2012 Mercedes-benz M Class Owners Manual

X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction

display (Y page 249).

G WARNING If the 45 indicator lamp does not illuminate or remains out with the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or less, or is unoccupied, on the front-passenger seat, do not transport a child on the front-passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

PRE-SAFE® (preventative occupant protection)

G WARNING The PRE-SAFE® system reduces the impact of an accident on vehicle occupants, as long as their seat belts have been fastened correctly. Although your vehicle is equipped with a PRE- SAFE® system, the possibility of injury in the event of an accident cannot be ruled out. You should therefore always drive carefully and adapt your driving style to the prevailing road, weather and traffic conditions.

PRE-SAFE® takes preemptive measures to protect occupants in certain hazardous situations.

PRE-SAFE® intervenes:

Rin emergency braking situations, e.g. if BAS is activated or, in vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS, BAS PLUS intervenes powerfully

Rif the radar sensor system detects an imminent danger of collision in certain situations (on vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS)

Rin critical driving situations, e.g. when

physical limits are exceed and the vehicle understeers or oversteers severely

PRE-SAFE® takes the following measures depending on the hazardous situation detected:

Rthe front seat belts are pre-tensioned.

Ron vehicles with memory function for the front-passenger seat: the front-passenger seat is adjusted if it is in an unfavorable position.

Rif the vehicle skids, the sliding sunroof/

panorama roof with power tilt/sliding panel and the side windows are closed so that only a small gap remains.

If the sliding sunroof, panorama roof with power tilt/sliding panel or a side window is obstructed during closing, the closing procedure is stopped. The obstructed sliding sunroof, panorama roof with power tilt/

Occupant safety

49

sliding panel or side window opens again slightly.

If the hazardous situation passes without resulting in an accident, PRE-SAFE® slackens the belt pretensioning. All settings made by PRE-SAFE® can then be reversed.

If the seat belts are not released:

X Move the backrest or seat back slightly, but

only when the vehicle is stationary. The belt pretensioning is reduced and the locking mechanism is released.

G WARNING Make sure that nobody can become trapped as you adjust the seat.

! Make sure that there are no objects in the footwell or behind the seats when resetting the seats. There is a risk that the seats and/or the objects could be damaged.

More information about seat-belt adjustment, a convenience function integrated into PRE-SAFE®, can be found in the "Seat-belt adjustment" section (Y page 52).

Seat belts

Important safety notes

The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in all 50
states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all Canadian provinces.

Even where this is not the case, all vehicle occupants should have their seat belts fastened when the vehicle is in motion.

i For further information on infants and children traveling in the vehicle and on infant and child restraint systems, see "Children in the vehicle" (Y page 54).

G WARNING Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure all of your passengers are

50 Occupant safety

properly restrained. You and your passengers should always wear seat belts.

Failure to wear and properly fasten and position your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injuries and their likely severity in an accident.

If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be considerably more severe without your seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled, you are much more likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed.

In the same crash, the possibility of injury or death is lessened if you are properly wearing your seat belt. The air bags can only protect as intended if the occupants are properly wearing their seat belts.

G WARNING Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat backrest in an excessively reclined position as this can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the seat belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint when the wearer is in a position that is as upright as possible and the seat belt is properly positioned on the body.

G WARNING Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seat belts available. Make sure everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a separate seat belt. Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time.

G WARNING Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have been subjected to stress in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked.

Only use seat belts which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz.

Do not make any modifications to the seat belts. This can lead to unintended activation of the ETDs or to their failure to activate when necessary.

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

Have all work carried out only by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Correct use of the seat belts

G WARNING USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY

RSeat belts can only work when used

properly. Never wear seat belts in any other way than as described in this section, as that could result in serious injuries in the event of an accident.

REach occupant should wear their seat belt at all times, because seat belts help reduce the likelihood of and potential severity of injuries in accidents, including rollovers. The integrated restraint system includes SRS (driver front air bag, driver's side knee bag, front-passenger front air bag, side impact air bags, window curtain air bags for the side windows), Emergency Tensioning Devices, seat belt force limiters, and front seat knee bolsters.

The system is designed to enhance the protection offered to properly belted occupants in certain frontal (front air bags, driver's side knee bag and ETDs) and side (side impact air bags, window curtain air bags, and ETDs) impacts which exceed preset deployment thresholds and in certain rollovers (window curtain air bags and ETDs).

RNever wear the shoulder belt under your

arm, across your neck or off your shoulder. In a frontal crash, your body would move too far forward. That would increase the chance of head and neck injuries. The seat belt would also apply too much force to the

ribs or abdomen, which could severely injure internal organs such as your liver or spleen.

Adjust the seat belt so that the shoulder section is located as close as possible to the middle of the shoulder. It should not touch the neck. Never pass the shoulder portion of the seat belt under your arm. For this purpose, you can adjust the height of the seat belt outlet.

RPosition the lap belt as low as possible on your hips and not across the abdomen. If the lap belt is positioned across your abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in a crash.

RNever wear seat belts over rigid or

breakable objects in or on your clothing, such as eyeglasses, pens, keys etc., as these might cause injuries.

RMake sure the seat belt is always fitted

snugly. Take special care of this when wearing loose clothing.

RNever use a seat belt for more than one

person at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt around a person and another person or other objects at the same time.

RSeat belts should not be worn twisted. In a crash, you would not have the full width of the seat belt to distribute impact forces. The twisted seat belt against your body could cause injuries.

RPregnant women should also always use a

lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt portion should be positioned as low as possible on the hips to avoid any possible pressure on the abdomen.

RPlace the seat backrest in a position that is

as upright as possible.

RCheck your seat belt during travel to make

sure it is properly positioned.

RNever place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always

Occupant safety

51

keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

RWhen using a seat belt to secure infant

restraints, toddler restraints, or children in booster seats, always follow the child seat manufacturer's instructions.

G WARNING Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges. They could tear.

Do not allow the seat belt to get caught in the door or in the seat adjustment mechanism. This could damage the seat belt.

Never attempt to make modifications to seat belts. This could impair the effectiveness of the seat belts.

Fastening seat belts

G WARNING According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained on the rear seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seat whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriately sized child restraint system or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. For additional information, see the "Children in the vehicle" section.

A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and/ or the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.

Seat belt adjustment

The seat-belt adjustment function adjusts the driver's and front-passenger seat belt to the upper body of the occupants.

The belt strap is tightened slightly when:

Ryou engage the belt tongue in the belt

buckle and you then turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock.

Rthe SmartKey is in position 2 in the ignition lock and you then engage the belt tongue in the buckle.

The seat-belt adjustment will apply a retraction force if any slack is detected between the occupant and the seat belt. Do not hold on to the seat belt tightly while it is adjusting. You can switch the seat-belt adjustment on and off in the on-board computer (Y page 237).

The seat-belt adjustment is an integral part of the PRE-SAFE® convenience function. More information about PRE-SAFE® can be found in the "PRE-SAFE® (preventative occupant protection)" section (Y page 49).

Belt height adjustment

You can adjust the seat belt height on the driver's seat and the front-passenger seat.

52 Occupant safety

X Adjust the seat and move the backrest to

an almost vertical position (Y page 94).

X Pull the seat belt smoothly through belt

sash guide :.

X Without twisting it, guide the shoulder

section of the seat belt across the middle of your shoulder and the lap section across your hips.

X Engage belt tongue ; in buckle =.

Seat-belt adjustment: if necessary, the driver's and front-passenger seat belts automatically adjust to the upper body (Y page 52).

X If necessary, adjust the seat belt to the

appropriate height (Y page 52).

X If necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder section of the seat belt to tighten the belt across your body.

All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are equipped with a special seat belt retractor to securely fasten child restraint systems in the vehicle. For further information on special seat belt retractors, see (Y page 56).

For more information about releasing the seat belt with release button ?, see "Releasing seat belts" (Y page 53).

Adjust the height so that the upper part of the seat belt is routed across the center of your shoulder.

Occupant safety

53

X To raise: slide the belt sash guide upwards.

The belt sash guide engages in various positions.

X To lower: press and hold belt sash guide

If the driver or front passenger have not fastened their seat belt after 6 seconds and the doors are closed, the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up.

release :.

X Slide the belt sash guide downwards. X Release belt sash guide release : and make sure that the belt sash guide has engaged.

Releasing seat belts

X Press release button ?(Y page 51) and guide belt tongue ; back towards belt sash guide :.

! Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue will be trapped in the door or in the seat mechanism. This could damage the door, the door trim panel and the seat belt. Damaged seat belts can no longer fulfill their protective function and must be replaced. Consult an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center.

Belt warning for the driver and front

passenger

Regardless of whether the driver and front passenger have fastened their seat belts already, the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up for 6 seconds after every engine start. It then goes out if the driver and the front passenger have fastened their seat belts.

If the driver's seat belt is not fastened after the engine is started, an additional warning tone will sound. The warning tone goes out after approximately six seconds or once the driver's seat belt is fastened.

Runtil the driver or the front passenger have

fastened their seat belts

Rif a vehicle speed of 15 mph(25 km/h) is

exceeded once, a warning tone with increasing intensity sounds additionally for a maximum of 60 seconds or until the driver or front passenger have fastened their seat belts.

If the driver or front passenger undo their seat belts during the journey, the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up and the warning tone sounds again.

The warning tone ceases even if the driver or front passenger have still not fastened their seat belt after 60 seconds. The7 seat belt warning lamp stops flashing but continues to be lit.

Once the vehicle is stationary, the warning tone is reactivated and the 7 seat belt warning lamp starts to flash again if the vehicle speed exceeds 15 mph(25 km/h) once. The 7 seat belt warning lamp only goes out if:

Rboth the driver and the front passenger

have fastened their seat belts.

or

Rthe vehicle is stationary and a door is open.

i For more information on the 7 seat

belt warning lamp, see "Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster, seat belt" (Y page 269).

Emergency Tensioning Devices, belt

force limiters

The front seat belts and the outer seat belts in the rear are equipped with ETDs and seat belt force limiters.

The ETDs on the driver's and front-passenger seat consist of pyrotechnic belt buckle

54

Children in the vehicle

tensioners and belt anchor fitting tensioners that are triggered together. The belt buckle tensioner is mounted on the B-pillar and the belt anchor fitting is mounted on the side of the seat. Always have both tensioners replaced after they have been triggered.

The ETDs tighten the seat belts in an accident, pulling them close against the body.

The ETDs do not correct incorrect seat positions or incorrectly fastened seat belts.

The ETDs do not pull vehicle occupants back towards the backrest.

Seat belt force limiters, when triggered, help to reduce the peak force exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle occupant.

The seat belt force limiters for the front seats are synchronized with the front air bags. These take on a part of the deceleration force. Thus, the force exerted on the occupant is distributed over a greater area.

The ETDs can only be activated when:

Rthe ignition is switched on.

Rthe restraint systems are operational; see

"SRS warning lamp" (Y page 38).

Rthe belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on each of the lap-shoulder belts in the front.

Rthe front-passenger seat is occupied and

the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on the front-passenger side.

The ETDs on the outside seats in the rear compartment are triggered independently of the lock status of the seat belts.

The ETDs are triggered depending on the type and severity of an accident:

Rif, in the event of a head-on or rear-end

collision, the vehicle decelerates or accelerates rapidly in a longitudinal direction during the initial stages of the impact

Rif, in the event of a side impact, on the side

opposite the impact the vehicle

decelerates or accelerates rapidly in a lateral direction

Rif, in certain situations where the vehicle overturns, the system determines that it can provide additional protection

If the air bags are deployed, you will hear a bang, and a small amount of powder may also be released. Only in rare cases will the bang affect your hearing. The powder that is released generally does not constitute a health hazard. The 6 SRS warning lamp lights up.

G WARNING Pyrotechnic Emergency Tensioning Devices that have been deployed must be renewed.

For your safety, when disposing of Emergency Tensioning Devices, always observe the safety instructions. These are available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

The PRE-SAFE® system has electrically operated reversible pre-tensioners that do not require replacement after activation.

! If the front-passenger seat is not

occupied, do not engage the seat belt tongue in the buckle on the front- passenger seat. Otherwise, the Emergency Tensioning Device could be triggered in the event of an accident.

Children in the vehicle

Child restraint systems

Important safety notes

We recommend that all infants and children be properly secured in an infant or child restraint system at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in all 50
states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all Canadian provinces.

Infants and children must always be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system

recommended for the size and weight of the child. The infant or child restraint system must be properly secured in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. All infant or child restraint systems must meet U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213
and 225 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 210.2.

An information label on the child restraint system indicates whether it meets these standards. This information is also provided in the installation instructions supplied with the child restraint system.

Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions when using an infant or child restraint system or booster seat.

Observe all warning signs in the vehicle interior and on the infant or child restraint.

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

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

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

Children in the vehicle

55

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

RYour vehicle is equipped with air bag

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

RFor children larger than the typical

12-month-old child, the front passenger front air bag may or may not be activated. Always make sure the 4 5indicat or lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.

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 completely eliminate this risk is to never place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in a backseat.

RIf you must install a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat because circumstances require you to do so, make sure the 4 5indic ator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 4 5indic ator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the45indicat or lamp while driving to make sure the 4
5 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 4 5indic ator lamp goes out or remains out, do not transport a child on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

56

Children in the vehicle

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

RIf you have to place a child in a forward-

facing child restraint on the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible, use the proper child restraint recommended for the age, size and weight of the child, and secure child restraint with the vehicle's seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions.

G WARNING Infants and small children should never share a seat belt with another occupant. During an accident, they could be crushed between the occupant and seat belt.

A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and/ or the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.

Children too big for a toddler restraint must ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position the shoulder belt across the chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper seat belt positioning for children over 41 lb (18 kg) until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster.

When the child restraint is not in use, remove it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat belt to prevent the child restraint from becoming a projectile in the event of an accident.

If an infant or child is traveling in the vehicle:

X Secure the infant or child with an

appropriate infant or child restraint recommended for the child's age and weight.

X Make sure that the infant or child is

properly secured at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

G WARNING When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child restraint system, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury. The children could:

Rinjure themselves on parts of the vehicle

Rbe seriously or fatally injured through

excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold

Rinjure themselves or cause an accident with

vehicle equipment that can be operated even if the SmartKey is removed from the ignition lock or removed from the vehicle, such as seat adjustment, steering wheel adjustment, or the memory function

If children open a door, they could injure other persons or get out of the vehicle and injure themselves or be injured by following traffic.

Do not expose the child restraint system to direct sunlight. The child restraint system's metal parts, for example, could become very hot, and the child could be burned on these parts.

G WARNING Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the passenger compartment or trunk unless they are firmly secured in place.

Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo increases a child's risk of injury in the event of

Rstrong braking maneuvers

Rsudden changes of direction

Ran accident

Special seat belt retractor

All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are equipped with a special seat belt retractor. When activated, the special seat belt

retractor ensures the seat belt will not slacken once the child restraint system has been secured.

Installing a child restraint system:

X Always comply with the manufacturer's

installation instructions.

X Pull the seat belt smoothly from the inertia

reel.

X Engage the seat belt tongue in the belt

buckle.

Activating the special seat belt retractor:

X Pull the seat belt out fully and let the inertia

reel retract it again. While the seat belt is retracting, you should hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat belt retractor is enabled.

X Push down on the child restraint system to

take up any slack.

Removing a child restraint system/ deactivating the special seat belt retractor:

X Always comply with the manufacturer's

installation instructions.

X Press the seat belt release button and

guide the belt tongue to the belt outlet. The special seat belt retractor is deactivated.

G WARNING Never release the seat belt buckle while the vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will be deactivated.

LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat anchors

in the rear

G WARNING Children that are too large for a child restraint must travel in seats using normal seat belts. Position shoulder belt across the chest and shoulder, not face or neck.

Children in the vehicle

57

seat belt lies properly across their bodies without the need for a booster seat.

Install the child restraint system according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The child restraint system must be installed firmly on both brackets.

An incorrectly installed child restraint system can come loose in the event of an accident, causing the child to be severely or fatally injured.

Child restraint systems/child restraint retaining brackets that are damaged or have suffered damage due to an impact must be replaced.

LATCH-type (ISOFIX) is a standardized securing system for specially designed child restraint systems on the rear seats. Securing rings for two LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint systems are installed on the left and right of the rear seats.

Secure non LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint systems using the vehicle's seat belt system. Always install child restraint systems according to the manufacturer's instructions.

! When installing the child restraint system, make sure that the seat belt for the center seat does not get trapped. Otherwise, the seat belt could be damaged.

: Securing rings

In order to attain the correct seating position for children weighing over 41 lb (18 kg), it may be necessary to use a booster seat until they reach a height where a normal lap/shoulder

X Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child

restraint system. Comply with the manufacturer's instructions when doing so.

58

Children in the vehicle

Top Tether

G WARNING Always lock the rear seat backrests in their upright position when the rear seats are occupied by passengers. Lock the rear seat backrests in their upright position before installing the Top Tether straps or when the cargo compartment is not in use. Make sure that rear seat backrests are secured properly by pushing and pulling on the seat backrests. If the seat backrest is not locked properly, the seat backrest could fold forward. The child restraint system is no longer supported properly or held in position and can no longer fulfill its function. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries.

Top Tether provides an additional connection between the child restraint system secured with ISOFIX and the rear seat. It helps reduce the risk of injury even further.

The Top Tether anchorages are located on the rear side of the rear seat backrests.

X Move head restraint = upwards.

X Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child

restraint system with Top Tether. Comply with the manufacturer's installation instructions when doing so.

X Route Top Tether belt B under head

restraint = between the two head restraint bars.

X Route Top Tether belt B downward

between cargo compartment cover : and rear seat backrest ;.

X Hook Top Tether hook A of Top Tether belt

B into Top Tether anchorage ?.

Ensure that:

RTop Tether hook A is hooked into Top

Tether anchorage ? as shown.

RTop Tether belt B is not twisted. RTop Tether belt B is routed between rear

seat backrest ; and cargo

compartment cover : if cargo compartment cover : is installed.

RTop Tether belt B is routed between rear seat backrest ; and the cargo net if the cargo net is installed.

X Tension Top Tether belt B. Comply with

the manufacturer's installation instructions when doing so.

X Move head restraint = back down again

slightly if necessary (Y page 97). Make sure that you do not interfere with the correct routing of Top Tether belt B.

Child-proof locks

Important safety notes

G WARNING When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child restraint system, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury. The children could:

Rinjure themselves on parts of the vehicle

Rbe seriously or fatally injured through

excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold

Rinjure themselves or cause an accident with

vehicle equipment that can be operated even if the SmartKey is removed from the ignition lock or removed from the vehicle, such as seat adjustment, steering wheel adjustment, or the memory function

If children open a door, they could injure other persons or get out of the vehicle and injure themselves or be injured by following traffic.

Do not expose the child restraint system to direct sunlight. The child restraint system's metal parts, for example, could become very hot, and the child could be burned on these parts.

Children in the vehicle

59

Child-proof locks for the rear doors

G WARNING Children could open a rear door from inside the vehicle. This could result in serious injuries or an accident. Therefore, when children ride in the rear always secure the rear doors with the child-proof locks.

You secure each door individually with the child-proof locks on the rear doors. A door secured with a child-proof lock cannot be opened from inside the vehicle. When the vehicle is unlocked, the door can be opened from the outside.

X To activate: press the child-proof lock

lever up in the direction of arrow :.

X Make sure that the child-proof locks are

working properly.

X To deactivate: press the child-proof lock

lever down in the direction of arrow ;.

Override feature for the rear side

windows

G WARNING When children ride on the vehicle's rear seats, activate the override switch. Otherwise, the children could be injured, e.g. by trapping themselves in the rear side window.

60 Driving safety systems

X To activate/deactivate: press button :. If indicator lamp ; is lit, operation of the rear side windows is deactivated. Operation is only possible using the switches in the driver's door. If indicator lamp ; is off, operation is possible using the switches in the rear compartment.

Panic alarm

i USA only:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. 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.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

The product label with FCC ID and IC certification number can be found in the battery case of the SmartKey.

i Canada only:

This device complies with RSS-Gen of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference, and

2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

The product label with FCC ID and IC certification number can be found in the battery case of the SmartKey.

X To activate: press ! button : for at

least one second. An alarm sounds and the exterior lighting flashes.

X To deactivate: press ! button :

again.

or

X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.

or

Driving safety systems

Driving safety systems overview

In this section, you will find information about the following driving safety systems:

RABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

RBAS (Brake Assist System)

RBAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus*)

X Press the KEYLESS-GO Start/Stop button.

RESP® (Electronic Stability Program)

The KEYLESS-GO key must be in the vehicle.

REBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution)

RADAPTIVE BRAKE

RPRE-SAFE® Brake

RSteering assistant STEER CONTROL

Important safety notes

If you fail to adapt your driving style, the driving safety systems can neither reduce the risk of accident nor override the laws of physics. Driving safety systems are merely aids designed to assist driving. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed and for braking in good time. Always adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing road/weather conditions, as well as the traffic conditions and maintain a safe distance to the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.

i Please note that the driving safety

systems described only work as effectively as possible when there is adequate contact between the tires and the road surface. Pay particular attention to the information regarding tires, recommended minimum tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and tires" section (Y page 350).

In wintry driving conditions, always use winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow chains. Only in this way will the driving safety systems described in this section work as effectively as possible.

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Important safety notes

i Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Ypage 61).

ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way that the wheels do not lock when you brake. This allows you to continue steering the vehicle when braking.

ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road- surface conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, even when you only brake gently.

Driving safety systems

61

G WARNING If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems such as the BAS or the ESP® are also switched off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that may come on as well as messages in the multifunction display that may appear.

If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing the steering capability and extending the braking distance.

The ! warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is switched on. It goes out when the engine is running.

Braking

If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel a pulsing in the brake pedal.

X If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the

brake pedal with force until the braking situation is over.

X To make a full brake application:

depress the brake pedal with full force.

The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions, and functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.

G WARNING Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS and significantly reduces braking effectiveness.

BAS (Brake Assist System)

i Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 61).

BAS operates in emergency braking situations. If you depress the brake pedal quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking force, thus shortening the stopping distance.

X Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until

the emergency braking situation is over. ABS prevents the wheels from locking.

62 Driving safety systems

The brakes will function as usual once you release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.

automatically increase the braking force to a level suitable for the traffic conditions.

G WARNING If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still functions, but without the additional brake boost available that the BAS would normally provide in an emergency braking maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance may increase.

BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus)

BAS PLUS is only available in vehicles equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS.

i Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Ypage 61).

At speeds above approximately 20 mph (30 km/h), BAS PLUS assists you when braking in hazardous situations and uses the radar sensor system to evaluate the traffic conditions.

i This device has been approved by the FCC

as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar sensor system is intended for use in an automotive radar system only. Removing, altering or tampering with 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.

With the help of the radar sensor system, BAS PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the path of your vehicle for an extended period of time.

At speeds up to approximately 40 mph (70 km/h), BAS PLUS can also detect stationary obstacles, for example stopped or parked vehicles.

Should you approach an obstacle and BAS PLUS has detected a risk of collision, BAS PLUS calculates the braking force necessary to avoid a rear-end collision. Should you apply the brakes forcefully, BAS PLUS can

X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the

emergency braking situation is over. ABS prevents the wheels from locking.

The brakes will work normally again if:

Ryou release the brake pedal.

Rthere is no longer any danger of area r-end

collision.

Rno obstacle is detected in front of your

vehicle.

BAS PLUS is then deactivated. If you have activated DSR (Y page 208), BAS PLUS is likewise deactivated.

For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the radar sensor system must be switched on and operational, see "Radar sensor system" in the index.

G WARNING BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify objects and complex traffic situations. BAS PLUS cannot intervene in these cases.

There is a risk of an accident. Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.

In particular, the detection of obstacles can be impaired if there is:

Rdirt on the sensors or anything else

covering the sensors

Rsnow or heavy rain

Rinterference by other radar sources

Rthe possibility of strong radar reflections,

for example in parking garages

Ra narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a

motorbike

Ra vehicle traveling in front on adi fferent line

G WARNING BAS PLUS does not react:

Rto people or animals

Rto oncoming vehicles

Rto crossing traffic

Rin curves

As a result, BAS PLUS cannot intervene in critical situations. There is a risk of an accident. Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.

Following damage to the front end of the vehicle, have the configuration and operation of the radar sensors checked at a qualified specialist workshop. This also applies to collisions at low speeds where there is no visible damage to the front of the vehicle.

If BAS PLUS is not available due to a malfunction in the radar sensor system, the brake system remains available with full brake boosting effect and BAS.

ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)

Important safety notes

i See the "Important safety notes" section

(Y page 61).

If ESP® detects that the vehicle is deviating from the direction desired by the driver, one or more wheels are braked to stabilize the vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also modified to keep the vehicle on the desired course within physical limits. ESP® assists the driver when pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP® can also stabilize the vehicle during braking. If ESP® intervenes, the ÷ ESP® warning lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.

Driving safety systems

63

G WARNING Under no circumstances should you deactivate ESP® when the ÷ ESP® warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. Proceed as follows:

Rwhen driving off, apply as little throttle as

possible.

Rwhile driving, ease up on the accelerator

pedal.

Radapt your speed to suit the prevailing road

and weather conditions.

Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid. ESP® cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed.

! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum

of ten seconds on a brake test dynamometer. Switch off the ignition.

Application of the brakes by ESP® may otherwise destroy the brake system.

! Function or performance tests may only be performed on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you wish to operate the vehicle on such a dynamometer, please consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center beforehand. You could otherwise damage the drive train or the brake system.

i Only use wheels with the recommended

tire sizes. Only then will ESP® function properly.

4ETS (Electronic Traction System)

i Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 61).

Traction control is part of ESP®.

Traction control brakes the drive wheels individually if they spin. This enables you to pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for example if the road surface is slippery on one side. In addition, more drive torque is transferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.

64 Driving safety systems

Traction control remains active if you deactivate ESP®.

G WARNING Traction control cannot reduce the risk of an accident if you drive too fast. Traction control cannot override the laws of physics.

Deactivating/activating ESP®

i Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Ypage 61).

G WARNING ESP® should not be deactivated during normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling the system will reduce vehicle stability in driving maneuvers.

Do not deactivate ESP® when the emergency or spare wheel is mounted.

ESP® is activated automatically when the engine is started.

It may be best to deactivate ESP® in the following situations:

Rwhen using snow chains

Rin deep snow

Ron sand or gravel

G WARNING Switch on ESP® immediately if one of the previously stated conditions is no longer met. Otherwise, ESP® cannot stabilize the vehicle if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.

When you deactivate ESP®:

RESP® no longer improves driving stability.

Rthe engine's torque is no longer limited and the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of the wheels results in a cutting action, which provides better grip.

Rtraction control is still activated.

RESP® still provides support when you

brake.

If ESP® is deactivated and one or more wheels start to spin, the ÷ ESP® warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. In such situations, ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle.

X To deactivate: press button :.

The å ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.

G WARNING When the å ESP® OFF warning lamp is lit, ESP® is deactivated.

If the ÷ ESP® warning lamp and the å ESP® OFF warning lamp remain lit, ESP® is not available due to a malfunction.

When ESP® is deactivated or not operational, vehicle stability in standard driving maneuvers is reduced.

Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions and to the non-operating status of the ESP®.

! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an extended period with ESP® deactivated. You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.

X To activate: press button :.

The å ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.

ESP® trailer stabilization

If your vehicle with trailer (vehicle/trailer combination) begins to lurch, you can only stabilize the vehicle/trailer combination by depressing the brake firmly.

In this situation, ESP® assists you and can detect if the vehicle/trailer combination begins to lurch. ESP® slows the vehicle down by braking and limiting the engine output until the vehicle/trailer combination has stabilized.

Trailer stabilization is active from a speed of approximately 37 mph(60 km/h).

G WARNING The system will not be able to assist when the trailer jackknifes

Rif the ESP® has switched off due to a

malfunction

Ron wet or icy roads

Driving safety systems

65

X Observe the notes on warning and indicator

lamps (Y page 272) as well as display messages (Y page 241).

ADAPTIVE BRAKE

ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety and offers increased braking comfort. In addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE BRAKE also has the HOLD function (Y page 179) and hill start assist (Y page 142). For further information, see Driving tips (Y page 159).

Ron roads with slippery surface

PRE-SAFE® Brake

Rin sand or gravel

Trailers with a high center of gravity may tip over before the system recognizes swaying of the trailer.

Trailer stabilization does not work if ESP® is deactivated or disabled because of a malfunction.

EBD (electronic brake force

distribution)

i Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 61).

EBD monitors and controls the brake pressure on the rear wheels to improve driving stability while braking.

G WARNING If EBD has malfunctioned, the braking system remains available with full brake boosting effect. However, the rear wheels can still lock, e.g. under full braking. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and cause an accident. You should therefore adapt your driving style to the different handling characteristics.

PRE-SAFE® Brake is only available in vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS.

i Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 61).

PRE-SAFE® Brake can help you to minimize the risk of a frontal collision with a vehicle ahead or reduce the effects of such a collision. If PRE-SAFE® Brake has detected a risk of collision, you will be warned visually and acoustically as well as by automatic braking. PRE-SAFE® Brake cannot prevent a collision without your intervention.

At speeds above approximately 20 mph (30 km/h), this function warns you when you are rapidly approaching the vehicle in front. An intermittent warning tone will then sound and the · distance warning lamp in the instrument cluster will light up.

X Brake immediately in order to increase the

distance from the vehicle in front.

or

X Take evasive action provided it is safe to do

so.

66 Driving safety systems

At speeds of above approximately 20 mph (30 km/h), if the driver and front passenger have fastened their seat belts, PRE-SAFE® Brake can:

Rbrake the vehicle automatically at speeds up to approximately 124 mph (200 km/h)

Rtrigger preventative occupant protection

measures (PRE-SAFE®) (Y page 49)

Due to the nature of the system, particularly complicated driving conditions may cause unnecessary warnings or the unnecessary intervention of PRE-SAFE® Brake. To stop the braking action, you can either depress the accelerator pedal further, activate kickdown or release the brake pedal.

The braking action of PRE-SAFE® Brake is ended automatically if:

Ryour speed drops below approximately

9 mph (15 km/h).

Ryou maneuver to avoid the obstacle.

Rthere is no longer any danger of area r-end

collision.

Rthere is no longer an obstacle detected in

front of your vehicle.

If you have activated DSR (Y page 208), PRE- SAFE® Brake is deactivated.

i USA only: this device has been approved by the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar sensor system is intended for use in an automotive radar system only. Removing, altering or tampering with 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 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.

With the help of the radar sensor system, PRE-SAFE® Brake can detect obstacles that are in front of your vehicle for an extended period of time.

At speeds up to approximately 40 mph (70 km/h), PRE-SAFE® Brake can also react to stationary obstacles, for example stopped or parked vehicles.

If you approach an obstacle and PRE-SAFE® Brake detects a risk of collision, the system will initially alert you both visually and acoustically. If you do not brake or take evasive action, the system will warn you by automatically braking the vehicle gently. If there is an increased risk of collision, preventative passenger protection measures (PRE-SAFE®) are activated (Y page 49). If the risk of collision remains and you do not brake, take evasive action or accelerate significantly, the vehicle may perform automatic emergency braking. Automatic emergency braking is not performed until immediately prior to an accident that can no longer be avoided.

G WARNING Even if PRE-SAFE® Brake slows the vehicle before an imminent rear-end collision, the system cannot avert a collision without the intervention of the driver. There is a risk of an accident. Brake according to the situation or take evasive action. Delayed intervention by the driver can lead to an accident.

G WARNING PRE-SAFE® Brake cannot always detect complex traffic situations properly.

In these cases, PRE-SAFE(R) Brake may:

Rgive an unnecessary warning and then

brake the vehicle

Rneither give a warning nor intervene

There is a risk of an accident. Always pay particular attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake, especially if PRE-SAFE(R) Brake warns you. Terminate the intervention in a non-critical driving situation.

In particular, the detection of obstacles can be impaired if there is:

Rdirt on the sensors or anything else

covering the sensors

Rsnow or heavy rain

Rinterference by other radar sources

Rthe possibility of strong radar reflections,

Driving safety systems

67

X To activate/deactivate: activate or

deactivate PRE-SAFE® Brake in the on- board computer (Y page 232). The Ä symbol appears in the multifunction display as long as the HOLD function is not activated (Y page 179).

On vehicles with Active Parking Assist, the Ä symbol is displayed when transmission position P is selected or if you drive faster than 22 mph(35 km/h).

For PRE-SAFE® Brake to assist you when driving, the radar sensor system must be switched on (Y page 236) and operational.

Following damage to the front end of the vehicle, have the configuration and operation of the radar sensors checked at a qualified specialist workshop. This also applies to collisions at low speeds where there is no visible damage to the front of the vehicle.

for example in parking garages

STEER CONTROL

Ra narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a

motorbike

Ra vehicle traveling in front on a different line

G WARNING PRE-SAFE® Brake does not react:

Rto people or animals

Rto oncoming vehicles

Rto crossing traffic

Rin curves

As a result, PRE-SAFE® Brake cannot intervene in critical situations. There is a risk of an accident. Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.

In order to maintain the appropriate distance to the vehicle in front and thus prevent a collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.

The steering assistant STEER CONTROL helps you by transmitting a noticeable steering force to the steering wheel in the direction required for vehicle stabilization.

This steering assistance is provided in particular if:

Rboth right wheels or both left wheels are on

a wet or slippery road surface when you brake

Rthe vehicle starts to skid

You have control over the steering at all times.

G WARNING If the ESP® is malfunctioning, you will not receive steering assistance from the STEER CONTROL. The power steering function, however, remains available.

68

Theft deterrent locking systems

Theft deterrent locking systems

i If the alarm stays on for more than 30

Immobilizer

The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from being started without the correct SmartKey.

When leaving the vehicle, always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The engine can be started by anyone with a valid SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.

seconds, the emergency call system mbrace (USA only) or TELE AID (Canada only) initiates a call to the Customer Assistance Center automatically. The emergency call system initiates the call provided that:

Ryou have subscribed to the mbrace/

TELE AID service.

X To activate with the SmartKey: remove

Rthe mbrace/TELE AID service has been

the SmartKey from the ignition lock.

activated properly.

X To activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the

ignition off and open the driver's door.

X To deactivate: switch on the ignition.

i The immobilizer is always deactivated

when you start the engine.

In the event that the engine cannot be started when the starter battery is fully charged, the immobilizer may be faulty. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).

ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)

A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the alarm system is armed and you open:

Ra door

Rthe vehicle with the mechanical key

Rthe tailgate

Rthe hood

The alarm is not switched off, even if you close the open door that has triggered it, for example.

Rthe required mobile phone, power supply

and GPS are available.

X To arm: lock the vehicle with the SmartKey

or KEYLESS-GO. Indicator lamp : flashes. The alarm system is armed after approximately 15
seconds.

X To deactivate: unlock the vehicle with the

SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO.

X To stop the alarm using the SmartKey: insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. The alarm is switched off.

or X Press the % or & button on the

SmartKey. The alarm is switched off.

X To stop the alarm using KEYLESS-GO:

grasp the outside door handle. The SmartKey must be outside the vehicle. The alarm is switched off.

or

X Press the Start/Stop button on the

dashboard. The SmartKey must be inside the vehicle. The alarm is switched off.

Theft deterrent locking systems

69

70

Useful information .............................. 72

SmartKey ............................................. 72

Doors .................................................... 78

Cargo compartment ............................ 81

Side windows ...................................... 85

Sliding sunroof .................................... 88

71

72

SmartKey

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).

hot, and a child could be burned on these parts.

G WARNING If a key ring is too heavy or too large, the weight acting on the key could cause it to turn in the ignition lock or catch on the steering wheel. This could cause the engine to be switched off suddenly. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. Do not attach any heavy or large key rings to the key that is inserted in the ignition.

SmartKey

Important safety notes

G WARNING When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unsupervised in the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child restraint system, and do not give them access to an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury. They could:

Rinjure themselves on vehicle parts

Rbe seriously or fatally injured by extreme

heat or cold

Rinjure themselves or have an accident with

vehicle equipment that may still be in operation even after the SmartKey has been removed from the ignition, such as the seat adjustment, steering wheel adjustment or memory function.

If children open a door, they could cause severe or even fatal injury to other persons; if they get out of the vehicle, they could injure themselves when doing so or be seriously or even fatally injured by any passing traffic.

Do not expose the child restraint system to direct sunlight. The child restraint system's metal parts, for example, could become very

General notes

If you cannot lock or unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey, either the battery in the SmartKey is discharged, the SmartKey is faulty or the starter battery is discharged.

X Check the battery in the SmartKey and

replace it if necessary (Y page 76).

X Unlock the driver's door using the

mechanical key (Y page 80).

X Lock the vehicle using the mechanical key

(Y page 80).

X Have the starter battery and the battery

contacts checked at a qualified specialist workshop.

If the SmartKey is faulty, contact Roadside Assistance or a qualified specialist workshop.

SmartKey functions

General notes

i USA only:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. 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.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

When it is dark, the surround lighting also comes on if it is activated in the on-board computer (Y page 235).

SmartKey

73

The Product label with FCC ID and IC certification number can be found in the battery case of the SmartKey.

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 interference, and

2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.