2012 Mercedes-benz M Class Owners Manual

1 Valid only for vehicles with a gasoline engine.

This Operator's Manual describes all models and all standard and optional equipment of your vehicle available at the time of publication of the Operator's Manual. Country-specific differences are possible. Please note that your vehicle may not be equipped with all features described. This also applies to safety-related systems and functions. The equipment in your vehicle may therefore differ from that shown in the descriptions and illustrations. All the systems found in your vehicle are listed in the original purchase agreement of your vehicle. Should you have any questions concerning equipment and operation, please consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

The Operating Instructions and the Maintenance Booklet are important documents and should be kept in the vehicle.

Service and vehicle operation

Service and literature

Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the warranties printed in the Service and Warranty Information booklet. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will exchange or repair any defective parts originally installed in the vehicle in accordance with the terms of the following warranties:

RNew Vehicle Limited Warranty

REmission Systems Warranty

REmission Performance Warranty

RCalifornia, Connecticut, Maine,

Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty1

RState Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon

Laws)

22

Introduction

Information for customers in

Maintenance

California

Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price or lease price, if after a reasonable number of repair attempts Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix one or more substantial defects or malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered by its express warranty. During the period of 18 months from original delivery of the vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles (approximately 29 000 km) on the odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or more of the following occurs:

(1) the same substantial defect or

malfunction results in a condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect or malfunction has been subject to repair two or more times, and you have directly notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in writing of the need for its repair.

(2) the same substantial defect or

malfunction of a less serious nature than category (1) has been subject to repair four or more times and you have directly notified Mercedes-Benz in writing of the need for its repair.

(3) the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of the same or different substantial defects or malfunctions for a cumulative total of more than 30 calendar days.

Please send your written notice to:

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Customer Assistance Center

One Mercedes Drive

Montvale, NJ 07645-0350

The Service and Warranty Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be done at regular intervals.

Always have the Service and Warranty Booklet with you when you bring the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The service advisor will record every service for you in the Service and Warranty Booklet.

Roadside Assistance

The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program offers technical help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assistance Hotline are answered by our agents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)

(USA)

1-800-387-0100 (Canada)

For additional information, refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program brochure (USA) or the "Roadside Assistance" section in the Service and Warranty booklet (Canada). You will find both in your vehicle literature portfolio.

In accordance with standard program guidelines, Roadside Assistance provides vehicle service up to a reasonable distance from the next paved road. We will make every effort to assist in a breakdown situation. However, the accessibility of your vehicle will be determined by our authorized Mercedes- Benz Service technician or the tow service provider on a case-by-case basis.

Additional charges may be applicable for a breakdown location determined not to be a reasonably accessible roadside location as determined by our authorized technician and tow service provider.

Change of address or change of

In the USA

Introduction

23

ownership

In the event of a change of address, please send us the "Change of Address Notice" found in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the USA) at the hotline number 1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or Customer Service Center (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. This will assist us in contacting you in a timely manner should the need arise.

If you sell your Mercedes, please leave the entire literature in the vehicle so that it is available to the next owner.

If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Truck" found in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes- Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.

Vehicle operation outside the USA

and Canada

If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:

Rservice facilities or replacement parts may

not be readily available.

Runleaded fuel for vehicles with a catalytic converter may not be available. Leaded fuel may cause damage to the catalytic converter.

Rthe fuel may have a considerably lower

octane rating. Unsuitable fuel can cause engine damage.

Some Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe through our European Delivery Program. For details, consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to one of the following addresses.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

European Delivery Department

One Mercedes Drive

Montvale, NJ 07645-0350

In Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.

European Delivery Department

98 Vanderhoof Avenue

Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9

Sport Utility Vehicle

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

This vehicle has a higher ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than many passenger cars. As with other vehicles of this type, if you make sharp turns at excessive speeds or abrupt maneuvers, the vehicle may roll over or may go out of control and crash. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result in an accident, rollover of the vehicle, and severe or fatal injury.

Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the Operator's Manual. Take time to become familiar with the driving characteristics of this vehicle. Be sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls. Learn how your vehicle handles on different road surfaces. Do not attempt sharp turns at excessive speeds or abrupt maneuvers or other unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle control. When driving off-road or working the vehicle

24

Introduction

hard, do not overload it. And, always wear your seat belts at all times. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.

appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other qualified maintenance or repair facility for further inspection or repairs.

Operating safety

On-board diagnostic interface

Safety notes

G WARNING Work improperly carried out on electronic components and associated software could cause them to cease functioning. Because the vehicle's electronic components are interconnected, any modifications made may produce an undesired effect on other systems. Electronic malfunctions could seriously impair the operating safety of your vehicle.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for repairs or modifications to electronic components.

Other improper work or modifications on the vehicle could also have a negative impact on the operating safety of the vehicle.

Some safety systems only function when the engine is running. You should therefore never turn off the engine while driving.

G WARNING Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or tires/wheels may cause serious damage and impair the operating safety of your vehicle. Such blows can be caused, for example, by running over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole.

If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect that damage to your vehicle has occurred:

Rturn on your hazard warning flashers.

Rslow down carefully.

Rdrive with caution to an area which is a safe

distance from the road.

Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/ wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle

G WARNING If you connect equipment to the on-board diagnostics interface, it can affect the operation of the vehicle systems. This can impair the operating safety of your vehicle while driving. There is a risk of accident.

Do not connect any equipment to the on- board diagnostics interface.

G WARNING Loose equipment or equipment cables which are connected to the on-board diagnostics interface can obstruct the area around the pedals. The equipment or the cables could get between the pedals in the event of sudden braking or acceleration. You may then no longer be able to brake, operate the clutch or accelerate as intended. There is a risk of accident.

Do not attach any equipment or cables in the driver footwell.

Connecting equipment to the on-board diagnostics interface can lead to emissions monitoring information being reset. This may lead to the vehicle failing to meet the requirements at the next special emissions test or main inspection.

If the engine is switched off and equipment on the on-board diagnostic interface is used, the starter battery may discharge.

The on-board diagnostics interface is only intended for the connection of diagnostic equipment at a qualified specialist workshop.

Qualified specialist workshop

An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a qualified specialist workshop. It has the necessary specialist knowledge, tools and qualifications to correctly carry out the work required on your vehicle. This is especially the case for work relevant to safety.

Observe the notes in the service booklet.

Always have the following work carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center:

Rwork relevant to safety

Rservice and maintenance work

Rrepair work

Ralterations, installation work and

modifications

Rwork on electronic components

Proper use

G WARNING There are various warning stickers affixed to your vehicle. Their purpose is to alert you and others to various dangers. Therefore, do not remove any warning stickers unless the sticker clearly states that you may do so.

If you remove any warning stickers, you or others could fail to recognize certain dangers and be injured.

G WARNING HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read the HYBRID Supplemental Operating Instructions included in your vehicle literature portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all necessary safety information and warning for the operation of your vehicle.

The proper use of the vehicle requires that you familiarize yourself with the following information and rules:

Rsafety notes in this Operator's Manual

Rtechnical data in this Operator's Manual

Introduction

25

Rtraffic rules and regulations

Rlaws and safety standards pertaining to

motor vehicles

Problems with your vehicle

If you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believe may affect its safe operation, we urge you to contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have the problem diagnosed and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, please discuss the problem again with a Mercedes-Benz Center or contact us at one of the following addresses.

In the USA

Customer Assistance Center

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

One Mercedes Drive

Montvale, NJ 07645-0350

In Canada

Customer Relations Department

Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.

98 Vanderhoof Avenue

Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9

Reporting malfunctions relevant to

safety

For the USA only:

The following text is reproduced as required of all manufacturers according to Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575
pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966.

Reporting safety defects

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety

This information helps, for example, to test vehicle systems after an accident and to continually improve vehicle safety. Daimler AG can access this data and submit it:

Rfor safety research or vehicle diagnosis

purposes

Rwith the consent of the vehicle owner

Ron the instruction of prosecuting

authorities

Rfor use in arbitration of disputes that

involve Daimler AG, its affiliates or its sales and service organizations

Ras otherwise required or permitted by law.

Please observe the mbrace2 purchase agreement for further details on the recording and transfer of data by this system.

26

Introduction

Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to: http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA Headquarters, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West Building, Washington, DC 20590.

You can also obtain additional information about vehicle safety from:

http://www.safercar.gov.

Limited Warranty

! Follow the instructions in this manual

about the proper operation of your vehicle as well as about possible vehicle damage. Damage to your vehicle that arises from culpable contraventions against these instructions are not covered either by Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty or by the New or Used-Vehicle Warranty of Daimler AG.

Data stored in the vehicle

Information about electronic data

acquisition in the vehicle

(Including notice pursuant to California Code § 9951)

Your vehicle records electronic data. If your vehicle is equipped with mbrace2, data is transmitted in the event of an accident.

2 The system is called TELE AID in Canada.

Cockpit ................................................. 28

Instrument cluster .............................. 29

Multifunction steering wheel ............. 31

Center console .................................... 32

Overhead control panel ...................... 34

Door control panel .............................. 35

27

28

Cockpit

Cockpit

Function

Page

Function

Page

: Steering wheel paddle

F Adjusts the steering wheel

shifters

; Combination switch

= Instrument cluster

? Horn

A DIRECT SELECT lever

B PARKTRONIC warning

display

C Overhead control panel

D Climate control systems

E Ignition lock

Start/Stop button

147

111

29

144

183

34

122

139

139

manually

G Adjusts the steering wheel

electrically

Steering wheel heating

H Cruise control lever

I Opens the hood

J On-board diagnostic

interface

K Electric parking brake

L Light switch

M Night View Assist Plus

100

100

101

168

312

24

156

108

195

Instrument cluster

Displays and controls

Instrument cluster

29

Function

Page

Function

Page

: Speedometer with

segments

; Multifunction display

= Tachometer

? Coolant temperature

223

224

223

222

A Fuel gauge

B Instrument cluster lighting

brightness control: turn clockwise or counter- clockwise

30

Instrument cluster

Warning and indicator lamps

Function

Page

Function

Page

: Low-beam headlamps

; ESP®

= High-beam headlamps

? Electric parking brake (red)

F (USA only) ! (Canada only)

A Electric parking brake

(yellow)

B Distance warning signal

C Turn signal

D Tire pressure monitor

E SRS

109

273

111

271

271

279

111

280

275

F Seat belt

G Diesel engine: preglow

H Coolant

I Rear fog lamp

J Check engine

K Reserve fuel

L ESP® OFF

M ABS

N Brakes

$ (USA only) J (Canada only)

269

140

277

110

276

276

273

272

271

Multifunction steering wheel

31

Multifunction steering wheel

Function

Page

226

226

A =;

Selects a menu 9:

Selects the submenu or scrolls through lists

Confirms selections and hides display messages

B %

Back or deactivates the Voice Control System

Function

: Multifunction display

; COMAND; see the separate

operating instructions

Page

224

= ?

Switches on the Voice Control System; see the separate operating instructions

? ~

Rejects or ends a call

230

Exits phone book/redial memory

Makes or accepts a call

Switches to the redial memory WX

Adjusts the volume

Mute

32

Center console

Center console

Center console, upper section

Function

Page

Function

Page

: Audio system/COMAND;

B £ Hazard warning

lamps

C 45 Indicator lamp

D å ESP®

111

44

63

see the separate operating instructions

; c Seat heating

= s Seat ventilation

? c PARKTRONIC

A Ã Downhill Speed Regulation (vehicles without AIRMATIC package)

99

100

183

208

Center console, lower section

Center console

33

Function

Page

Function

Page

I e Adaptive Damping

System

J Opens the stowage

compartment

180

284

E Cup holder

Ashtray

Cigarette lighter

Power socket

F Audio/COMAND controller

G Á Level control

H Ã Downhill Speed

Regulation (vehicles with AIRMATIC package)

293

296

296

297

181

208

34 Overhead control panel

Overhead control panel

Function

Page

Function

: p Switches the left-

C Eyeglasses compartment

Page

285

hand reading lamp on/off

113

; c Switches the front

interior lighting on

= u Switches the rear interior lighting on/off

? | Switches the front

interior lighting/automatic interior lighting control off

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

B 2 Opens/closes the

sliding sunroof 3 Opens/closes the panorama roof with power tilt/sliding panel and roller sunblinds

114

114

113

113

89

89

D F Roadside Assistance

button (mbrace system)

301

E G SOS button (mbrace

system)

F ï Button for MB Info call

(mbrace system)

G Rear-view mirror

H Buttons for the garage door

opener

I Microphone for mbrace

(emergency call system), telephone and the Voice Control System3

300

302

103

308

3 The Voice Control System is only available together with COMAND. Observe the additional operating

instructions.

Door control panel

Door control panel

35

Function

Page

: Opens the door

; %& Unlocks/locks

the vehicle

= r45=

Stores settings for the seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel

? Adjusts the seat electrically

A 7Zö\ Adjusts and folds the exterior mirrors in/out electrically

B W Opens/closes the

side windows

C q Opens/closes the

tailgate

D n Activates/

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

79

79

105

95

103

85

83

59

36

Useful information .............................. 38

Occupant safety .................................. 38

Children in the vehicle ........................ 54

Panic alarm .......................................... 60

Driving safety systems ....................... 60

Theft deterrent locking systems ....... 68

37

38 Occupant safety

Useful information

i This Operator's Manual describes all models and all standard and optional equipment of your vehicle available at the time of publication of the Operator's Manual. Country-specific differences are possible. Please note that your vehicle may not be equipped with all features described. This also applies to safety- related systems and functions.

i Please read the information on qualified

specialist workshops (Y page 25).

Occupant safety

Overview of occupant safety

In this section, you will learn the most important facts about the restraint system components of the vehicle.

The restraint system consists of:

Rseat belts

Rchild restraint systems

RLATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat anchors

Additional protection is provided by:

RSRS (Supplemental Restraint System)

to the restraint systems no longer functioning as intended.

Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs), for example, could deploy inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents although the deceleration threshold for air bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore, never modify the restraint systems. Do not tamper with electronic components or their software.

i See "Children in the vehicle"

(Y page 54) for more information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraints for infants and children.

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)

Introduction

SRS consists of:

Rthe 6 SRS warning lamp

Rair bags

Rair bag control unit (with crash sensors)

REmergency Tensioning Devices for the

front seat belts and the outer seat belts in the rear

RPRE-SAFE®

Rbelt force limiters

RAir bag system components with:

- PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

front-passenger seat with Occupant Classification System (OCS)

The different air bag systems work independently of each other. The protective functions of the system work in conjunction with each other. Not all air bags are deployed in an accident.

G WARNING Modifications to or work improperly conducted on restraint system components or their wiring, as well as tampering with interconnected electronic systems, can lead

SRS reduces the risk of occupants coming into contact with the vehicle's interior in the event of an accident. It can also reduce the effect of the forces to which occupants are subjected during an accident.

SRS warning lamp

SRS functions are checked regularly when you switch on the ignition and when the engine is running. Therefore, malfunctions can be detected in good time. The6 SRS warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is switched on. It goes out no later than a few seconds after the engine is started.

The SRS components are in operational readiness when the 6 SRS warning lamp is not lit while the engine is running .

installed or supplied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

RAir bags and pyrotechnic Emergency

Occupant safety

39

G WARNING The SRS self-check has detected a malfunction if the 6 SRS warning lamp:

Rdoes not come on at all

Rfails to go out approximately 4 seconds

after the engine was started

Rcomes on after the engine was started or

while driving

For your safety, Mercedes-Benz strongly recommends that you have the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when it is needed in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury. The SRS might also deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could also result in injury.

In addition, improper work on the SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

If it is necessary to modify an air bag system to accommodate a person with disabilities, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for details. USA only: Call our Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) for details.

Safety guidelines for seat belts,

Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)

and air bags

G WARNING RDamaged seat belts or seat belts that have

been subjected to stress in an accident must be replaced. Their anchoring points must also be checked. Only use seat belts

Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain perchlorate material, which may require special handling and regard for the environment. Check your national disposal guidelines. California residents, see

www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/ Perchlorate/index.cfm.

RAir bags and ETDs are designed to function on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD that has deployed must be replaced. PRE- SAFE® has electrically operated reversible belt tensioners in addition to the pyrotechnic ETDs.

RDo not pass seat belts over sharp edges.

They could tear.

RDo not make any modification that could

change the effectiveness of the seat belts.

RDo not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide adequate protection.

RNo modifications of any kind may be made

to any components or wiring of the SRS.

RDo not change or remove any component

or part of the SRS.

RDo not install additional trim material, seat

covers, badges, etc. to the:

- padded steering wheel boss

- knee bag covers

front-passenger air bag cover

- outer side of front seat bolsters

- outer side of rear bench seat backrest

seat bolsters

roof lining trim

RDo not install additional electrical/

electronic equipment on or near SRS components and wiring.

RKeep area between air bags and occupants

free of objects (e.g. packages, purses, umbrellas, etc.).

RDo not hang items such as coat hangers from the coat hooks or handles over the

40 Occupant safety

door. These items may be thrown around in the vehicle and cause head and other injuries when the window curtain air bag is deployed.

RAir bag system components will be hot after an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.

RNever place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

RImproper repair work on the SRS creates a

risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

RFor your protection and the protection of others, when scrapping the air bag unit or ETD, our safety instructions must be followed. These instructions are available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

RGiven the considerable deployment speed, required inflation volume, and the material of the air bags, there is the possibility of abrasions or other, potentially more serious injuries resulting from air bag deployment.

If you sell your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz strongly recommends that you inform the subsequent owner that the vehicle is equipped with SRS. Also, refer them to the applicable section in the Operator's Manual.

Air bags

Important safety notes

G WARNING Air bags are designed to reduce the incidence of injuries and fatalities in certain situations:

Rfrontal impacts (driver's and front-

passenger front air bags and driver's knee bag)

Rside impacts (side impact air bags and

window curtain air bags)

Rrollover (window curtain air bags)

However, no system available today can completely eliminate injuries and fatalities.

When the air bags are deployed, a small amount of powder is released. The powder generally does not constitute a health hazard and does not indicate that there is a fire in the vehicle. In order to prevent potential breathing difficulties, you should leave the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have any breathing difficulty but cannot get out of the vehicle after the air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

G WARNING To reduce the risk of injuries during front air bag inflation, the driver and front-passenger must always be seated correctly and have their seat belts fastened accordingly.

For maximum protection in the event of a collision, you must always be in the normal seat position with your back against the backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure that it is correctly positioned on your body.

Since the air bag inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seating position and correct positioning of the hands on the steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe distance from the air bag. Occupants who are not wearing their seat belt, are not seated properly or are too close to the air bag can be seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it inflates with great force instantaneously:

RSit with the seat belt properly fastened in a position that is as upright as possible with your back against the seat backrest.

RMove the driver's seat as far back as

possible, still permitting proper operation of vehicle controls. The distance from the center of the driver's chest to the center of the air bag cover on the steering wheel must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) or more. You should be able to accomplish this by adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If you have any difficulties, please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

RDo not lean your head or chest close to the

steering wheel or dashboard.

ROnly hold the steering wheel by the rim.

Placing hands and arms inside the rim can increase the risk and potential severity of hand/arm injury when the driver front air bag inflates.

RAdjust the front-passenger seat as far back

as possible from the dashboard when the seat is occupied.

ROccupants, especially children, should

never place their bodies or lean their heads in the area of the door where the side impact air bag inflates. This could result in serious injuries or death should the side impact air bag be deployed. Always sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt properly and use an appropriately sized child restraint, infant restraint or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injuries to you or other occupants.

Occupant safety

41

If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you make the buyer aware of this safety information. Be sure to give the buyer this Operator's Manual.

G WARNING Accident research shows that the safest place for children in an automobile is in a rear seat.

A side impact air bag related injury may occur if occupants, especially children, are not properly seated or restrained when next to a side impact air bag which needs to deploy rapidly in a side impact in order to do its job.

To help avoid the possibility of injury, please follow these guidelines:

(1)

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

(2)

Always wear seat belts properly.

The air bags are only deployed if the air bag control unit detects the need for deployment. Only in the event of such a situation will they provide their supplemental protection.

The driver and passenger should always wear their seat belts. Otherwise, it is not possible for the air bags to provide their supplemental protection.

In the event of other types of impacts and impacts below air bag deployment thresholds, the air bags will not deploy. The driver and passengers will then be protected to the extent possible by a properly fastened seat belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also needed to provide the best possible protection in a rollover.

Air bags provide additional protection; they are not, however, a substitute for seat belts. All vehicle occupants must fasten their seat belts regardless of whether your vehicle is equipped with air bags or not.

42 Occupant safety

It is important for your safety and that of your passenger to have deployed air bags replaced and to have any malfunctioning air bags repaired. This will help to make sure the air bags continue to perform their protective function for the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash.

Front air bags

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

Driver's air bag : deploys in front of the steering wheel; front-passenger front air bag ; deploys in front of and above the glove box.

They are deployed:

Rin the event of certain frontal impacts

The front air bag is fully deployed if a second deployment threshold is exceeded within a few milliseconds.

The deployment of the front-passenger front air bag is also influenced by the weight category of the front passenger, which is determined by the Occupant Classification System (OCS) (Y page 44).

The lighter the passenger side occupant, the higher the vehicle deceleration rate required (predicted at the start of the impact) for second stage inflation of the front-passenger front air bag. In the second stage, the front air bags are inflated with the maximum amount of propellant gas available.

The front air bags are not deployed in situations where a low impact severity is predicted. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belt.

The front-passenger front air bag will only deploy if:

Rthe system, based on the OCS weight

sensor readings, detects that the front- passenger seat is occupied.

Rthe 45 indicator lamp in the center

console is not lit, (Y page 44).

Rthe air bag control unit predicts a high

impact severity.

Rif the system determines that air bag

Driver's knee bag

deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt

Rif the seat belt is fastened

Rindependently of other air bags in the

vehicle

If the vehicle overturns, the front air bags are generally not deployed unless the system detects high vehicle deceleration in a longitudinal direction.

Your vehicle has adaptive, two-stage front air bags. In the event of a collision, the air bag control unit evaluates the vehicle deceleration. In the first deployment stage, the front air bag is filled with enough propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries.

Driver's knee bag : provides additional protection for the driver against:

Rknee injuries

Rthigh injuries

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

Side impact air bags

G WARNING The pressure sensors for side impact air bag control are located in the doors. Do not modify any components of the doors or door trim panels including, for example, the addition of door speakers.

Improper repair work on the doors or the modification or addition of components to the doors create a risk of rendering the side impact air bags inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the doors must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

G WARNING Only use seat covers which have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model. Using other seat covers may interfere with or prevent the deployment of the side impact air bags. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.

Occupant safety

43

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

Rhead

Rneck

Rarms

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

The side impact air bags are deployed:

Ron the side on which an impact occurs

Rat the start of an accident with a high rate

of lateral vehicle deceleration or acceleration, e.g. in a side impact

Rindependently of seat belt use

Rindependently of the front air bags

Rindependently of the ETDs

If the vehicle overturns, the side impact air bags are generally not deployed. They are deployed if the system detects high vehicle deceleration or acceleration in a lateral direction and determines that side impact air bag deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt.

Side impact air bags will not deploy in side impacts which do not exceed the system's preset deployment thresholds for lateral acceleration/deceleration. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belt.

If the OCS detects that the front-passenger seat is not occupied and the front-passenger seat belt is not fastened (the belt tongue is

44 Occupant safety

not engaged in the seat belt buckle), the side impact air bag on the front-passenger side will not deploy. The side impact air bag on the front-passenger side will deploy if the front- passenger seat belt is fastened, regardless of whether the front-passenger seat is occupied or not.

Window curtain air bags

The window curtain air bags enhance the level of protection for the head, but not chest or arms, of the vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs.

The window curtain air bags are integrated into the side of the roof frame and deploy in the area from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.

Window curtain air bags : are deployed:

Ron the side on which an impact occurs

Rat the start of an accident with a high rate

of lateral vehicle deceleration or acceleration, e.g. in a side impact

Rregardless of whether the front-passenger

seat is occupied

Rindependently of seat belt use

Rif the vehicle overturns and the system determines that window curtain air bag deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt

Rindependently of the front air bags Window curtain air bags : will not deploy in impacts with deceleration rates which do not exceed the system's preset deployment thresholds for vehicle deceleration or

acceleration. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belt.

Occupant Classification System

(OCS)

How the occupant classification

system works

The Occupant Classification System (OCS) categorizes the occupant on the front- passenger seat by means of a weight sensor. The front-passenger front air bag is deactivated automatically for certain weight categories. The 45 indicator lamp shows you the current status. If the 45 indicator lamp is illuminated, the front-passenger front air bag is deactivated.

The system does not deactivate:

Rthe side impact air bag

Rthe window curtain air bag

Rthe Emergency Tensioning Devices

To be classified correctly, the front passenger must sit:

Rwith the seat belt fastened correctly

Rin a position that is as upright as possible with their back against the seat backrest

Rwith their feet on the floor

If the front-passenger's weight is transferred to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by leaning on armrests), OCS may not be able to approximate the occupant's weight category.

If the front-passenger seat, the seat cover or the seat cushion are damaged, have the necessary repair work carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use seat accessories which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz.

Both the driver and the passenger should always use the 45 indicator lamp as an indication of whether or not the passenger is properly positioned.

G WARNING If the 45 indicator lamp illuminates when an adult or someone larger than a small individual is in the front passenger seat, have the front passenger reposition himself or herself in the seat until the 45
indicator lamp goes out.

In the event of a collision, the air bag control unit will not allow front passenger front air bag deployment when the OCS has classified the front passenger seat occupant as weighing as much as or less than a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or if the front passenger seat is classified as being empty.

When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat occupant is classified as being up to or less than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint, the 45 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illuminated. This indicates that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.

When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat is classified as being empty, the 45 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illuminated. This indicates that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.

When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat occupant is classified as being heavier than the weight of a typical 12- month-old child seated in a standard child restraint or as being a small individual (such as a young teenager or a small adult), the 45 indicator lamp will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds when the engine is started. Depending on occupant weight sensor readings from the seat, it will then remain illuminated or go out. With the 45 indicator lamp illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. With the 45 indicator lamp out, the front passenger front air bag is activated.

When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat occupant is classified as an adult or someone larger than a small

Occupant safety

45

individual, the 45 indicator lamp will illuminate for approximately six seconds when the engine is started and then go out. This indicates that the front passenger front air bag is activated. If the45 indicator lamp is illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated and will not be deployed. If the 45 indicator lamp is not illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is activated and will be deployed

Rin the event of certain frontal impacts

Rif the impact exceeds a predetermined

triggering threshold

Rindependent of the side impact air bag or

pelvis air bag

If the front passenger front air bag is deployed, the rate of inflation will be influenced by

Rthe rate of vehicle deceleration as assessed

by the air bag control unit

Rthe front passenger's weight category as

identified by the OCS

For further information, see "Air bag display messages" (Y page 249).

G WARNING According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained on the rear seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.

The infant or child restraint must be properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt, the seat belt and Top Tether strap, or lower anchors and Top Tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer's instructions.

A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front-passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front-passenger front air bag inflates.

RIf you place a child in a forward-facing child

restraint on the front-passenger seat:

- move the seat as far back as possible

- use the proper child restraint

recommended for the age, size and weight of the child

- secure child restraint with the vehicle's

seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions

RFor children larger than the typical 12-

month-old child, the front-passenger front air bag may or may not be activated.

If the driver's air bag deploys, this does not mean that the front-passenger front air bag also has to deploy.

The OCS may have detected that the seat:

Rwas empty or occupied by a person with a weight of up to or less than that of a typical 12-month-old child seated in a standard child restraint

Rwas occupied by a small individual, such as

a young teenager or a small adult

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

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

46 Occupant safety

Occupants, especially children, should always sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt properly and use an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.

Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following important information when circumstances require you to place a child in the front- passenger seat:

RYour vehicle is equipped with air bag

technology designed to deactivate the front-passenger front air bag in your vehicle when the system senses the weight of a typical 12-month-old child or less along with the weight of a standard appropriate child restraint on the front-passenger seat.

RA child in a rear-facing child restraint on the

front-passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front-passenger front air bag inflates in a collision which could occur under some circumstances, even with the air bag technology installed in your vehicle. The only means to eliminate this risk completely is never to place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front- passenger seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint on the rear seat.

RIf you install a rear-facing child restraint on

the front-passenger seat, make sure the 45 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front-passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 45
indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 45 indicator lamp while driving to make sure that the 45 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 45
indicator lamp goes out or remains out, do not transport a child on the front-passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

If the SmartKey has been removed from the ignition lock or is in position 0, indicator lamp 45: does not light up.

G WARNING If the red 6 SRS warning lamp in the instrument cluster and the 45
indicator lamp light up simultaneously, the OCS is malfunctioning. The front passenger front air bag will be deactivated in this case. Have the system checked by qualified technicians as soon as possible. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Only have the seat repaired or replaced at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

In order to ensure proper operation of the air bag system and OCS:

RSit with the seat belt properly fastened in a position that is as upright as possible with your back against the seat backrest.

RWhen seated, a passenger should not

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

RRead and observe all warnings in this

chapter.

System self-test

If an adult occupant is properly sitting on the passenger seat and the OCS classifies the occupant as an adult, the45 indicator lamp illuminates and goes out again after approximately 6 seconds.

If the seat is not occupied and the OCS classifies the front passenger seat as being unoccupied, the 45 indicator lamp will illuminate and not go out.

G WARNING If the 4 5indic ator lamp does not illuminate, the system is not functioning. You must contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Occupant safety

47

Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat.

For more information, see "Problems with the Occupant Classification System" (Y page 48).

G WARNING Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. a pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness of the OCS. The underside and rear side child restraint system must be placed entirely on the seat cushion and the backrest of the front-passenger seat backrest.

If necessary, adjust the tilt of the passenger seat backrest.

An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of an accident, instead of increasing protection for the child.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation of child restraint systems.

48 Occupant safety

Problems with the occupant classification system

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

The OCS is malfunctioning.

X Have the OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Center.

X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction

display (Y page 249).

The 45
indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated.

The person on the front-passenger seat:

Rhas the weight of a

typical adult

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

G WARNING If the 45 indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated when the weight of a typical adult or someone larger than a small individual has been detected on the passenger seat, do not allow any occupant to use the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

The 45
indicator lamp does not illuminate and/or does not remain illuminated.

The front-passenger seat is:

Runoccupied

Roccupied with a

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

The OCS is malfunctioning.

X Make sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the

child seat.

X Check the installation of the child restraint system.

X Make sure that no objects are applying additional weight onto

the seat.

X If the 45 indicator lamp does not illuminate, have the OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center. Do not transport a child on the front-passenger seat as long as the OCS is not functioning.