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fluid level and, if necessary, refill to the maximum (13 l) (Y page 181).
RDrive slowly and at an even speed through the water. Ensure that abow wave does not form as you drive.
RDrive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-
road routes where visibility is poor. For safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first and survey the off-road route.
X Wheel-changing tool kit: check that the jack is working and make sure you have the lug wrench, a robust tow cable and a folding spade in the vehicle.
X Wheels and tires: check the tire tread
depth and tire pressure.
X Check for damage and remove any foreign
RLook out for obstacles, such as rocks,
holes, tree stumps and furrows.
objects, e.g. small stones, from the wheels/tires.
RCheck the depth of water before fording
X Replace any missing valve caps.
rivers and streams.
RWhen fording, do not stop and do not
switch off the engine.
ROn sand, drive quickly to overcome the
rolling resistance. Otherwise the vehicle's wheels could become stuck in loose ground.
RDo not jump with the vehicle as this will
interrupt the vehicle's propulsion.
RAlways keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a slope.
RDo not shift the automatic transmission to
transmission position N.
i Do not use the HOLD function when
driving off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gradients or on slippery or loose surfaces. The HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle on such surfaces.
Checklist before driving off-road
! If the engine oil warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, stop the vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Check the engine oil level. The engine oil warning lamp warning must not be ignored. Continuing the journey while the symbol is displayed could lead to engine damage.
X Replace dented or damaged wheels.
X Rims: dented or bent rims can result in a loss of tire pressure and damage the tire bead. Therefore, check your rims before driving off-road and replace them as required.
Checklist after driving off-road
! If you detect damage to the vehicle after driving off-road, have the vehicle checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.
X Deactivate DSR (Y page 250).
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package: lower the vehicle to a ride height suitable for the road conditions, e.g. to the highway/high-speed level.
X Clean the headlamps and rear lights and
check for damage.
X Clean the front and rear license plates.
X Clean the wheels/tires with a water jet and
remove any foreign objects.
X Clean the wheels, wheel housings and the vehicle underside with a water jet; check for any foreign objects and damage.
X Check whether twigs or other parts of
Tire ruts and gravel roads
Driving tips
193
plants have become trapped. These increase the risk of fire and can damage fuel pipes, brake hoses or the rubber bellows of the axle joints and propeller shafts.
X After the trip, examine without fail the
entire undercarriage, wheels, tires, brakes, bodywork structure, steering, chassis and exhaust system for damage.
X After driving for extended periods across
sand, mud, gravel, water or in similarly dirty conditions, have the brake discs, wheels, brake pads/linings and axle joints checked and cleaned.
X If you detect strong vibrations after off-road
travel, check for foreign objects in the wheels and drive train and remove them if necessary. Foreign objects can disturb the balance and cause vibrations.
Driving over rough terrain places greater demands on your vehicle than driving on normal roads. After driving off-road, check the vehicle. This allows you to detect damage promptly and reduce the risk of an accident to yourself and other road users.
Driving on sand
Observe the following rules when driving on sand:
Rvehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select a raised vehicle level.
Ravoid high engine speeds.
Rselect a shift range appropriate to the
terrain.
Rdrive quickly to overcome the rolling
resistance. Otherwise the vehicle's wheels could become stuck in loose ground.
Rdrive in the tracks of other vehicles if
possible. Make sure that:
the tire ruts are not too deep.
the sand is sufficiently firm.
the ground clearance of the vehicle is sufficient.
! Check that the ruts are not too deep and that your vehicle has sufficient clearance. Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged or bottom out and get stuck.
Observe the following rules when driving along ruts in off-road terrain or on roads with loose gravel:
Rvehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select a raised vehicle level.
Ravoid high engine speeds.
Rselect shift range 1.
Rdrive slowly.
Rwhere ruts are too deep, drive with the wheels of one side on the center grassy area, if possible.
Driving over obstacles
! Obstacles could damage the floor of the vehicle or components of the chassis. Ask passengers for guidance when driving over large obstacles. The passenger should always keep a safe distance from the vehicle when doing so in order to avoid injury as a result of unexpected vehicle movements. After driving off-road or over obstacles, check the vehicle for possible damage, especially to the underbody and the components of the chassis.
Observe the following rules when driving over tree stumps, large stones and other obstacles:
RRaise the vehicle level.
RAvoid high engine speeds.
194 Driving tips
RSelect shift range 1.
RDrive very slowly.
RDrive straight over the center of obstacles.
Traveling uphill
Approach/departure angle
G WARNING If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is a risk of an accident.
Always drive on a steep incline in the line of fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the vehicle.
Vehicles with AMG bodystyling
: ;
Vehicles without the
ON&OFFROAD package
Highway level
Raised level
20°
20°
24°
24°
Vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package
Highway level
Off-road level 1
Off-road level 2
Off-road level 3
AMG vehicles
Highway level (in sports mode with the AMG adaptive suspension system activated)
20°
20°
22°
22°
24°
24°
26°
26°
: ;
19°
19°
Raised level
23°
22°
All vehicles (except AMG vehicles and
RObserve the rules on off-road driving.
vehicles with AMG bodystyling)
: ;
Vehicles without the
ON&OFFROAD package
Highway level
Raised level
25°
20°
30°
25°
Vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package
Highway level
Off-road level 1
Off-road level 2
Off-road level 3
25°
20°
28°
23°
30°
25°
33°
27°
RDo not drive at an angle on slopes, inclines or gradients, but instead follow the direct line of fall. The maximum gradient-climbing capability of your vehicle is 100%, which corresponds to an approach/departure angle of 45°. Note that the climbing ability of your vehicle depends on the terrain conditions.
RBefore tackling steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1.
RDrive slowly.
RAvoid high engine speeds. Drive at
appropriate engine speeds (maximum 3000 rpm).
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195
RWhen driving down an incline, make use of
Driving downhill
the engine's braking effect. Observe the engine speed; do not overrev the engine.
RCheck the brakes after prolonged off-road
driving.
i Hill start assist will aid you when pulling
away on a hill.
For more information, see "Hill start assist" (Y page 166).
RDrive slowly.
RDo not drive at an angle down steep
inclines. Steer into the line of fall and drive with the front wheels aligned straight. Otherwise, the vehicle could slip sideways, tip and rollover.
RBefore tackling steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1.
Do not switch to transmission position N when driving off-road. If you try to brake the vehicle using the service brake, you could lose control of the vehicle. If the gradient is too steep for your vehicle, drive back down in reverse gear.
RActivate DSR. If this is not sufficient, brake gently. When doing so, make sure that the vehicle is facing in the direction of the line of fall.
RCheck that the brakes are working normally
after a long downhill stretch.
Maximum gradient-climbing capability
On good road surfaces the maximum gradient-climbing capability of your vehicle is 100%, which corresponds to an approach/ departure angle of 45°. Note that the vehicle's gradient-climbing capability depends on the off-road conditions.
Accelerate carefully and make sure that the wheels do not spin when driving on steep terrain.
i If the load on the front axle is reduced
when pulling away on a steep uphill slope, the front wheels have a tendency to spin. 4ETS recognizes this and brakes the wheels accordingly. The rear wheel torque is increased, making it easier to drive off.
Hilltops
When driving up an uphill gradient, slightly reduce pressure on the accelerator immediately before reaching the brow of the hill. Use the vehicle's own impetus to drive over the top of the hill.
This style of driving prevents:
Rthe vehicle from lifting off the ground on the
brow of a hill
Rthe vehicle from traveling too quickly down
the other side
i The special off-road ABS setting enables a precise, brief and repeated locking of the front wheels. This causes them to dig into loose earth. Be aware that the front wheels easily skid across the ground surface if completely braked and therefore lose their ability to steer.
Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise control can neither reduce the risk of an accident nor override the laws of physics. Cruise control cannot take into account the road, traffic and weather conditions. Cruise control is only an aid. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for staying in your lane.
Do not use cruise control:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g. in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
196 Driving systems
to lose traction and the vehicle could then skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
for five seconds. In the multifunction display, the segments between the stored speed and the maximum speed light up.
heavy rain or snow
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new driver of the speed stored.
General notes
Cruise control maintains a constant road speed for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer, you must select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time. By doing so, you will make use of the braking effect of the engine, which relieves the load on the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic conditions make it appropriate to maintain a steady speed for a prolonged period. You can store any road speed above 20 mph (30 km/h).
i Cruise control should not be activated
during off-road driving.
Cruise control lever
Activation conditions
To activate cruise control, all of the following activation conditions must be fulfilled:
Rthe electric parking brake must be
released.
Ryou are driving faster than 20mph
(30 km/h).
RESP® must be active, but not intervening.
Rthe transmission must be in position D.
RDSR must be deactivated.
Roff-road program 2 must be deactivated
(vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package).
Storing, maintaining and calling up a
speed
Storing and maintaining a speed
X Accelerate the vehicle to the desired
speed.
X Briefly press the cruise control lever
up : or down ;.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal. Cruise control is activated. The vehicle automatically maintains the stored speed.
You can accept the current speed if you are driving faster than 20 mph (30 km/h).
i Cruise control may be unable to maintain
the stored speed on uphill gradients. The
: To activate or increase speed
; To activate or reduce speed
= To deactivate cruise control
? To activate at the current speed/last
stored speed
When you activate cruise control, the stored speed is shown in the multifunction display
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197
stored speed is resumed when the gradient evens out. Cruise control maintains the stored speed on downhill gradients by automatically applying the brakes.
Setting a speed
Storing or calling up a speed
G WARNING If you call up the stored speed and it differs from the current speed, the vehicle accelerates or decelerates. If you do not know the stored speed, the vehicle could accelerate or brake unexpectedly. There is a risk of an accident.
Pay attention to the road and traffic conditions before calling up the stored speed. If you do not know the stored speed, store the desired speed again.
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you :.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal. The first time cruise control is activated, it stores the current speed or regulates the speed of the vehicle to the previously stored speed.
Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment until the vehicle has accelerated or braked to the speed set.
X Press the cruise control lever up : for a
higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.
X To adjust the set speed in 1 mph
increments (1 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever up : or down ; to the pressure point. Every time the cruise control lever is pressed up : or down ; the last speed stored is increased or reduced.
X To adjust the set speed in 5 mph
increments (10 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever up : or down ; to the pressure point. Every time the cruise control lever is pressed up : or down ; the last speed stored is increased or reduced.
i Cruise control is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. For example, if you accelerate briefly to overtake, cruise control adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored after you have finished overtaking.
198 Driving systems
Deactivating cruise control
There are several ways to deactivate cruise control:
X Briefly press the cruise control lever
forwards :.
or
X Brake.
Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:
Ryou engage the electric parking brake.
Ryou are driving at less than 20 mph
(30 km/h).
RESP® intervenes or you deactivate ESP®.
Ryou activate DSR.
Ryou shift the transmission to position N
while driving.
If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. You will see the Cruise Control Off message in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds.
i When you switch off the engine, the last
speed stored is cleared.
DISTRONIC PLUS
Important safety notes
G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to:
Rpeople or animals
Rstationary obstacles on the road, e.g.
stopped or parked vehicles
Roncoming and crossing traffic
As a result, DISTRONIC PLUS may neither give warnings nor intervene in such situations. There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.
G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS cannot always clearly identify other road users and complex traffic situations.
In such cases, DISTRONIC PLUS may:
Rgive an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
Rneither give a warning nor intervene
Raccelerate unexpectedly
There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to brake, in particular when warned to do so by DISTRONIC PLUS.
G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with up to 40% of the maximum braking force. If this braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC PLUS warns you visually and audibly. There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and try to take evasive action.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automatically in certain situations. To prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in the following or other similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
If you fail to adapt your driving style, DISTRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk of accident nor override the laws of physics. DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take into account the road, traffic and weather conditions. DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
Driving systems
199
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for staying in your lane.
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes automatically so that the set speed is not exceeded.
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g. in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels to lose traction and the vehicle could then skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or vehicles driving on a different line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be impaired if:
Rdirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Rsnow or heavy rain
Rinterference by other radar sources
Rstrong radar reflections, for example, in
parking garages
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS may unexpectedly accelerate the vehicle to the stored speed.
This speed may:
Rbe too high if you are driving in a filter lane
or an exit lane
Rbe so high when driving in the right-hand
lane that you overtake vehicles in the left- hand lane
Rbe so high when driving in the left-hand lane that you overtake vehicles in the right-hand lane
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new driver of the speed stored.
General notes
DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and automatically helps you maintain the distance to the vehicle detected in front.
On long and steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer, you must select shift range 1, 2 or 3
in good time. By doing so, you will make use of the braking effect of the engine, This relieves the load on the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly.If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a slower-moving vehicle in front, your vehicle is braked in order to maintain the preset distance to the vehicle in front.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that there is a risk of a collision, you will be warned visually and acoustically. DISTRONIC PLUS cannot prevent a collision without your intervention. An intermittent warning tone will then sound and the distance warning lamp will light up in the instrument cluster. Brake immediately in order to increase the distance to the vehicle in front or take evasive action provided it is safe to do so.
For DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you when driving, the radar sensor system must be:
Ractivated (Y page 281)
Roperational
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS operates in the same way as cruise control in the speed range between 20 mph (Canada: 30 km/h) and120 mph (Canada: 200 km/h). If a vehicle is driving in front of you, it operates in the speed range between 0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada: 200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on roads with steep gradients.
As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves, it can resemble the radar detectors of the responsible authorities. You can refer to the relevant chapter in the Operator's Manual if questions are asked about this.
i USA only:
200 Driving systems
This device has been approved by the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar sensor is intended for use in an automotive radar system only. Removing, tampering with, or altering the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
i Canada only: This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Cruise control lever
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS
Activation conditions
In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the following conditions must be fulfilled:
Rthe engine must be started. It may take up
to two minutes after pulling away before DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.
Rthe electric parking brake must be
released.
RESP® must be active, but not intervening.
Rthe transmission must be in position D.
Rthe driver's door must be closed when you shift from P to D or your seat belt must be fastened.
Rthe front-passenger door and rear doors
must be closed.
Roff-road program 2 must be deactivated
(vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package).
RDSR must be deactivated.
Rthe vehicle must not skid.
Activating while driving
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ; or press it up : or down =. DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.
X To adjust the set speed in 1 mph
increments (1 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever up : to the
: To activate or increase speed
; To activate or reduce speed
= To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
? To activate at the current speed/last
stored speed
A To set the specified minimum distance
Driving systems
201
pressure point for a higher speed or down = for a lower speed. Every time the cruise control lever is pressed up or down, the last speed stored is increased or reduced.
pressure point for a higher speed or down = for a lower speed. Every time the cruise control lever is pressed up or down, the last speed stored is increased or reduced.
or
or
X To adjust the set speed in 5 mph
X To adjust the set speed in 5 mph
increments (10 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever up : past the pressure point for a higher speed or down = for a lower speed. Every time the cruise control lever is pressed up or down, the last speed stored is increased or reduced.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal. Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the vehicle in front, but only up to the desired stored speed.
If the vehicle in front has been detected and is shown in the multifunction display, you can also activate DISTRONIC PLUS when driving at speeds below 20 mph (30km/h). If the vehicle in front is no longer detected and displayed, for example because it has changed lanes, DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated. You will hear a warning tone if this is the case.
increments (10 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever up : past the pressure point for a higher speed or down = for a lower speed. Every time the cruise control lever is pressed up or down, the last speed stored is increased or reduced.
If the vehicle in front of you is stationary, you can only activate DISTRONIC PLUS once your vehicle is stationary as well.
i DISTRONIC PLUS can only be activated at under 20 mph (30km/h) if a vehicle in front has been detected. Therefore, the DISTRONIC PLUS distance display in the instrument cluster should be activated (Y page 276).
i You can use the cruise control lever to set
the stored speed and the control on the cruise control lever to set the specified minimum distance (Y page 204).
i If you do not fully release the accelerator
Activating at the current speed/last
pedal, the DISTRONIC PLUS Passive message appears in the multifunction display. The set distance to a slower- moving vehicle in front will then not be maintained. You will be driving at the speed you determine by the position of the accelerator pedal.
Activating when driving towards a
stationary vehicle
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ; or press it up : or down =. DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.
X To adjust the set speed in 1 mph
increments (1 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever up : to the
stored speed
G WARNING If you call up the stored speed and it differs from the current speed, the vehicle accelerates or decelerates. If you do not know the stored speed, the vehicle could accelerate or brake unexpectedly. There is a risk of an accident.
Pay attention to the road and traffic conditions before calling up the stored speed. If you do not know the stored speed, store the desired speed again.
202 Driving systems
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front has slowed down, it brakes your vehicle. In this way, the distance you have selected is maintained.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a faster-moving vehicle in front, it increases the driving speed. However, the vehicle is only accelerated up to the speed you have stored.
If you depress the brake, DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated unless your vehicle is stationary.
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
Changing lanes
you :.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. The first time it is activated, the current speed is stored. Otherwise, it sets the vehicle cruise speed to the previously stored value.
Driving with DISTRONIC PLUS
Pulling away and driving
X If the vehicle in front pulls away: remove
your foot from the brake pedal.
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ; or press it up : or down =.
or
X Accelerate briefly.
Your vehicle pulls away and adapts its speed to that of the vehicle in front.
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS operates in the same way as cruise control.
If you change to the passing lane, DISTRONIC PLUS supports you when:
Ryou are driving faster than 40mph
(60 km/h)
RDISTRONIC PLUS is maintaining the
distance to a vehicle in front
Ryou switch on the appropriate turn signal
RDISTRONIC PLUS does not detect a danger
of collision
If these conditions are fulfilled, your vehicle is accelerated. Acceleration will be interrupted if changing lanes takes too long or if the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front becomes too small.
i When changing lanes, DISTRONIC PLUS
monitors the left lane on left-hand drive vehicles and the right lane on right-hand drive vehicles.
Vehicles with COMAND
Example: traffic circle
i The following function is not operational
in all countries.
DISTRONIC PLUS uses additional information from your navigation system so that it can react appropriately to certain traffic situations. This is the case if, while following a vehicle, DISTRONIC PLUS is active and you:
Rapproach or drive through a traffic circle
Rapproach a T-intersection
Rturn off at a highway exit
Even if the vehicle in front leaves the detection range, DISTRONIC PLUS temporarily maintains the current driving speed and does not accelerate. This is based on the current map data in the navigation system.
The current speed is maintained:
Rapproximately 10 seconds before the
traffic circle/T intersection and approximately 1.5 secondswhen driving on a traffic circle.
Rapproximately 12 seconds before reaching
a highway exit and approximately 4 seconds after the highway exit.
Afterwards, the vehicle accelerates back to the set speed you specified.
Stopping
G WARNING When leaving the vehicle, even if it is braked only by DISTRONIC PLUS, it could roll away if:
Rthere is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
RDISTRONIC PLUS has been deactivated
with the cruise control lever, e.g. by a vehicle occupant or from outside the vehicle.
Rthe electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses have been tampered with.
Rthe battery is disconnected.
Rthe accelerator pedal has been depressed,
e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
There is a risk of an accident.
Driving systems
203
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the vehicle against rolling away.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until it is stationary.
Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains stationary and you do not need to depress the brake.
After a time, the electric parking brake secures the vehicle and relieves the service brake.
Depending on the specified minimum distance, your vehicle will come to a standstill at a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in front. The specified minimum distance is set using the control on the cruise control lever.
The electric parking brake automatically secures the vehicle if DISTRONIC PLUS is activated and:
Rthe driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.
Rthe engine is switched off, unless it is automatically switched off by the ECO start/stop function.
Ra system malfunction occurs.
Rthe power supply is not sufficient.
On steep uphill or downhill inclines or if there is a malfunction, the transmission may also automatically be shifted into position P.
Setting a speed
see this distance in the multifunction display (Y page 205).
X To increase: turn control ; in direction
=. DISTRONIC PLUS then maintains a greater distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
X To decrease: turn control ; in
direction :. DISTRONIC PLUS then maintains a shorter distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
i Make sure that you maintain a sufficiently
safe distance from the vehicle in front. Adjust the distance to the vehicle in front if necessary.
Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS
204 Driving systems
Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment until the vehicle has accelerated or braked to the speed set.
X Press the cruise control lever up : for a
higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.
X To adjust the set speed in 1 mph
increments (1 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever up : or down ; to the pressure point. Every time the cruise control lever is pressed up : or down ; the last speed stored is increased or reduced.
X To adjust the set speed in 5 mph
increments (10 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever up : or down ; to the pressure point. Every time the cruise control lever is pressed up : or down ;, the last speed stored is increased or reduced.
i DISTRONIC PLUS is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. If you accelerate to overtake, DISTRONIC PLUS adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored after you have finished overtaking.
Setting the specified minimum distance
There are several ways to deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS:
X Briefly press the cruise control lever
forwards :.
or
X Brake, unless the vehicle is stationary.
When you deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS, you will see the DISTRONIC PLUS Off message in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds.
i The last speed stored remains stored until
you switch off the engine.
i DISTRONIC PLUS is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. If you
You can set the specified minimum distance for DISTRONIC PLUS by varying the time span between one and two seconds. With this function, you can set the minimum distance that DISTRONIC PLUS keeps to the vehicle in front, dependent on vehicle speed. You can
Driving systems
205
Displays in the instrument cluster
Displays in the speedometer
Example: DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the speedometer
When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, one or two segments ; in the set speed range light up.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front, segments ; between speed of the vehicle in front : and stored speed = light up.
i For design reasons, the speed displayed in the speedometer may differ slightly from the speed set for DISTRONIC PLUS.
Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is
deactivated
accelerate to overtake, DISTRONIC PLUS adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored after you have finished overtaking.
DISTRONIC PLUS is automatically deactivated if:
Ryou engage the electric parking brake or if
the vehicle is automatically secured with the electric parking brake
Ryou are driving slower than 15 mph
(25 km/h) and there is no vehicle in front, or if the vehicle in front is no longer detected
RESP® intervenes or you deactivate ESP®
Rthe transmission is in the P, R or N position
Ryou switch off the radar sensor system
(Y page 281)
Ryou pull the cruise control lever towards
you in order to pull away and the front- passenger door or one of the rear doors is open
Ryou activate DSR
Ryou activate off-road program 2 on vehicles
with the ON&OFFROAD package
Rthe vehicle has skidded
If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. You will see the DISTRONIC PLUS Off message in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds.
Distance display when DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated : Vehicle in front, if detected
; Distance indicator, current distance to
the vehicle in front
= Specified minimum distance to the
vehicle in front; adjustable
? Own vehicle
206 Driving systems
In the Assistance menu (Y page 276) of the on-board computer, you can select the distance display.
X Select the Distance display function
using the on-board computer .
In the Assistance menu of the on-board computer, you can also activate or deactivate PRE-SAFE® Brake (Y page 276).
Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is
activated
Rother vehicles changing lanes
Rnarrow vehicles
Robstructions and stationary vehicles
Rcrossing vehicles
In such situations, brake if necessary. DISTRONIC PLUS is then deactivated.
Cornering, going into and coming out of a
bend
The ability of DISTRONIC PLUS to detect vehicles when cornering is limited. Your vehicle may brake unexpectedly or late.
Vehicles traveling on a different line
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect vehicles traveling on a different line. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.
Distance display with DISTRONIC PLUS activated in the multifunction display : DISTRONIC PLUS activated
; Own vehicle
= Specified minimum distance to the
vehicle in front; adjustable ? Vehicle in front, if detected
In the Assistance menu (Y page 276)of the on-board computer, you can select the distance display.
X Select the Distance display function
using the on-board computer .
You will see the stored speed for about five seconds when you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS
General notes
Pay particular attention in the following traffic situations:
Rcornering, going into and coming out of a
bend
Rvehicles traveling on a different line
Other vehicles changing lanes
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207
example, the detected vehicle turns a corner and reveals an obstacle or stationary vehicle, DISTRONIC PLUS will not brake for these.
Crossing vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS has not detected the vehicle cutting in yet. The distance to this vehicle will be too short.
Narrow vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS has not yet detected the vehicle in front on the edge of the road, because of its narrow width. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.
Obstructions and stationary vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obstacles or stationary vehicles. If, for
DISTRONIC PLUS may mistakenly detect vehicles that are crossing your lane. Activating DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights with crossing traffic, for example, could cause your vehicle to pull away unintentionally.
Level control (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package)
Important safety notes
G WARNING When the vehicle is being lowered, people could become trapped if their limbs are between the vehicle body and the wheels or underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of injury.
Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle or in the immediate vicinity of the wheel arches when the vehicle is being lowered.
G WARNING When you drive with the vehicle raised, the driving characteristics could be impaired by the vehicle's raised center of gravity. The vehicle could rollover more easily, for example on a bend. There is a risk of an accident.
Always select as low a vehicle level as possible and adjust your driving style.
208 Driving systems
G WARNING When you drive with the chassis lowered or raised, the vehicle's braking and driving characteristics can be significantly impaired. You could also exceed the permissible vehicle height if the chassis is raised. There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the vehicle level before pulling away.
G WARNING Due to the high center of gravity, the vehicle may start to skid and roll over in the event of an abrupt steering maneuver and/or when the vehicle's speed is not adapted to the road conditions. There is a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the vehicle's driving characteristics and to the prevailing road and weather conditions.
! When driving on extremely rough terrain,
select a high vehicle level in good time. Make sure there is always sufficient ground clearance. You will otherwise damage the vehicle.
RUtility 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.
RIn a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
You and all vehicle occupants should always wear your seat belts.
Level control adapts the vehicle level automatically to the current operating and driving situation. This results in reduced fuel consumption and improved handling.
Make changes to the vehicle level while the vehicle is in motion. This enables the vehicle to adjust to the new level as quickly as possible.
The vehicle level may change visibly if you park the vehicle and the outside temperature changes. If the temperature drops, the
vehicle level is lower; with an increase in temperature, the vehicle level rises.
If you unlock the vehicle or open a door, the vehicle begins to compensate for load discrepancies while still parked. However, for significant level changes, such as after the vehicle has been stationary for a long period, the engine must be on. For safety reasons, the vehicle is only lowered when the doors are closed. Lowering is interrupted if a door is opened, and it continues once the door has been closed.
For information about driving off-road, see (Y page 191).
Basic settings
The extent to which the vehicle is raised or lowered depends on the basic setting selected.
Select:
Rhighway/high-speed level for driving on
normal roads
Roff-road level 1 for driving on easily
negotiable off-road terrain
Roff-road level 2 for driving on normal off-
road terrain
Roff-road level 3 for freeing the vehicle in particularly rough terrain at low speeds only
The individual vehicle levels differ from highway level as follows:
Rhighway level: +/–0 in (+/–0 mm)
Rhigh-speed level: –0.6 in (–15 mm)
Roff-road level 1: + 1.2 in (+30 mm)
Roff-road level 2: + 2.3 in (+60 mm)
Roff-road level 3: + 3.6 in (+ 90 mm)
Highway/high-speed level
! Make sure that there is enough ground
clearance when the vehicle is being lowered. It could otherwise hit the ground, damaging the underbody.
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209
will disappear. Once highway level has been reached, all indicator lamps = go out.
The vehicle automatically selects highway level if you are driving at a speed above 70 mph (115 km/h) or if you drive at a speed between 62 mph (100 km/h) and 70 mph (115 km/h) for approximately 20 seconds. The vehicle is lowered to high-speed level if you are traveling at higher speeds.
Off-road levels
General notes
ROnly select off-road level 3 for driving off-
road in particularly rough terrain.
RAdjust your driving style to the altered
handling characteristics.
RDo not drive faster than 12 mph
(20 km/h).
Only select an off-road level when this is appropriate for road conditions. Otherwise, fuel consumption increases and handling may be affected.
X Start the engine.
X Selector wheel : engaged: briefly press
selector wheel :. Selector wheel : extends.
X To raise: turn selector wheel :
clockwise ;. The vehicle is raised.
or
X To lower: turn selector wheel : counter-
clockwise ?. The vehicle is lowered.
: Selector wheel
; To raise the level
= Indicator lamps
? To lower the level
X Start the engine.
X Selector wheel : engaged: briefly press
selector wheel :. Selector wheel : extends.
If one or more indicator lamps = are on:
X Turn selector wheel : counter-
clockwise ? until all indicator lamps = that are lit start to flash. The vehicle is lowered to highway level. As soon as the next lowest level is reached, the indicator lamp stops flashing and goes out.
During the adjustment, the Lowering message, for example, appears in the multifunction display. If you press the % or a button on the multifunction steering wheel, the message
210 Driving systems
Indicator lamps = for the desired off-road level flash:
ROff-road level 1: the lower indicator lamp
flashes
ROff-road level 2: the lower and center
indicator lamps flash
ROff-road level 3: all three indicator lamps
flash
The vehicle adjusts to the off-road level selected. As soon as an off-road level is reached, the corresponding indicator lamp stops flashing and lights up constantly.
Raising the vehicle
During the adjustment, the Vehicle rising message, for example, appears in the multifunction display.
The vehicle rises from highway level to off- road level 1. If you press the % or a button on the multifunction steering wheel, the message will disappear.
i Up to off-road level 2, you can hide the messages using the % or a button on the multifunction steering wheel.
Once off-road level 2 has been reached, the lower and center indicator lamps of the selector wheel are on.
The Max. Speed 12 mph (20 km/h) message draws your attention to the maximum speed permitted for off-road level 3.
Once off-road level 3 has been reached, you will see a message shown in white in the multifunction display, for example: Max. Speed 12 mph (20 km/h).
If you drive above 20 km/h at off-road level 3, you will see the following message in red in the multifunction display: Vehicle Lowering Max. Speed 12 mph (20 km/h).
i You cannot clear these messages.
You also hear a warning. The vehicle is lowered and off-road level 3 is canceled.
If you continue to increase your speed, the red message continues to be shown in the multifunction display. The newly set level is not displayed until the vehicle has been set to a level suitable for the current speed.
Lowering the vehicle
If you maintain or reduce your speed, you will see a message in white in the display while the vehicle is being lowered, such as the following: Vehicle Lowering Max. Speed 12 mph (20 km/h).
The vehicle is lowered to off-road level 2.
If you select an off-road level when driving at too high a speed, the Please reduce speed message appears in the multifunction display.
While the adjustment from off-road level 2 to off-road level 3 is taking place, you will see a message such as the following in the multifunction display: Vehicle rising Max. speed 12 mph (20 km/h).
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211
You can select from the following:
ROff-road level 1 at speeds up to 60 mph
(100 km/h)
ROff-road level 2 at speeds up to 40 mph
(65 km/h)
ROff-road level 3 at speeds up to 12 mph
(20 km/h)
If you are driving above 50 mph (80 km/h) or drive between 40 mph (65 km/h) and 50 mph (80 km/h) for longer than 20 seconds, off-road level 2 will be canceled. The vehicle is lowered to off-road level 1.
You will see a message in the multifunction display, for example: Lowering.
If you are driving above 70 mph (115 km/h) or drive between 62 mph (100 km/h) and 70 mph (115 km/h) for longer than 20 seconds, off-road level 1 will be canceled. Depending on the vehicle's speed and the ADS mode selected (Y page 212), the vehicle is automatically lowered to highway or high- speed level.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off the HOLD function and secure the vehicle against rolling away.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automatically in certain situations. To prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in the following or other similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
Deactivate the HOLD function (Y page 212).
General notes
The HOLD function can assist the driver in the following situations:
Rwhen pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
Rwhen maneuvering on steep slopes
Rwhen waiting in traffic
You will see a message in the multifunction display, for example: Lowering.
The vehicle is kept stationary without the driver having to depress the brake pedal.
HOLD function
Important safety notes
G WARNING When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll away despite being braked by the HOLD function if:
Rthere is a malfunction in the system or in
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD function deactivated when you depress the accelerator pedal to pull away.
i Do not use the HOLD function when
driving off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gradients or on slippery or loose surfaces. The HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle on such surfaces.
the voltage supply.
Activation conditions
Rthe HOLD function has been deactivated by pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
Rthe electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses have been tampered with.
Rthe battery is disconnected
There is a risk of an accident.
You can activate the HOLD function if:
Rthe vehicle is stationary
Rthe engine is running
Rthe driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened
Rthe electric parking brake is released
Rthe transmission is in position D, R or N
RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated
212 Driving systems
Activating the HOLD function
