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X The tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.
X Remove unnecessary loads.
X Remove roof racks when they are not
needed.
G WARNING Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and driving are very dangerous combinations. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions and judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident are greatly increased when you drink or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow anyone to drive who has been drinking or taking drugs.
Pedals
G WARNING Make sure absolutely no objects are obstructing the pedals' range of movement. Keep the driver's footwell clear of all obstacles. If there are any floormats or carpets in the footwell, make sure that the pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers, the objects could get caught between the pedals. You could then no longer brake or accelerate. This could lead to accidents and injury.
Rolling with the engine switched off
G WARNING There is no power assistance for the steering and the brake when the engine is not running.
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Steering and braking requires significantly more effort and you could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is in motion.
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.
G WARNING Make sure that you do not endanger other road users when you apply the brakes.
Exhaust check
G WARNING Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a garage) which are not properly ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the vehicle while driving, have the cause determined and corrected immediately. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with at least one window fully open at all times.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep the level of poisonous components in exhaust fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if they are serviced exactly in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. For this reason, all work on the engine should only be carried out by qualified and authorized Mercedes-Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed under any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific service work must be carried out at regular intervals and in accordance with the Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details can be found in the Maintenance Booklet.
Braking
Important safety notes
G WARNING On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must reduce the load on the brakes by shifting early to a lower gear. This allows you to take advantage of the engine braking effect and helps avoid overheating and excessive wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn for some time, e.g. on a slippery road surface. This could cause damage to the drive train. This type of damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads
G WARNING Depressing the brake pedal constantly results in excessive and premature wear to the brake pads.
It may also cause the brakes to overheat, seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may then not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an accident.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but drive on for a short while. This allows the airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
G WARNING After driving in heavy rain for some time without applying the brakes or through water deep enough to wet brake components, the first braking action may be somewhat reduced. You have to depress the brake pedal
332 Driving tips
more firmly. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying attention to the traffic conditions. This will warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly and protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
G WARNING The layer of salt on the brake discs and the brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the braking effect, resulting in a significantly longer braking distance, which could lead to an accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
Roccasionally brake carefully, without
putting other road users at risk, when you are driving on salted roads. This helps to remove any salt that may have started to build up on the brake discs and the brake pads/linings.
Rmaintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
Rcarefully apply the brakes at the end of a trip and immediately after commencing a new trip, so that salt residues are removed from the brake discs.
Servicing the brakes
! If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a warning tone while the engine is running, the brake fluid level may be too low. Observe additional warning messages in the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immediately. This work should be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake system must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. Consult a qualified specialist workshop to arrange this.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
G WARNING If brake pads or brake fluid other than those recommended are used, the braking properties of the vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe braking is substantially impaired. This could result in an accident.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or
performance tests may only be carried out on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you are planning to have the vehicle tested on such a dynamometer, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to obtain further information first. Otherwise, you could damage the drive train or the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine and the ignition must be switched off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock or Start/Stop button in position 0 or 1) when the electric parking brake is being tested on a brake dynamometer.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically by ESP® may seriously damage the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine and the ignition system must be switched off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock or Start/Stop button in position 0 or 1) when:
Rtesting the electric parking brake on a
brake dynamometer.
Ryou intend to have the vehicle towed with
one of the axles raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically by ESP® may seriously damage the brake system.
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If the brake system has only been subject to moderate loads, you should test the functionality of your brakes at regular intervals. To do so, press firmly on the brake pedal when driving at a high speed. This improves the grip of the brake pads.
G WARNING Make sure that you do not endanger other road users when you apply the brakes.
or brake discs, depends on the individual driving style and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a mileage that will be valid under all circumstances. An aggressive driving style will lead to high wear. You can obtain further information about this from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
You can find a description of Brake Assist (BAS) on (Y page 74) or of BAS PLUS on (Y page 74).
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
High-performance brake system for
AMG vehicles
The high-performance brake system is installed only on the S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG.
G WARNING New vehicle brake pads and discs, and replacement brake pads and discs may take several hundred miles of driving until they provide optimum braking efficiency. Until that time, you may need to use increased brake pedal pressure while braking. Please be aware of this and adjust your driving and braking accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive high-demand braking will cause correspondingly high brake wear. Please be attentive to the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster and brake condition messages in the multifunction display. Especially for high performance driving, it is important to maintain and have the brake system checked regularly.
The high-performance brake system is designed for heavy loads. This may lead to noise when braking. This will depend on:
Rspeed
Rbraking force
Renvironmental conditions, such as
temperature and humidity
The wear of individual components of the brake system, such as the brake pads/linings
If water has accumulated to a certain depth on the road surface, there is a danger of hydroplaning occurring, even if:
Ryou drive at low speeds.
Rthe tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in conditions in which hydroplaning can occur, you must drive in the following manner:
Rlower your speed.
Ravoid ruts.
Rbrake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads
! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving through it. Drive slowly through standing water. Otherwise, water may enter the vehicle interior or the engine compartment. This can damage the electronic components in the engine or the automatic transmission. Water can also be drawn in by the engine's air suction nozzles and this can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
Important safety notes
G WARNING If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow, ensure that snow is kept away from the
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exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as long as the engine is running. Otherwise, poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle, resulting in loss of consciousness and even death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open a window slightly on the side of the vehicle not facing the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" section (Y page 500).
Driving with summer tires
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" section (Y page 500).
Slippery road surfaces
G WARNING The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
G WARNING On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position N.
i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see (Y page 501).
G WARNING Make sure that you do not endanger other road users when you apply the brakes.
Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes
Cruise control maintains a constant road speed for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden, you must select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time. By doing so, you will make use of the braking effect of the engine, which relieves the load on the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic conditions make it appropriate to maintain a steady speed for a prolonged period. You can store any road speed above 20 mph (30 km/h).
G WARNING The cruise control is a convenience system designed to assist the driver during vehicle operation. The driver is and must always remain responsible for the vehicle's speed and for safe brake operation.
Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic, and weather conditions make it advisable to travel at a constant speed.
RThe use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not allow safe driving at a constant speed.
RThe use of the cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction can result in wheel spin and loss of control.
RDeactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The "Resume" function should only be operated if the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.
Cruise control lever
: To activate or increase speed
; To activate or reduce speed
= To deactivate cruise control
? To activate at the current speed/last
stored speed
When you activate cruise control, the stored speed is shown in the multifunction display for five seconds. A triangle is also shown in the speedometer. The speedometer dial lights up between the set speed and the maximum speed.
Storing and maintaining the current
speed
You can store the current speed if you are driving faster than 20 mph (30 km/h).
X Accelerate the vehicle to the desired
speed.
X Briefly press the cruise control lever
up : or down ;.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal. Cruise control is activated. The vehicle automatically maintains the stored speed.
i Cruise control may be unable to maintain
the stored speed on uphill gradients. The stored speed is resumed when the gradient
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evens out. Cruise control maintains the stored speed on downhill gradients by automatically applying the brakes.
Storing the current speed or calling up
the last stored speed
G WARNING The set speed stored in memory should only be set again if prevailing road conditions and legal speed limits permit. Possible acceleration or deceleration differences arising from returning to the preset speed could cause an accident and/or serious injury to you and others.
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ?.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal. The first time cruise control is activated, it stores the current speed or regulates the speed of the vehicle to the previously stored speed.
Setting a speed
G WARNING Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment until the vehicle has made the necessary adjustments.
Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to a value that the prevailing road conditions and legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden and unexpected acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle could cause an accident and/ or serious injury to you and others.
X Press the cruise control lever up : for a
higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.
X To adjust the speed in 1 mph
increments (1 km/h increments): briefly
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press the cruise control lever up : or down ; to the pressure point. The last speed stored is increased or decreased every time the cruise control lever is pushed up : or down ;.
X To adjust the speed in 5 mph
increments (10 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever up : or down ; beyond the pressure point. The last speed stored is increased or decreased every time the cruise control lever is pushed up : or down ;.
i Cruise control is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. For example, if you accelerate briefly to overtake, cruise control adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored after you have finished overtaking.
Deactivating cruise control
There are several ways to deactivate cruise control:
X Briefly press the cruise control lever
forwards =.
or
X Brake.
Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:
Ryou engage the electric parking brake.
Ryou are driving at less than 20 mph
(30 km/h)
RESP® intervenes or you deactivate ESP®.
Ryou shift the transmission to position N
while driving.
If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. You will see the Cruise Control Off message in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds.
i When you switch off the engine, the last
speed stored is cleared.
DISTRONIC PLUS
Important safety notes
DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and automatically helps you maintain the distance to the vehicle detected in front. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes automatically so that the set speed is not exceeded.
On long and steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden, you must select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time. By doing so, you will make use of the braking effect of the engine, which relieves the load on the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a slower-moving vehicle in front, your vehicle is braked in order to maintain the preset distance to the vehicle in front.
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.
G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS requires familiarity with its operational characteristics. We strongly recommend that you review the following information carefully before operating the system.
G WARNING When DISTRONIC brakes, the brake pedal is pulled back (i.e. operated automatically). The area around the pedal must not be blocked by obstacles:
Rdo not place any objects in the footwell.
Rensure that floormats and carpets are fixed securely. In particular, do not place several floormats on top of one another.
Rdo not place your foot under the brake
pedal, as it could become trapped.
Non-compliance could lead you to cause an accident in which you and/or others could be seriously injured.
G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS is a convenience system. Its speed adjustment reduction capability is intended to make cruise control more effective and usable when traffic speeds vary. It is not however, intended to, nor does it, replace the need for extreme care.
The responsibility for the vehicle's speed, distance to the preceding vehicle and, most importantly, brake operation to ensure a safe stopping distance, always remains with the driver.
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take street and traffic conditions into account.
Complex driving situations are not always fully recognized by the DISTRONIC PLUS. This could result in wrong or missing distance warnings.
If you want DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you, the radar sensor system must be activated (Y page 389) and operational.
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS operates in the same way as cruise control in the speed range between 20 mph (Canada: 30 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada: 200 km/h). If a vehicle is driving in front of you, it operates in the speed range between 0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada: 200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on roads with steep gradients.
As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves, it can resemble the radar detectors of the responsible authorities. You can refer to the relevant chapter in the Operator's Manual if questions are asked about this.
i USA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC as a “Vehicular Radar System”. The radar sensor is intended for use in an automotive radar system only. Removal, tampering, or
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337
altering of 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 the device in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS distance is not a substitute for the active intervention of the driver. It does not detect pedestrians or stationary objects, nor can it detect, recognize or predict the road's course or the movements of vehicles in front. DISTRONIC PLUS can only brake the vehicle using 40% of the vehicle's maximum available brake force.
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or vehicles driving in the lane beyond the lane next to your vehicle, especially if the vehicles are not driving on the middle of their lane.
The driver must always pay careful attention to the road, weather and traffic conditions. The driver must drive, steer and brake in a manner which will allow him to always have control of the vehicle.
Sources of high-frequency radio waves, such as toll stations, speed-measuring radar, etc., can cause DISTRONIC PLUS to fail temporarily.
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G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take road and traffic conditions into account. Only use the DISTRONIC PLUS if the road, weather and traffic conditions make it advisable to travel at a constant speed.
G WARNING Use of the DISTRONIC PLUS can be dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction can result in wheel spin and loss of control.
The DISTRONIC PLUS does not function in adverse sight and distance conditions. Do not use the DISTRONIC PLUS during conditions of fog, heavy rain, snow or sleet.
G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take weather conditions into account. Switch off the DISTRONIC PLUS or do not switch it on if:
Rroads are slippery or covered with snow or
ice. The wheels could lose traction while braking or accelerating, and the vehicle could skid.
Rthe DISTRONIC PLUS system sensor covers
are dirty or visibility is diminished due to snow, rain or fog, for example. The distance control system functionality could be impaired.
Always pay attention to surrounding traffic conditions even while the DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able to recognize dangerous situations until it is too late. This could cause an accident in which you and/or others could be injured.
G WARNING The "Resume" function should only be operated if the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.
G WARNING Your undivided attention to street and traffic conditions is necessary at all times whether DISTRONIC PLUS is active or not.
The use of DISTRONIC PLUS can be dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not allow safe driving at a constant speed.
DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to stationary objects on the road (for example, a vehicle stopped in traffic or an abandoned vehicle). DISTRONIC PLUS likewise does not react to oncoming vehicles.
Deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS:
Rwhen changing to the right lane, if the
vehicles in the left lane are driving slower
Rwhen driving into a filter lane or an
expressway exit
Rin complex driving situations, for example
in construction sites on an expressway
In these situations DISTRONIC PLUS will maintain the set speed if it is not deactivated.
DISTRONIC PLUS is intended only for maintaining a set speed and a set distance from the objects moving in front of the vehicle.
G WARNING An intermittent warning sounds and the distance warning lamp· in the instrument cluster is illuminated if the DISTRONIC PLUS system calculates that the distance to the vehicle ahead and your vehicle's current speed indicate that the DISTRONIC PLUS will not be capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to maintain the preset following distance, which creates a danger of a collision.
Immediately brake the vehicle to increase your distance to the preceding vehicle. The warning sound is intended as a final caution in which you should intercede with your own braking inputs to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Do not wait for the operation of the warning signal to intercede
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with your own braking. This will result in potentially dangerous emergency braking which will not always result in an impact being avoided.
? Storing the current speed or calling up the
last stored speed
A Setting the specified minimum distance
Tailgating increases the risk of an accident.
Switching on DISTRONIC PLUS, storing
G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with a maximum deceleration of 13 ft/s2 (4 m/s2). This corresponds to approximately 40% of your vehicle's maximum braking force.
To avoid a collision, you must apply the brakes yourself. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes the vehicle just enough to restore the preset speed or the preset distance to the vehicle in front.
G WARNING If you do not receive visual or acoustic warning signals during a critical traffic situation, DISTRONIC PLUS has either not recognized the collision risk, has been deactivated or is malfunctioning.
Remember, whether or not DISTRONIC PLUS is operating, it is ultimately always the drivers responsibility to apply the brakes in order to control the vehicle and avoid a collision.
Cruise control lever
: To store the current speed or a higher
speed
; To store the current speed or a lower
speed
= To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
and maintaining the current speed
Important safety notes
G WARNING The vehicle can be braked when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. For this reason, deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle is to be set in motion by other means (e.g. in a car wash or by towing).
In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the following conditions must be fulfilled:
Rthe engine must be started. It may take up
to two minutes after pulling away before DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.
Rthe electric parking brake must be
released.
RESP® must be active, but not intervening.
Rthe transmission must be in position D.
Rthe hood must be closed.
Rthe driver's door must be closed when you shift from P to D or your seat belt must be fastened.
Rthe front-passenger door and rear doors
must be closed.
Rthe vehicle must not skid.
Activating while driving
When driving at speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h), you can only activate DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle in front has been detected and is shown in the multifunction display. If the vehicle in front is no longer detected and displayed, DISTRONIC PLUS switches off and a tone sounds.
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X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
Pulling away
you ?, or press it up : or down ;. DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.
X Press the cruise control lever repeatedly up : or down ; until the desired speed is set.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal. Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the vehicle in front, but only up to the desired stored speed.
i If you do not fully release the accelerator
pedal, the DISTRONIC PLUS Override message appears in the multifunction display. The set distance to a slower- moving vehicle in front will then not be maintained. You will be driving at the speed you determine by the position of the accelerator pedal.
Activating when driving towards a
stationary vehicle
If the vehicle in front of you is stationary, you can only activate DISTRONIC PLUS once your vehicle is stationary as well.
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ?, or press it up : or down ;. DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.
i DISTRONIC PLUS can only be activated at under 20 mph (30km/h) if a vehicle in front has been detected. Therefore, the DISTRONIC PLUS distance display in the instrument cluster should be activated (Y page 385).
X Press the cruise control lever repeatedly up : or down ; until the desired speed is set.
i You can use the cruise control lever to set
the stored speed and the control on the cruise control lever to set the specified minimum distance (Y page 342).
X If the vehicle in front pulls away: remove
your foot from the brake pedal.
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ?.
or
X Accelerate briefly.
Your vehicle pulls away and adapts its speed to that of the vehicle in front.
Driving
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS operates in the same way as cruise control.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front has slowed down, it brakes your vehicle. In this way, the distance you have selected is maintained.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front is driving faster, it accelerates your vehicle, but only up to the speed you have stored.
G WARNING If you depress the brake, DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated unless your vehicle is stationary. DISTRONIC PLUS then no longer brakes your vehicle. In such cases, control the distance from vehicles travelling in front with the brake alone. You could otherwise cause an accident and thereby injure yourself and others. The driver remains fully responsible for the vehicle's distance from other vehicles, the speed being driven and for braking in good time.
Changing lanes
If you change to the passing lane, DISTRONIC PLUS supports you when:
Ryou are driving faster than 40mph
(60 km/h).
RDISTRONIC PLUS is maintaining the
distance to a vehicle in front.
Ryou switch on the appropriate turn signal.
RDISTRONIC PLUS does not detect a danger
of collision.
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341
If these conditions are fulfilled, your vehicle is accelerated. Acceleration will be interrupted if changing lanes takes too long or if the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front becomes too small.
i When changing lanes, DISTRONIC PLUS
monitors the left lane on left-hand drive vehicles and the right lane on right-hand drive vehicles.
G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS and Active Blind Spot Assist are only aids designed to assist driving.
They do not relieve you of the responsibility of paying attention. The driver remains fully responsible for the vehicle's distance from other vehicles, the vehicle's speed and for braking in good time. Always pay attention to traffic conditions and your surroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to recognize dangers in time, cause an accident and injure yourself and others.
Stopping
G WARNING Never get out of the vehicle when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated.
DISTRONIC PLUS must also never be operated, activated or deactivated by a passenger or from outside the vehicle.
DISTRONIC PLUS does not replace the electric parking brake and must not be used for parking.
The DISTRONIC PLUS braking effect is canceled and the vehicle can start moving if:
If you wish to leave the vehicle or park it, deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the vehicle against rolling away.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until it is stationary.
Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains stationary and you do not need to depress the brake.
i After a time, the electric parking brake
secures the vehicle and relieves the service brake.
i Depending on the specified minimum
distance, your vehicle will come to a standstill at a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in front. The specified minimum distance is set using the control on the cruise control lever.
Setting a speed
G WARNING Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment until the vehicle has made the necessary adjustments.
Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to a value that the prevailing road conditions and legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden and unexpected acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle could cause an accident and/ or serious injury to you and others.
X Press the cruise control lever up : for a
higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.
RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated using the
X To adjust the speed in 1 mph
cruise control lever.
Ryou accelerate.
Rthere is a malfunction in the system or an
interruption in the power supply, e.g. battery failure.
Rthe electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses are tampered with.
Rthe battery is disconnected.
increments (1 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever up : or down ; to the pressure point. The last speed stored is increased or decreased every time the cruise control lever is pushed up : or down ;.
X To adjust the speed in 5 mph
increments (10 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever
342 Driving systems
up : or down ; beyond the pressure point. The last speed stored is increased or decreased every time the cruise control lever is pushed up : or down ;.
i DISTRONIC PLUS is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. If you accelerate to overtake, DISTRONIC PLUS adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored after you have finished overtaking.
Storing the current speed or calling up
a stored speed
G WARNING The set speed stored in memory should only be set again if prevailing road conditions and legal speed limits permit. Possible acceleration or deceleration differences arising from returning to the preset speed could cause an accident and/or serious injury to you and others.
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ?.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. The first time it is activated, the current speed is stored. Otherwise, it sets the vehicle cruise speed to the previously stored value.
Setting the specified minimum distance
You can set the specified minimum distance for DISTRONIC PLUS by varying the time span between one and two seconds. With this function, you can set the minimum distance that DISTRONIC PLUS keeps to the vehicle in front, dependent on vehicle speed. You can see this distance in the multifunction display (Y page 343).
G WARNING It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to select the appropriate setting given road
conditions, traffic, driver's preferred driving style and applicable laws and driving recommendations for safe following distance.
X To increase: turn control ; in direction
=. DISTRONIC PLUS then maintains a greater distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
X To decrease: turn control ; in
direction :. DISTRONIC PLUS then maintains a shorter distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
i Make sure that you maintain a sufficiently
safe distance from the vehicle in front. Adjust the distance to the vehicle in front if necessary.
DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the
speedometer
When you switch on DISTRONIC PLUS, triangle ; shows the stored speed.
i For design reasons, the speed displayed in the speedometer may differ slightly from the speed set for DISTRONIC PLUS.
Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is
activated X Select the Distance display function
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If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front, the speedometer dial lights up between speed of the vehicle in front : and stored speed ;.
DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the
multifunction display
General notes
You can select the distance display in the Assistance menu (Y page 385) of the on- board computer.
Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is
deactivated X Select the Distance Display function
using the on-board computer (Y page 385).
When DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will see the following in the multifunction display:
using the on-board computer (Y page 385).
You will see the stored speed for about five seconds when you activate DISTRONIC PLUS. After this time, you will see the following in the multifunction display while DISTRONIC PLUS is activated:
: DISTRONIC PLUS activated
; Own vehicle
= Specified minimum distance to the
vehicle in front; adjustable ? Vehicle in front, if detected
Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS
: Symbol for activated PRE-SAFE® Brake ; Vehicle in front, if detected
= Distance indicator, current distance to
the vehicle in front
? Specified minimum distance to the
vehicle in front; adjustable
There are several ways to deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS:
A Own vehicle
X Briefly press the cruise control lever
forwards :.
or
X Brake, unless the vehicle is stationary.
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When you deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS, the DISTRONIC PLUS Off message is shown in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds.
i The last speed stored remains stored until
you switch off the engine.
DISTRONIC PLUS is automatically deactivated if:
Ryou engage the electric parking brake or if
the vehicle is automatically secured with the electric parking brake
brake if necessary. DISTRONIC PLUS is then deactivated.
G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS works to maintain the speed selected by the driver unless a moving obstacle proceeding directly ahead of it in the same travel direction is detected (e.g. following another vehicle ahead of you at your set distance).
This means that:
RYour vehicle can pass another vehicle after
Ryou are driving slower than 15 mph
you have changed lanes.
RWhile in a sharp turn or if the preceding
vehicle is in a sharp turn, the DISTRONIC PLUS could lose sight of the preceding vehicle. Your vehicle could then accelerate to the previously selected speed.
The DISTRONIC PLUS regulates only the distance between your vehicle and those directly ahead of it. It may not register stationary objects in the road, e.g.:
Ra stopped vehicle in a traffic jam
Ra disabled vehicle
Ran oncoming vehicle
The driver must always be alert, observe all traffic and intercede as required by means of steering or braking the vehicle.
G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS should not be used in snowy or icy road conditions.
Cornering, going into and coming out of a
bend
(25km/h) and there is no vehicle in front, or if the vehicle in front is no longer detected.
RESP® intervenes or you deactivate ESP®.
Rthe transmission is in the P, R or N position.
Ryou switch off the radar sensor system
(Y page 389).
Ryou pull the cruise control lever towards
you in order to pull away and the front- passenger door or one of the rear doors is open.
Rthe vehicle has skidded.
If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. The DISTRONIC PLUS Off message is shown in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds.
G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated and releases the brakes if the vehicle is slowed down to a speed below 20 mph (30km/h) by the system, provided that DISTRONIC PLUS does not detect avehicle directly in front. At this point, the driver must apply the brakes in order to slow down further and bring the vehicle to a standstill.
Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS
Important safety notes
The following contains descriptions of certain road and traffic conditions in which you must be particularly attentive. In such situations,
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345
The ability of DISTRONIC PLUS to detect vehicles when cornering is limited. Your vehicle may brake unexpectedly or late.
Vehicles traveling on a different line
DISTRONIC PLUS has not yet detected the vehicle in front on the edge of the road, because of its narrow width. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.
Obstructions and stationary vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect vehicles traveling on a different line. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.
Other vehicles changing lane
DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obstacles or stationary vehicles. If, for example, the detected vehicle turns a corner and reveals an obstacle or stationary vehicle, DISTRONIC PLUS will not brake for these.
Crossing vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS has not detected the vehicle cutting in yet. The distance to this vehicle will be too short.
Narrow vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS may mistakenly detect vehicles that are crossing your lane. Activating DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights with crossing traffic, for example, could cause your vehicle to pull away unintentionally.
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HOLD function
General notes
The HOLD function can assist the driver in the following situations:
Rwhen pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
Rwhen maneuvering on steep slopes
Rwhen waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD function deactivated when you depress the accelerator pedal to pull away.
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.
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if:
Rthe vehicle is stationary.
Rthe driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened.
Rthe electric parking brake is released.
Rthe hood is closed.
Rthe transmission is in position R, N or D.
The trunk lid must be closed in position R.
RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
Activating the HOLD function
X Make sure that the activation conditions
are met.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Quickly depress the brake pedal further
until ë appears in the instrument cluster. The HOLD function is activated. You can release the brake pedal.
i If depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function, wait briefly and then try again.
G WARNING The vehicle's brakes are applied when the HOLD function is activated. For this reason, deactivate the HOLD function if the vehicle is to be set in motion by other means (e.g. in a car wash or by towing).
Deactivating the HOLD function
The HOLD function is deactivated automatically if:
Ryou accelerate and the transmission is in
position D or R.
Ryou shift the transmission to position P.
Ryou apply the brakes again with a certain amount of pressure until ë disappears from the instrument cluster.
Ryou secure the vehicle using the electric
parking brake.
Ryou activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
i After a time, the electric parking brake
secures the vehicle and relieves the service brake.
G WARNING Never get out of the vehicle when the HOLD function is activated.
The HOLD function must never be operated or deactivated by a passenger or from outside the vehicle.
The HOLD function does not replace the electric parking brake and must not be used for parking.
The braking effect of the HOLD function is canceled and the vehicle could roll away if:
Rthe HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal.
Rthere is a malfunction in the system or an
interruption in the power supply, e.g. battery failure.
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347
Rthe electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses are tampered with.
The "Lowered” vehicle level is set automatically:
Rin vehicles without 4MATIC at speeds
Rthe battery is disconnected.
above 60 mph (100 km/h)
If you leave the vehicle or park it, deactivate the HOLD function and secure the vehicle against rolling away.
Rin vehicles with 4MATIC at speeds above
50 mph (80 km/h).
Setting the vehicle level
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow chains or on particularly poor road surfaces. Your selection remains stored even if you remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
G WARNING To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and feet away from wheel housing area, and stay away from under the vehicle when lowering the vehicle chassis.
AIRMATIC
Vehicle level
Important safety notes
Your vehicle regulates its height automatically. All-round level control ensures the best possible suspension and constant ground clearance, even with a laden vehicle. When you drive fast, the vehicle is lowered automatically to improve driving safety and to reduce fuel consumption.
The following vehicle levels are possible on vehicles without 4MATIC:
RNormal
Rraised: the vehicle is raised by about 1 in (25 mm) when compared with the normal level
Rlowered: the vehicle is lowered by about
0.60 in (15 mm) when compared with the normal level
The following vehicle levels are possible on vehicles with 4MATIC:
Setting raised level
X Start the engine.
Rnormal: in Comfort mode, the vehicle is
If indicator lamp ; is not lit:
raised by about 0.40 in (10 mm) when compared with Sport mode
Rraised: in Comfort mode, the vehicle is raised by about 0.60 in (15 mm) and in Sport mode by about 1 in (25 mm) when compared with normal level
Rlowered: the vehicle is lowered by about 0.40 in (10mm) when compared with the normal level
The "Normal" and "Raised" vehicle levels can be set manually.
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. The vehicle height is adjusted to raised level. The Vehicle Rising message appears in the display.
The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you:
Rdrive at speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h)
Rdrive for about three minutes at speeds
above 50 mph (80 km/h).
The "Raised level" remains active when you are not driving within these speed ranges.
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Setting the normal level
Comfort tuning
X Start the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is lit:
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle is adjusted to normal level.
Suspension tuning
General notes
The Adaptive Damping System (ADS) automatically controls the calibration of the dampers and springs.
The damping is tuned individually to each wheel and depends on:
In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics of your vehicle are more comfortable. Therefore, select this mode if you favor a more comfortable driving style. Select comfort mode also when driving fast on straight roads, e.g. on straight stretches of freeway. X If indicator lamp ; is lit: press
button :. Indicator lamp ; goes out. Comfort tuning is selected. The AIRMATIC COMFORT message appears in the multifunction display.
Ryour driving style, e.g. sporty
Active Body Control (ABC)
Rthe road surface condition, e.g. bumps
Ryour individual selection, i.e. sports or
Vehicle level
comfort
Your selection remains stored even if you remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Sports tuning
The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode ensures even better contact with the road. Select this mode when employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country roads. X If indicator lamp ; is not lit: press
button :. Indicator lamp ; lights up. Sports suspension tuning is selected. The AIRMATIC SPORT message appears in the multifunction display.
Your vehicle automatically adjusts its ride height to improve driving safety and reduce fuel consumption.
Depending on the vehicle height that has been set, the vehicle automatically adjusts its height dependent on the current speed. As speed increases, the vehicle is lowered by up to 0.6 in (15 mm). As the speed is reduced, the vehicle is raised up to the set vehicle height.
G WARNING The vehicle is lowered when the engine is switched off. Therefore, make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of the wheel housing or under the vehicle when you switch off the engine. Otherwise, limbs could become trapped.
! The vehicle is lowered when the engine is switched off. When parking, position your vehicle so that it does not make contact with the curb as the vehicle is lowered. Your vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
i For AMG vehicles: when the engine is switched off, the vehicle is lowered by approx. 0.4 in (10 mm).
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349
Setting the vehicle level
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow chains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
G WARNING To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and feet away from wheel housing area, and stay away from under the vehicle when lowering the vehicle chassis.
Your selection remains stored even if you remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
The ABC suspension system is tuned individually to each wheel and depends on:
Ryour driving style, e.g. sporty
Rthe road surface condition, e.g. bumps
Ryour individual selection, i.e. sports or
comfort
Rthe vehicle load
Your selection remains stored even if you remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Setting raised level
X Start the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is not lit:
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. The vehicle height is adjusted to raised level.
Setting the normal level
X Start the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is lit:
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle is adjusted to normal level.
Suspension tuning
The electronically controlled ABC suspension system works continuously. This improves driving safety and comfort.
Sports tuning
The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode ensures even better contact with the road. Select this mode when employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country roads. X If indicator lamp ; is not lit: press
button :. Indicator lamp ; lights up. You have selected the suspension for a sporty driving style. The ABC Active Body Control SPORT message appears in the multifunction display.
Comfort tuning
In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics of your vehicle are more comfortable. Therefore, select this mode if you favor a more comfortable driving style. X If indicator lamp ; is lit: press
button :. Indicator lamp ; goes out. You have selected the suspension for a comfortable driving style.
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The ABC Active Body Control COMFORT message appears in the multifunction display.
PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are permanently driven. Together with ESP®, it improves the traction of your vehicle whenever a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip.
G WARNING If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient traction:
RWhile driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
RWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
RAdapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid.
4MATIC cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case. Damage of this sort is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All wheels must remain either on the ground or be fully raised. Observe the instructions for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full contact with the ground.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow chains if necessary.
