2013 Mercedes-benz GLK Class Owners Manual

count in the ECO display does not indicate a fixed consumption figure.

Apart from driving style, consumption is dependent on many factors such as, e.g.:

Rload

Rtire pressure

Rcold start

Rchoice of route

Relectrical consumers switched on

These factors are not taken into consideration by the ECO display.

The evaluation of your driving style is carried out using the following three categories:

RAcceleration (evaluation of all

acceleration processes):

- The bar fills up: moderate acceleration,

especially at higher speeds

- The bar empties: sporty acceleration

RConstant (assessment of driving behavior

at all times):

- The bar fills up: constant speed and

avoidance of unnecessary acceleration and deceleration

- The bar empties: fluctuations in speed

RCoasting (assessment of all deceleration

processes):

- The bar fills up: anticipatory driving,

keeping your distance and early release of the accelerator. The vehicle can coast without use of the brakes.

- The bar empties: frequent braking

i An economical driving style specially

requires driving at moderate engine speeds.

To achieve a higher value in the categories Acceleration and Constant:

Robserve the gearshift recommendations.

Rdrive in drive program E.

i On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the highway, only the bar for Constant will change.

164 Driving tips

i The ECO display summaries the driving

characteristics from the start of the journey to its completion. For this reason, the bars change dynamically at the beginning of the journey. On longer journeys, there are fewer changes. For more dynamic changes, carry out a manual reset.

Further information on the ECO display (Y page 220).

Brakes

Important safety notes

G WARNING If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip. There is an increased danger of skidding and accidents.

Do not shift down for additional engine braking on a slippery road surface.

Downhill gradients

! On long and steep gradients, you must reduce the load on the brakes by shifting early to a lower gear. This allows you to take advantage of the engine braking effect and helps avoid overheating and excessive wear of the brakes.

When you take advantage of the engine braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn for some time, e.g. on a slippery road surface. This could cause damage to the drive train. This type of damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.

Heavy and light loads

G WARNING If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving, the braking system can overheat. This increases the stopping distance and can even cause the braking system to fail. There is a risk of an accident.

Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never depress the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal at the same time.

! Depressing the brake pedal constantly

results in excessive and premature wear to the brake pads.

If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy load, do not stop the vehicle immediately. Drive on for a short while. This allows the airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.

Wet roads

If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain without braking, there may be a delayed reaction from the brakes when braking for the first time. This may also occur after the vehicle has been washed.

You have to depress the brake pedal more firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front.

After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying attention to the traffic conditions. This will warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly and protecting them against corrosion.

Limited braking performance on salt-

treated roads

If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt residue may form on the brake discs and brake pads. This can result in a significantly longer braking distance.

RBrake occasionally to remove any possible

salt residue. Make sure that you do not endanger other road users when doing so.

RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the

beginning and end of a journey.

RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicle

ahead.

Servicing the brakes

! If the red brake warning lamp lights up in

the instrument cluster and you hear a warning tone while the engine is running, the brake fluid level may be too low. Observe additional warning messages in the multifunction display.

The brake fluid level may be too low due to brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.

Have the brake system checked immediately. This work should be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.

All checks and maintenance work on the brake system must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. Consult a qualified specialist workshop to arrange this.

Have brake pads installed and brake fluid replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.

! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or

performance tests may only be carried out on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you are planning to have the vehicle tested on such a dynamometer, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to obtain further information first. Otherwise, you could damage the drive train or the brake system.

! As the ESP® system operates

automatically, the engine and the ignition must be switched off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock) when:

Rtesting the parking brake on a brake

dynamometer.

Ryou intend to have the vehicle towed with

the front or rear axle raised (not permitted for vehicles with 4MATIC).

Braking maneuvers triggered automatically by ESP® may seriously damage the brake system.

If the brake system has only been subject to moderate loads, you should test the functionality of your brakes at regular intervals. To do so, press firmly on the brake pedal when driving at a high speed. This improves the grip of the brake pads.

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165

You can find a description of Brake Assist (BAS) on (Y page 65).

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only have brake pads/linings installed on your vehicle which have been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which correspond to an equivalent quality standard. Brake pads/linings which have not been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not of an equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's operating safety.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use brake fluid that has been specially approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or which corresponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake fluid which has not been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which is not of an equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's operating safety.

Parking brake

G WARNING If you must brake the vehicle with the parking brake, the braking distance is considerably longer and the wheels could lock. There is an increased danger of skidding and accidents.

Only use the parking brake to brake the vehicle when the service brake is faulty. Do not apply the parking brake too firmly. If the wheels lock, release the parking brake until the wheels begin turning again.

If you brake the vehicle with the parking brake, the brake lamps will not light up.

If you drive on wet roads or dirt-covered surfaces, road salt and/or dirt could get into the parking brake.

In order to prevent corrosion and a reduction in the braking power of the parking brake, observe the following:

Rgently depress the parking brake from time

to time before beginning the journey.

Rdrive for approximately 110 yds (100 m) at

a maximum speed of 12 mph (20 km/h).

166 Driving tips

Driving on wet roads

Hydroplaning

If water has accumulated to a certain depth on the road surface, there is a danger of hydroplaning occurring, even if:

Ryou drive at low speeds.

Rthe tires have adequate tread depth.

For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in conditions in which hydroplaning may occur, you must drive in the following manner:

Rlower your speed.

Ravoid ruts.

Rbrake carefully.

Driving on flooded roads

! Do not drive through flooded areas.

Check the depth of any water before driving through it. Drive slowly through standing water. Otherwise, water may enter the vehicle interior or the engine compartment. This can damage the electronic components in the engine or the automatic transmission. Water can also be drawn in by the engine's air suction nozzles and this can cause engine damage.

Prevent water from entering the vehicle interior or the engine compartment. If you must drive through standing water, bear in mind that:

Rthe maximum permissible depth in still

water is 12 in (30 cm)

Ryou should drive no faster than at walking

pace

Winter driving

Important safety notes

G WARNING If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.

There is an increased danger of skidding and accidents.

Do not shift down for additional engine braking on a slippery road surface.

G DANGER If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of fatal injury.

If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area around the vehicle are clear of snow. To ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a window on the side of the vehicle that is not facing into the wind.

Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified specialist workshop at the onset of winter.

Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" section (Y page 330).

Driving with summer tires

Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" section (Y page 330).

Slippery road surfaces

G WARNING If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip. There is an increased danger of skidding and accidents.

Do not shift down for additional engine braking on a slippery road surface.

Drive particularly carefully on slippery road surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS.

If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be stopped when moving at low speed:

X Shift the transmission to position N.

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167

i For more information on driving with

snow chains, see (Y page 331).

The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. Changes in the outside temperature are displayed after ashort delay.

Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges. The vehicle could skid if you fail to adapt your driving style. Always adapt your driving style and drive at a speed to suit the prevailing weather conditions.

You should pay special attention to road conditions when temperatures are around freezing point.

Off-road driving

Important safety notes

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.

When driving off-road, sand, mud and water, possibly mixed with oil, for example, could get into the brakes. This could result in a reduced braking effect or in total brake failure and also in increased wear and tear. The braking characteristics change depending on the material ingressing the brakes. Clean the brakes after driving off-road. If you detect a reduced braking effect or grinding noises, have the brake system checked in a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible. Adapt your driving style to the different braking characteristics.

Driving off-road increases the likelihood of damage to the vehicle, which, in turn, can lead to failure of the mechanical assembly or systems. Adapt your driving style to suit the terrain conditions. Drive carefully. Have damage to the vehicle rectified immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

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.

General notes

H Environmental note Protection of the environment is of primary importance. Treat nature with respect. Observe all prohibiting signs.

Read this section carefully before driving your vehicle off-road. Practice by driving over more gentle off-road terrain first.

Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of your vehicle and the gear shift operation before driving through difficult terrain.

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.

Checklist after driving off-road

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.

168 Driving tips

Driving on sand

Rdrive very slowly.

Observe the following rules when driving on sand:

Rselect ashift range appropriate to the

terrain.

Rtry to drive straight over the center of obstacles: front wheel first, then rear wheel.

Rdrive quickly to overcome the rolling

Traveling uphill

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.

Tire ruts and gravel roads

Observe the following rules when driving along ruts in off-road terrain or on roads with loose gravel:

! 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.

Crossing 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:

Ravoid high engine speeds.

Rselect shift range 1.

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.

RObserve the rules on off-road driving.

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).

RWhen driving down an incline, make use of

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 144).

Do not switch to transmission position N when driving off-road. If you try to brake the vehicle using the service brake, you could

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169

lose control of the vehicle. If the gradient is too steep for your vehicle, drive back down in reverse gear.

Driving systems

Cruise Control

Maximum gradient-climbing capability

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. Make use of the vehicle's own impetus to travel over the brow.

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

Driving downhill

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.

Important safety 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. This 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).

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

RBefore tackling steep downhill gradients,

Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or

select shift range 1.

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.

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

If there is a change of drivers, advise the new driver of the speed stored.

i Cruise control should not be activated

when driving off-road.

170 Driving systems

Cruise control lever

Storing the current speed or calling up

: To activate or increase speed

; To activate or reduce speed

= To deactivate cruise control

the last 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.

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

? To activate at the current speed/last

you ?.

stored speed

When you activate cruise control, the stored speed is shown in the multifunction display for five seconds. In the multifunction display, the segments between the stored speed and the maximum speed light up.

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.

Storing and maintaining the current

Setting a speed

speed

You can store the current speed if you are driving faster than 20 mph (30 km/h).

Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment until the vehicle has accelerated or braked to the speed set.

X Accelerate the vehicle to the desired

X Press the cruise control lever up : for a

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.

i Cruise control may be unable to maintain

the stored speed on uphill gradients. The stored speed is resumed when the gradient evens out. Cruise control maintains the stored speed on downhill gradients by automatically applying the brakes.

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 ; beyond the pressure point. Every time the cruise control lever is pressed up : or down ; the last speed stored is increased or reduced.

Driving systems

171

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.

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.

G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to:

Deactivating cruise control

Rpeople or animals

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 depress the parking brake.

Ryou are driving at less than 20 mph

(30 km/h).

RESP® intervenes or you deactivate ESP®.

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

DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and automatically helps you maintain the distance to the vehicle detected in front. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes automatically so that the set speed is not exceeded.

On long and steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden, 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.

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.

172 Driving systems

! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function

This speed may:

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 front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for staying in your lane.

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.

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.

For DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you when driving, the radar sensor system must be:

Ractivated (Y page 229)

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) and 120 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:

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

: To store the current speed or a higher

speed

; To store the current speed or a lower

speed

= To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS

? To store the current speed or call up the

last stored speed

A To set the specified minimum distance

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173

Switching on DISTRONIC PLUS, storing

and maintaining the current speed

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 parking brake must be released.

RESP® must be active, but not intervening.

RActive Parking Assist must not be

activated.

Rthe transmission must be in position D.

Rthe hood must be closed.

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.

Rthe vehicle must not skid.

Activating while driving

You can only activate DISTRONIC PLUS when driving at speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h) if the vehicle in front has been detected and is shown in the multifunction display. If the vehicle in front is no longer detected and displayed, DISTRONIC PLUS switches off and a tone sounds.

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?, or press it up : or down ;. DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.

X Press the cruise control lever repeatedly up : or down ; until the desired speed is set.

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.

i If you do not fully release the accelerator

pedal, the DISTRONIC PLUS Override message appears in the multifunction

174 Driving systems

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

If the vehicle in front of you is stationary, you can only activate DISTRONIC PLUS once your vehicle is stationary as well.

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?, or press it up : or down ;. DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.

i DISTRONIC PLUS can only be activated at under 20 mph (30 km/h) if a vehicle in front has been detected. Therefore, the DISTRONIC PLUS distance display in the instrument cluster should be activated (Y page 224).

X Press the cruise control lever repeatedly up : or down ; until the desired speed is set.

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 175).

vehicle. In this way, the distance you have selected is maintained.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front is driving faster, it accelerates your vehicle, but only up to the speed you have stored.

Changing lanes

If you change to the passing lane, DISTRONIC PLUS supports you when:

Ryou are driving faster than 40 mph

(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.

Stopping

Pulling away

X If the vehicle in front pulls away: remove

your foot from the brake pedal.

G WARNING When leaving the vehicle, even if it is braked only by DISTRONIC PLUS, it could roll away if:

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

Rthere is a malfunction in the system or in

you ?.

or

X Accelerate briefly.

Your vehicle pulls away and adapts its speed to that of the vehicle in front.

Driving

If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS operates in the same way as cruise control.

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,

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front has slowed down, it brakes your

e.g. by a vehicle occupant.

There is a risk of an accident.

If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the vehicle against rolling away.

Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 177).

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.

i 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.

When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, the transmission is shifted automatically to position P if:

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.

Rthe hood is opened.

Ra system malfunction occurs.

Rthe power supply is not sufficient.

Setting a speed

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

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175

up : or down ; beyond 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.

Storing the current speed or calling up

a stored speed

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

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.

Setting the specified minimum distance

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 see this distance in the multifunction display (Y page 176).

i Make sure that you maintain a sufficient distance to the vehicle in front and comply with the minimum distance as required by law. Adjust the distance to the vehicle in front if necessary.

176 Driving systems

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.

DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the

speedometer

DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the

multifunction display

General notes

In the Assistance menu (Y page 224) of the on-board computer, you can select the distance display.

Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is

deactivated

X Select the Distance Display function

using the on-board computer (Y page 224).

When DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will see the following in the multifunction display:

: Symbol for the activated PRE-SAFE®

Brake

; Vehicle in front, if detected

= Distance indicator, current distance to

the vehicle in front

? Specified minimum distance to the

vehicle in front; adjustable

A Own vehicle

Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is

activated

X Select the Distance Display function

using the on-board computer (Y page 224).

You will see the stored speed for about five seconds when you activate DISTRONIC PLUS. After this time, you will see the following in the multifunction display while DISTRONIC PLUS is activated:

When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, one or two segments ; in the set speed range light up.

i For design reasons, the speed displayed in the speedometer may differ slightly from the speed set for DISTRONIC PLUS.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front, segments ; between speed of the vehicle in front : and stored speed = light up.

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DISTRONIC PLUS is automatically deactivated if:

Ryou engage the 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 229)

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

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.

If the vehicle has been stopped by DISTRONIC PLUS and a malfunction occurs in the system, the Brake Immediately message appears in the multifunction display. Depress the brake pedal immediately so that the vehicle does not roll away. DISTRONIC PLUS is then deactivated, and the message disappears.

Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS

General notes

The following contains descriptions of certain road and traffic conditions in which you must be particularly attentive. In such situations, brake if necessary. DISTRONIC PLUS is then deactivated.

: DISTRONIC PLUS activated

; Own vehicle

= Specified minimum distance to the

vehicle in front; adjustable ? Vehicle in front, if detected

Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS

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.

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Cornering, going into and coming out of a

bend

DISTRONIC PLUS has not detected the vehicle cutting in yet. The distance to this vehicle will be too short.

Narrow vehicles

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 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 may not detect vehicles traveling on a different line. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.

Other vehicles changing lanes

DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obstacles or stationary vehicles. If, for 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 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.

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 voltage supply.

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.

If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off the HOLD function and secure the vehicle against rolling away.

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179

! 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 180).

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

The vehicle is kept stationary without the driver having to depress the brake pedal.

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.

Activation conditions

You can activate the HOLD function if:

Rthe vehicle is stationary

Rthe engine is running or if it has been automatically switched off by the ECO start/stop function

Rthe driver's door is closed or your seat belt

is fastened

Rthe parking brake is released

Rthe hood is closed

Rthe transmission is in position D, R or N

RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated

180 Driving systems

Activating the HOLD function

X Make sure that the activation conditions

are met.

X Depress the brake pedal.

X Quickly depress the brake pedal further until ë appears in the multifunction display. The HOLD function is activated. You can release the brake pedal.

i If depressing the brake pedal the first

time does not activate the HOLD function, wait briefly and then try again.

Deactivating the HOLD function

The HOLD function is deactivated automatically if:

to lock the vehicle, the tone becomes louder. The vehicle is not locked until the HOLD function is deactivated.

i If the engine has been switched off, it cannot be started again until the HOLD function has been deactivated.

If there is a malfunction in the system or power supply while the HOLD function is activated, the Brake Immediately message is shown in the multifunction display. Immediately depress the brake firmly until the warning message in the multifunction display goes out.

You can also shift the transmission to position P. This deactivates the HOLD function.

Ryou accelerate and the transmission is in

PARKTRONIC

position D or R

Important safety notes

Rthe transmission is in position P.

Ryou depress the brake pedal again with a

certain amount of pressure until ë disappears from the multifunction display

Ryou activate DISTRONIC PLUS

When the HOLD function is activated, the automatic transmission is shifted automatically to position P if:

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.

Rthe hood is opened.

Ra system malfunction occurs.

Rthe power supply is not sufficient.

The horn will also sound at regular intervals if the HOLD function is activated and you:

Rswitch the engine off, open the driver's

door and remove your seat belt

Ropen the hood

The sounding of the horn alerts you to the fact that the vehicle has been parked while the HOLD function is still activated. If you attempt

PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and audibly the distance between your vehicle and an object.

PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is not a replacement for your attention to your immediate surroundings. You are always responsible for safe maneuvering, parking and exiting a parking space. When maneuvering, parking or pulling out of a parking space, make sure that there are no persons, animals or objects in the area in which you are maneuvering.

! When parking, pay particular attention to objects above or below the sensors, such as flower pots or trailer drawbars. PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects when they are in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle or the objects.

The sensors may not detect snow and other objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.

Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a

truck or a pneumatic drill could cause PARKTRONIC to malfunction.

PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on uneven terrain.

PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when you:

Rswitch on the ignition

Rshift the transmission to position D, R or N

Rrelease the parking brake

PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above 11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower speeds.

PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your vehicle using six sensors in the front and four sensors in the rear.

Side view

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181

Top view

Front sensors

Center

Corners

Rear sensors

Center

Corners

Approx. 40 in (approx. 100 cm)

Approx. 24 in (approx. 60 cm)

Approx. 48 in (approx. 120 cm)

Approx. 32 in (approx. 80 cm)

: Sensors in the front bumper, left-hand

side (example)

Range of the sensors

General notes

PARKTRONIC does not take objects into consideration that are:

Rbelow the detection range, e.g. people,

animals or objects

Rabove the detection range, e.g.

Minimum distance

overhanging loads, truck overhangs or loading ramps

The sensors must be free from dirt, ice or slush. They can otherwise not function correctly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking care not to scratch or damage them (Y page 307).

Center

Corners

Approx. 8 in (approx. 20 cm)

Approx. 6 in (approx. 15 cm)

If there is an obstacle within this range, the relevant warning displays light up and a

182 Driving systems

warning tone sounds. If the distance falls below the minimum, the distance may no longer be shown.

Warning displays

The warning displays show the distance between the sensors and the obstacle. The warning display for the front area is located on the dashboard above the center air vents. The warning display for the rear area is located on the headliner in the rear compartment.

Warning display for the front area : Segments on the left-hand side of the

vehicle

; Segments on the right-hand side of the

vehicle

= Segments showing operational readiness

The warning display for each side of the vehicle is divided into five yellow and two red segments. PARKTRONIC is operational if yellow segments showing operational readiness = light up.

The selected transmission position and the direction in which the vehicle is rolling determine which warning display is active when the engine is running.

Transmission

Warning display

position

R, N or the vehicle is rolling backwards

Front area activated

Rear and front areas activated

No areas activated

One or more segments light up as the vehicle approaches an obstacle, depending on the vehicle's distance from the obstacle.

From the:

Rsixth segment onwards, you will hear an

intermittent warning tone for approximately two seconds.

Rseventh segment onwards, you will hear a

warning tone for approximately two seconds. This indicates that you have now reached the minimum distance.

Deactivating/activating PARKTRONIC

: Deactivating/activating PARKTRONIC

; Indicator lamp

If indicator lamp ; lights up, PARKTRONIC is deactivated.

i PARKTRONIC is automatically activated when you turn the SmartKey to position 2
in the ignition lock.

Towing a trailer

! Fold in the ball coupling if the trailer tow

hitch is not required. PARKTRONIC measures the minimum detection range to an obstacle from the bumper, not the ball coupling.

PARKTRONIC is deactivated for the rear area when you establish an electrical connection between your vehicle and a trailer.

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