assist calculates the braking force necessary to avoid a rear-end collision. Should you apply the brakes vigorously, Adaptive Brake Assist will automatically increase the braking force to a level suitable for the traffic conditions.
X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over. ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
If Adaptive Brake Assist requires particularly high brake pressure, preventive passenger protection measures (PRE-SAFE®) are deployed simultaneously.
Up to vehicle speeds of around 155 mph (250 km/h), adaptive Brake Assist is capable of reacting to moving objects that have already been recognized as such at least once over the period of observation. Adaptive Brake Assist does not react to stationary obstacles.
If Adaptive Brake Assist is not available due to a malfunction in the radar sensor system, the brake system remains available with full brake boosting effect and BAS.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be impaired if there is:
Rdirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Rsnow or heavy rain
Rinterference by other radar sources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages
Ra narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
Ra vehicle traveling in front on a different line
relative to the center of your vehicle
Following damage to the front end of the vehicle, have the configuration and operation of the radar sensor checked at a qualified specialist workshop. This also applies to collisions at low speeds where there is no visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
The brakes will work normally again if:
General notes
Ryou release the brake pedal.
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
Rthere is no longer any danger of a rear-end
section (Y page 66).
collision.
Rno obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
Adaptive Brake Assist is then deactivated.
ESP® monitors driving stability and traction, i.e. power transmission between the tires and the road surface.
If ESP® detects that the vehicle is deviating from the direction desired by the driver, one
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71
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the vehicle. The engine output is also modified to keep the vehicle on the desired course within physical limits. ESP® assists the driver when pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP® can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
4ETS traction control is part of ESP®.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels individually if they spin. This enables you to pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for example if the road surface is slippery on one side. In addition, more drive torque is transferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you deactivate ESP®.
In appropriate driving situations, activate the off-road program:
X Vehicles without the ON&OFFROAD
package (Y page 252)
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum
of ten seconds on a brake test dynamometer. Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP® may otherwise destroy the brake system.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a two-axle dynamometer. Before you operate the vehicle on such a dynamometer, please consult a qualified workshop. You could otherwise damage the drive train or the brake system.
ESP® is deactivated if theå warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up continuously when the engine is running. If the ÷ warning lamp and the å warning lamp are lit continuously, ESP® is not available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps (Y page 325) and display messages which may be shown in the instrument cluster (Y page 287).
X Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package
i Only use wheels with the recommended
(Y page 252)
Off-road 4ETS (Electronic Traction
System)
A 4ETS system specifically suited to off-road terrain is activated automatically once the off- road program is activated on:
RVehicles without the ON&OFFROAD
package (Y page 252)
RVehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package
(Y page 252)
tire sizes. Only then will ESP® function properly.
Characteristics of ESP®
General information
ESP® is activated automatically when the engine is started. If ESP® intervenes, the ÷ ESP® warning lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP® intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP® under any
Important safety notes
circumstances.
G WARNING If ESP® is malfunctioning, ESP® is unable to stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further driving safety systems are deactivated. This increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP® checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
72 Driving safety systems
Deactivating/activating ESP®
X To switch on: press button :.
Important safety notes
You can select between the following states of ESP®:
RESP® is activated.
RESP® is deactivated.
G WARNING If you deactivate ESP®, ESP® no longer stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP® in the situations described in the following.
It may be best to deactivate ESP® in the following situations:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
i Activate ESP® as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP® will otherwise not be able to stabilize the vehicle if the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel starts to spin.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an extended period with ESP® deactivated. You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
X To switch off: press button :.
The å ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
The å ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
Characteristics when ESP® is deactivated
If ESP® is deactivated and one or more wheels start to spin, the ÷ ESP® warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. In such situations, ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you deactivate ESP®:
RESP® no longer improves driving stability.
Rthe engine's torque is no longer limited and the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of the wheels results in a cutting action, which provides better grip.
R4ETS is still active.
RESP® still provides support when you
brake.
Off-road ESP®
An ESP® system specifically suited to off-road terrain is activated automatically once the off- road program is activated on:
RVehicles without the ON&OFFROAD
package (Y page 252)
RVehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package
(Y page 252)
Off-road ESP® intervenes with a delay if there is oversteering or understeering, thus improving traction.
ESP® trailer stabilization
G WARNING If road and weather conditions are poor, trailer stabilization will not be able to prevent the vehicle/trailer combination from swerving. Trailers with a high center of gravity can tip over before ESP® can detect this. There is a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your driving style to the prevailing road and weather conditions.
If your vehicle with trailer (vehicle/trailer combination) begins to lurch, you can only stabilize the vehicle/trailer combination by depressing the brake firmly.
In this situation, ESP® assists you and can detect if the vehicle/trailer combination begins to lurch. ESP® slows the vehicle down by braking and limiting the engine output until the vehicle/trailer combination has stabilized.
Trailer stabilization is active above speeds of about 37 mph (60 km/h).
Trailer stabilization does not work if ESP® is deactivated because of a malfunction.
Crosswind driving assistance
Strong crosswinds can cause your vehicle to deviate from a straight course. The crosswind driving assistance function integrated into ESP® significantly reduces these effects.
ESP® intervenes automatically according to the direction and intensity of the crosswinds affecting your vehicle.
When driving on straight roads or gentle bends, your vehicle is kept safely on course by a stabilizing brake intervention.
Crosswind driving assistance is active above a vehicle speed of 80 km/h.
Crosswind driving assistance does not work if ESP® is deactivated or disabled because of a malfunction.
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 66).
G WARNING If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can still lock, e.g. under full braking. This increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style to the different handling characteristics. Have
Driving safety systems
73
the brake system checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and warning lamps (Y page 323) as well as display messages (Y page 289).
EBD monitors and controls the brake pressure on the rear wheels to improve driving stability while braking.
ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety and offers increased braking comfort. In addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE BRAKE also has the HOLD function (Y page 211) and hill start assist (Y page 166).
PRE-SAFE® Brake
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 66).
PRE-SAFE® Brake is only available in vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS.
If PRE-SAFE® Brake is to aid you, the radar sensor system must be:
Ractivated (Y page 281)
Roperational
With the help of the radar sensor system, PRE-SAFE® Brake can detect obstacles that are in front of your vehicle for an extended period of time.
PRE-SAFE® Brake can help you to minimize the risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead or reduce the effects of such a collision. If PRE- SAFE® Brake has detected a risk of collision, you will be warned visually and acoustically as well as by automatic braking. PRE-SAFE® Brake cannot prevent a collision without your intervention.
Starting at a speed of around 4 mph (7 km/h), this function warns you if you very quickly approach a vehicle in front.
74 Driving safety systems
An intermittent warning tone will then sound and the· distance warning lamp will light up in the instrument cluster.
X Brake immediately in order to increase the
distance from the vehicle in front.
or
X Take evasive action provided it is safe to do
so.
From a speed of approximately 4 mph (7 km/h), if the driver and front passenger have fastened their seat belts, PRE-SAFE® Brake can brake the vehicle automatically at speeds up to approximately 124 mph (200 km/h).
Due to the nature of the system, particularly complicated driving conditions may cause unnecessary warnings or the unnecessary intervention of PRE-SAFE® Brake.
You can prevent the intervention of the PRE- SAFE® Brake at any time by:
Rdepressing the accelerator pedal further
Ractivating kickdown
Rreleasing the brake pedal
The braking action of PRE-SAFE® Brake is ended automatically if:
activated (Y page 54). If, at speeds over 20 mph (30 km/h), a risk of collision remains and you do not brake, take evasive action or significantly accelerate, automatic braking may be performed up to a level of automatic emergency braking. Automatic emergency braking is not performed until immediately prior to an accident that can no longer be avoided.
G WARNING PRE-SAFE® Brake will initially brake your vehicle by a partial application of the brakes if a danger of collision is detected. There may be a collision unless you also brake. Automatic emergency braking cannot prevent a collision. There is a risk of an accident.
Always apply the brakes yourself and try to take evasive action.
G WARNING PRE-SAFE® Brake cannot always clearly identify objects and complex traffic conditions.
In these cases, PRE-SAFE® Brake may:
Rgive an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
Ryou maneuver to avoid the obstacle.
Rnot give a warning or intervene
Rthere is no longer any danger of a rear-end
There is a risk of an accident.
collision.
Rthere is no longer an obstacle detected in
front of your vehicle.
If you have activated DSR (Y page 250), PRE- SAFE® Brake is deactivated.
At speeds of up to approximately 40 mph (70 km/h), PRE-SAFE® Brake can also detect stationary objects. Examples of stationary objects are stopped or parked vehicles.
If you approach an obstacle and PRE-SAFE® Brake detects a risk of a collision, the system will alert you both visually and acoustically. If you do not brake or take evasive action, the system will warn you by automatically braking the vehicle gently. If there is an increased risk of collision, preventative passenger protection measures (PRE-SAFE®) are
Always pay particular attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake, especially if PRE-SAFE® Brake warns you. Terminate the intervention in a non-critical driving situation.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be impaired if:
Rthere is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Rsnow or heavy rain
Rinterference by other radar sources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages
