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been subjected to stress in an accident must be replaced. Their anchoring points must also be checked. Only use seat belts
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain perchlorate material, which may require special handling and regard for the environment. Check your national disposal guidelines. California residents, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/ Perchlorate/index.cfm.
RAir bags and ETDs are designed to function on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD that has deployed must be replaced. PRE- SAFE® has electrically operated reversible belt tensioners in addition to the pyrotechnic ETDs.
RDo not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
RDo not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat belts.
RDo not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide adequate protection.
RNo modifications of any kind may be made
to any components or wiring of the SRS.
RDo not change or remove any component
or part of the SRS.
RDo not install additional trim material, seat
covers, badges, etc. to the:
- padded steering wheel boss
front-passenger air bag cover
- outer side of front seat bolsters
- side trim next to the rear seat backrest
roof lining trim
RDo not install additional electrical/
electronic equipment on or near SRS components and wiring.
RKeep area between air bags and occupants
free of objects (e.g. packages, purses, umbrellas, etc.).
RDo not hang items such as coat hangers from the coat hooks or handles over the door. These items may be thrown around in the vehicle and cause head and other
50 Occupant safety
injuries when the window curtain air bag is deployed.
However, no system available today can completely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
RAir bag system components will be hot after an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.
RNever place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.
RImproper repair work on the SRS creates a
risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
RFor your protection and the protection of others, when scrapping the air bag unit or ETD, our safety instructions must be followed. These instructions are available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
RGiven the considerable deployment speed, required inflation volume, and the material of the air bags, there is the possibility of abrasions or other, potentially more serious injuries resulting from air bag deployment.
If you sell your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz strongly recommends that you inform the subsequent owner that the vehicle is equipped with SRS. Also, refer them to the applicable section in the Operator's Manual.
Air bags
Important safety notes
G WARNING Air bags are designed to reduce the incidence of injuries and fatalities in certain situations:
Rfrontal impacts (driver's and front-
passenger front air bags)
Rside impacts (side impact air bags and
window curtain air bags)
Rrollover (window curtain air bags)
When the air bags are deployed, a small amount of powder is released. The powder generally does not constitute a health hazard and does not indicate that there is a fire in the vehicle. In order to prevent potential breathing difficulties, you should leave the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have any breathing difficulty but cannot get out of the vehicle after the air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.
G WARNING In order to reduce the potential danger of injuries caused during the deployment of the front air bags, the driver and front passenger must always be correctly seated and wear their seat belts.
For maximum protection in the event of a collision, you must always be in the normal seat position with your back against the backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure that it is correctly positioned on your body.
As the air bag inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seating position and correct positioning of the hands on the steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe distance from the air bag. Occupants who are not wearing their seat belt, are not seated properly or are too close to the air bag can be seriously injured or killed by an air bag, as it inflates with great force instantaneously:
Rsit with the seat belt fastened correctly and in a position that is as upright as possible with your back against the backrest.
Rmove the driver's seat as far back as
possible, still permitting proper operation of vehicle controls. The distance from the center of the driver's chest to the center of the air bag cover on the steering wheel must be at least 10 inches (25 cm). You should be able to accomplish this by adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If
you have any difficulties, please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Rdo not lean your head or chest close to the
steering wheel or dashboard.
Ronly hold the steering wheel on the outside. Placing hands and arms inside the rim can increase the risk and potential severity of hand/arm injury if the driver front air bag inflates.
Radjust the front-passenger seat as far back
as possible from the dashboard when the seat is occupied.
Roccupants, especially children, should
never place their bodies or lean their heads in the area of the door where the side impact air bag inflates. This could result in serious or fatal injuries should the side impact air bag be deployed. 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.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injuries to you or other occupants.
If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you make the buyer aware of this safety information. Be sure to give the buyer this Operator's Manual.
G WARNING Accident research shows that the safest place for children in an automobile is in a rear seat.
There is a possibility for a side impact air bag- related injury if occupants, especially children, are not properly seated or restrained when next to a side impact air bag which needs to deploy rapidly in a side impact in order to do its job.
To help avoid the possibility of injury, please follow these guidelines:
(1)
Occupants, especially children, should never place their bodies or lean their heads in the area of the door where the side impact air bag
Occupant safety
51
(2)
inflates. This could result in serious injuries or death should the side impact air bag be deployed.
Always sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt properly and use an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. and for children 12 years old and under, use an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.
(3)
Always wear seat belts properly.
If you believe that, even with the use of these guidelines, it would be safer for your rear seat occupants to have the rear mounted side impact air bags deactivated, then deactivation can be carried out upon your written request at an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center at an additional cost.
Please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call the Customer Assistance Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372), or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100 for details.
The air bags are only deployed if the air bag control unit detects the need for deployment. Only in the event of such a situation will they provide their supplemental protection.
The driver and passenger should always wear their seat belts. Otherwise, it is not possible for the air bags to provide their supplemental protection.
In the event of other types of impacts and impacts below air bag deployment thresholds, the air bags will not deploy. The driver and passengers will then be protected to the extent possible by a properly fastened seat belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also needed to provide the best possible protection in a rollover.
52 Occupant safety
Air bags provide additional protection; they are not, however, a substitute for seat belts. All vehicle occupants must fasten their seat belts regardless of whether your vehicle is equipped with air bags or not.
It is important for your safety and that of your passenger to have deployed air bags replaced and to have any malfunctioning air bags repaired. This will help to make sure the air bags continue to perform their protective function for the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash.
Front air bags
The front air bags increase protection for the driver's and front-passenger's head and chest.
Driver's air bag : deploys in front of the steering wheel; front-passenger front air bag ; deploys in front of and above the glove box.
They are deployed:
Rin the event of certain frontal impacts
Rif the system determines that air bag
deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt
Rif the seat belt is fastened
Rindependently of other air bags in the
vehicle
If the vehicle overturns, the front air bags are generally not deployed. If the system detects high vehicle deceleration in a longitudinal direction, the front air bags are deployed.
Your vehicle has adaptive, two-stage front air bags. In the event of a collision, the air bag control unit evaluates the vehicle deceleration. In the first deployment stage, the front air bag is filled with enough propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries. The front air bag is fully deployed if a second deployment threshold is exceeded within a few milliseconds.
The deployment of the front-passenger front air bag is also influenced by the weight category of the front passenger, which is determined by the Occupant Classification System (OCS) (Y page 54).
The lighter the passenger-side occupant, the higher the vehicle deceleration rate required (predicted at the start of the impact) for second stage inflation of the front-passenger front air bag. In the second stage, the front air bags are inflated with the maximum amount of propellant gas available.
The front air bags are not deployed in situations where a low impact severity is predicted. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belt.
The front-passenger front air bag will only deploy if:
Rthe system, based on the OCS weight
sensor readings, detects that the front- passenger seat is occupied.
Rthe 42 indicator lamp in the
center console is not lit, (Y page 54).
Rthe air bag control unit predicts a high
impact severity.
Side impact air bags
G WARNING The pressure sensors for side impact air bag control are located in the doors. Do not modify any components of the doors or door trim panels including, for example, the addition of door speakers.
Improper repair work on the doors or the modification or addition of components to the doors create a risk of rendering the side
impact air bags inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the doors must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
G WARNING Only use seat covers which have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model. Using other seat covers may interfere with or prevent the deployment of the side impact air bags. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.
When deployed, the side impact air bags offer additional protection for the thorax of the vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs. However, they do not protect the:
Rhead
Rneck
Rarms
Front side impact air bags : and rear side impact air bags ; deploy next to the outer seat cushions.
The side impact air bags are deployed:
Ron the side on which an impact occurs
Rat the start of an accident with a high rate
of lateral vehicle deceleration or acceleration, e.g. in a side impact
Rindependently of the use of the seat belt
Rindependently of the front air bags
Rindependently of the ETDs
Occupant safety
53
If the vehicle overturns, the side impact air bags are generally not deployed. Exception: if the system detects high vehicle deceleration or acceleration in a lateral direction and determines that deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt.
Side impact air bags will not deploy in side impacts which do not exceed the system's preset deployment thresholds for lateral acceleration/deceleration. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belt.
The side impact air bag on the front- passenger side will not deploy under the following conditions:
Rthe OCS detects that the front-passenger
seat is not occupied.
Rthe front-passenger seat belt is not
fastened.
The side impact air bag on the front- passenger side will deploy if the front- passenger seat belt is fastened, regardless of whether the front-passenger seat is occupied or not.
Window curtain air bags
The window curtain air bags enhance the level of protection for the head, but not chest or arms, of the vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs.
The window curtain air bags are integrated into the side of the roof frame and deploy in the area from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.
54 Occupant safety
Window curtain air bags : are deployed:
Ron the side on which an impact occurs
Rat the start of an accident with a high rate
of lateral vehicle deceleration or acceleration, e.g. in a side impact
To be classified correctly, the front passenger must sit:
Rwith the seat belt fastened correctly
Rin a position that is as upright as possible with their back against the seat backrest
Rregardless of whether the front-passenger
Rwith their feet on the floor
seat is occupied
Rindependently of seat belt use
Rif the vehicle overturns and the system determines that window curtain air bag deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt
Rindependently of the front air bags Window curtain air bags : will not deploy in impacts with deceleration rates which do not exceed the system's preset deployment thresholds for vehicle deceleration or acceleration. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belt.
Occupant Classification System
(OCS)
How the Occupant Classification
System works
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) categorizes the occupant on the front- passenger seat by means of a weight sensor. The front-passenger front air bag is deactivated automatically for certain weight categories. The 42 indicator lamp shows you the current status. If the 42 indicator lamp is illuminated, the front-passenger front air bag is deactivated.
The system does not deactivate:
Rthe side impact air bag
Rthe window curtain air bag
Rthe Emergency Tensioning Devices
If the front-passenger's weight is transferred to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by leaning on armrests), OCS may not be able to approximate the occupant's weight category.
If the front-passenger seat, the seat cover or the seat cushion are damaged, have the necessary repair work carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use seat accessories that have been approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Both the driver and the passenger should always use the 42 indicator lamp as an indication of whether or not the passenger is properly positioned.
G WARNING If the42 indicator lamp lights up when an adult or someone larger than a small individual is in the front-passenger seat, have the front passenger reposition himself or herself in the seat until the 42
indicator lamp goes out.In the event of a collision, the air bag control unit will not allow front-passenger front air bag deployment when the OCS has classified the front-passenger seat occupant as weighing as much as or less than a typical 12- month-old child in a standard child restraint or if the front-passenger seat is classified as being empty.
When the OCS senses that the front- passenger seat occupant is classified as being up to or less than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint, the 42 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illuminated, indicating that the front- passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front- passenger seat is classified as being empty, the 42 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illuminated, indicating that the front- passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front- passenger seat occupant is classified as being heavier than the weight of a typical 12- month-old child seated in a standard child restraint or as being a small individual (such as a young teenager or a small adult), the 42 indicator lamp will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds when the engine is started and then, depending on occupant weight sensor readings from the front- passenger seat, remain illuminated or go out. With the 42 indicator lamp illuminated, the front-passenger front air bag is deactivated. With the 42
indicator lamp out, the front-passenger front air bag is activated.When the OCS senses that the front- passenger seat occupant is classified as an adult or someone larger than a small individual, the42 indicator lamp will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds when the engine is started and then go out, indicating that the front-passenger front air bag is activated. If the 42 indicator lamp is illuminated, the front-passenger front air bag is deactivated and will not be deployed. If the 42 indicator lamp is not illuminated, the front-passenger front air bag is activated and will be deployed:
Rin the event of certain frontal impacts
Rif impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold
Rindependently of the side impact air bags
Occupant safety
55
If the front-passenger front air bag is deployed, the rate of inflation will be influenced by:
Rthe rate of vehicle deceleration as assessed
by the air bag control unit
Rthe front passenger's weight category as
identified by OCS
For further information, see "Air bag display messages" (Y page 403).
G WARNING According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained on the rear seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriately sized child restraint system or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.The infant or child restraint system 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 appropriate sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.
Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following important information when circumstances require you to place a child in the front- passenger seat:
RYour vehicle is equipped with air bag
technology designed to deactivate the front-passenger front air bag in your vehicle when the system senses the weight of a typical 12-month-old child or less along
56 Occupant safety
with the weight of a standard appropriate child restraint on the front-passenger seat.
RA child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
front-passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front-passenger front air bag inflates in a collision which could occur under some circumstances, even with the air bag technology installed in your vehicle. The only means to eliminate this risk completely is never to place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front- passenger seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint on the rear seat.
RIf you install a rear-facing child restraint on
the front-passenger seat, make sure the 42 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front- passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 42 indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 42
indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 42 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the42 indicator lamp goes out or remains out, do not transport a child on the front-passenger seat until the system has been repaired.A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front-passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front-passenger front air bag inflates.
RIf you place a child in a forward-facing child
restraint on the front-passenger seat:
- move the seat as far back as possible
- use the proper child restraint
recommended for the age, size and weight of the child
- secure child restraint with the vehicle's
seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions
RFor children larger than a typical 12-month- old child, the front-passenger front air bag can be activated or deactivated.
If the driver's air bag deploys, this does not mean that the front-passenger front air bag will also deploy.
The OCS may have detected that the seat:
Ris either empty or occupied by a person
with a weight up to that of a typical twelve- month-old child seated in a standard child restraint
Ris occupied by a small individual, such as a
young teenager or a small adult
Ris occupied by a child in a child restraint
system, whose weight is greater than that of a typical twelve-month-old child.
These are examples of when the OCS deactivates the front-passenger front air bag. Deactivation takes place although the collision fulfills the criteria for deploying the driver's air bag.
If the SmartKey has been removed from the ignition lock or is in position 0, 42 indicator lamp : does not light up.
G WARNING If the red SRS 6 indicator lamp in the instrument cluster and the 42
indicator lamp are lit at the same time, there is a malfunction in the OCS. The front passenger front air bag will be deactivated in this case. Have the system checked by qualified technicians as soon as possible. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Only have the seat repaired or replaced at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
In order to ensure proper operation of the air bag system and OCS:
RSit with the seat belt properly fastened in a position that is as upright as possible with your back against the seat backrest.
RWhen seated, a passenger should not
position him/herself in such a way as to cause the passenger's weight to be lifted from the seat cushion as this may result in the OCS being unable to correctly approximate the passenger's weight category.
RRead and observe all warnings in this
chapter.
System self-test
The 42 indicator lamp illuminates when you:
Rturn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock
Rpress the KEYLESS-GO Start/Stop button
once or twice
If an adult occupant is sitting properly on the front-passenger seat and the OCS classifies the occupant as an adult, the 42 indicator lamp will illuminate and go out again after approximately six seconds.
If the seat is not occupied and the OCS classifies the front passenger seat as being unoccupied, the 42 indicator lamp will illuminate and not go out.
G WARNING If the 42indicator lamp does not illuminate, the system is not functioning. You must contact an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat.
For more information, see "Problems with the Occupant Classification System" (Y page 58).
Occupant safety
57
G WARNING Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. a pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness of the OCS. The underside and rear side child restraint system must be placed entirely on the seat cushion and the backrest of the front-passenger seat backrest.
If necessary, adjust the tilt of the passenger seat backrest.
An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of an accident, instead of increasing protection for the child.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation of child restraint systems.
58 Occupant safety
Problems with the Occupant Classification System
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions
The OCS is malfunctioning.
X Have the OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display (Y page 403).
The 42
indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated.The person on the front-passenger seat:
Rhas the weight of a
typical adult
Rhas been determined by the system not to be a child
G WARNING If the 42 indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated when the weight of a typical adult or someone larger than a small individual has been detected on the passenger seat, the system then determines the occupant cannot be a child. Do not allow any occupant to use the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions
The 42
indicator lamp does not illuminate and/or does not remain illuminated.The front-passenger seat is:
Runoccupied
Roccupied with a
weight up to that of a typical twelve- month-old child in a standard child restraint system
The OCS is malfunctioning.
X Make sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the
child seat.
X Check the installation of the child restraint system.
X Make sure that no objects are applying additional weight onto
the seat.
X If the 42 indicator lamp does not illuminate, have
the OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not transport a child on the front- passenger seat as long as the OCS is not functioning.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display (Y page 403).
G WARNING If the 42 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:
Rif BAS PLUS intervenes powerfully on
vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS
Rif, on vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS, the radar sensor system detects an imminent danger of collision in certain situations
Rin critical driving situations, e.g. when
physical limits are exceeded 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.
Rthe front-passenger seat or the electrically
adjustable outer seats in the rear are adjusted if they are in an unfavorable position.
Rvehicles with a multicontour seat or active
multicontour seat: the air pressure in the side bolsters of the seat cushion and backrest is increased.
Rvehicles with multicontour seats in the
rear: the air pressure in the backrest side bolsters of the outer seats in the rear is increased.
Rif the vehicle skids, the sliding sunroof/
panorama roof with power tilt/sliding
Occupant safety
59
panel and the side windows are closed so that only a small gap remains.
If the hazardous situation passes without resulting in an accident, PRE-SAFE® slackens the belt pretensioning. The air pressure in the side bolsters on the multicontour seat/active multicontour seat is reduced again. All settings made by PRE-SAFE® can then be reversed.
If the seat belts are not released:
X Move the backrest 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 64).
NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-
PRO luxury head restraints
NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head restraints increase protection of the driver's and front-passenger's head and neck. In the event of a rear collision of a certain severity, the NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head restraints on the driver's and front-passenger seats are moved forwards and upwards. This provides better head support.
G WARNING Do not attach any objects (e.g. a coat hanger) to the NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head restraints. Otherwise, the NECK-
60 Occupant safety
PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head restraints may not function properly and in the event of a rear-end collision may not offer the protection they are designed to provide.
G WARNING Seat or head restraint covers can cause a malfunction when the NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK PRO luxury head restraints are activated or when the side impact air bags are deployed, or they can prevent this completely. The NECK-PRO head restraints/ NECK PRO luxury head restraints or side impact air bags can therefore not provide the intended protection. Do not use any seat or head restraint covers.
If the NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head restraints have been triggered in an accident, reset the NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head restraints on the driver's and front-passenger seats (Y page 60). Otherwise, the additional protection will not be available in the event of another rear-end collision. NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head restraints that have been triggered are moved forwards and can no longer be adjusted.
G WARNING For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close to the head as possible and the center of the head restraint supports the back of the head at eye level. This will reduce the potential for injury to the head and neck in the event of an accident or similar situation.
restraints checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center after a rear-end collision.
G WARNING When pushing back the NECK-PRO head restraint cushion, make sure your fingers do not become caught between the head restraint cushion and the cover. Failure to observe this could result in injuries.
NECK-PRO head restraints
i Resetting the NECK-PRO head restraints
requires a lot of strength. If you have difficulty resetting the NECK-PRO head restraints, have this work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
X Press the base of the NECK-PRO head
restraint cushion back in the direction of arrow ; as far as it will go.
X Push the NECK-PRO head restraint cushion
down into the guide in the direction of arrow = as far as it will go.
X Firmly fold the NECK-PRO head restraint cushion back in the direction of arrow : until it engages.
Resetting triggered NECK-PRO head
X Repeat this procedure for the second
restraints
NECK-PRO head restraint.
Important safety notes
G WARNING For reasons of safety, have the NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
i If you have difficulty resetting the NECK- PRO luxury head restraints, have this work carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center.
X Remove resetting tool : from the vehicle
tool kit in the trunk.
X Slide resetting tool : into guide ; between the NECK-PRO luxury head restraint and the rear cover of the head restraint.
X Push resetting tool : downwards until you
hear the head restraint deployment mechanism engage.
X Pull out resetting tool :.
X Firmly press the NECK-PRO luxury head
restraint cushion back = until it engages.
X Repeat this procedure for the second
NECK-PRO luxury head restraint.
X Put resetting tool : back into the vehicle
tool kit.
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 66).
Occupant safety
61
G WARNING Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure all of your passengers are 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
62 Occupant safety
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, 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 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).
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 routed
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
RNever wear the shoulder belt under your
sure it is properly positioned.
arm, across your neck or off your shoulder. In a frontal crash, your body would move
RNever place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.
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.
Occupant safety
63
X Adjust the seat and move the backrest to an almost vertical position (Y page 106).
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 64).
X If necessary, adjust the seat belt to the
appropriate height (Y page 64).
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 about special seat belt retractors, see (Y page 68).
64 Occupant safety
For more information about releasing the seat belt with release button ?, see "Releasing seat belts" (Y page 64).
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
Seat belt adjustment
release :.
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 388).
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 59).
Belt height adjustment
You can adjust the seat belt height on the driver's seat and the front-passenger seat.
Adjust the height so that the upper part of the seat belt is routed across the center of your shoulder.
X Slide the belt sash guide downwards. X Release belt sash guide release : and make sure that the belt sash guide has engaged.
The seat belts for the outer seats in the rear are adjusted automatically.
Releasing seat belts
X Press release button ?(Y page 63) 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. Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
Belt warning for the driver and front
passenger
Regardless of whether the driver's and front- passenger seat belts have already been fastened, the7 seat belt warning lamp will light up for six seconds each time the engine is started. 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 when 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.
Occupant safety
65
If after six seconds the driver's or front- passenger seat belt is not fastened and the doors are closed, the 7 seat belt warning lamp will remain lit:
Runtil the driver's or front passenger's seat
belt is fastened
Ronce the vehicle has exceeded a speed of 15 mph (25 km/h), in addition a warning tone will sound with increasing intensity for up to 60 seconds or until the driver's or front-passenger seat belt is fastened.
If the driver or front passenger unfastens their seat belt during the journey, the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up and the warning tone sounds again.
The warning tone ceases after 60 seconds even if the driver or front passenger has still not fastened their seat belt. The 7 seat belt warning lamp stops flashing, but remains lit.
After the vehicle has come to a stop, the warning tone will be reactivated and the 7 seat belt warning lamp will flash again once the vehicle has exceeded a speed of 15 mph (25 km/h). The 7 seat belt warning lamp will not go out until:
Rboth the driver and the front passenger
have fastened their seat belts.
or
Rthe vehicle is stationary and a door is open.
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 48).
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
i For more information on the 7 seat
Rif, in the event of a side impact, on the side
belt warning lamp, see "Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster, seat belt" (Y page 426).
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 tighten the seat belts in an accident, pulling them close against the body.
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.
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Children in the vehicle
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.
Automatic comfort-fit feature
The front seat belts have an automatic comfort-install feature. In vehicles with a rear bench seat with electrically adjustable outer seats, the seat belts for the outer seats have an automatic comfort-install feature. The automatic comfort-install feature reduces the retraction force of the seat belts. This results in increased seat belt comfort.
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 comply with 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 on the rear seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriately sized child restraint system or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.The infant or child restraint system 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 appropriate sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.
Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following important information when circumstances require you to place a child in the front- passenger seat:
RYour vehicle is equipped with air bag
technology designed to deactivate the front-passenger front air bag in your vehicle when the system senses the weight of a typical 12-month-old child or less along with the weight of a standard appropriate child restraint on the front-passenger seat.
RA child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
front-passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front-passenger front air bag inflates in a collision which could occur under some circumstances, even with the air bag technology installed in your vehicle. The only means to eliminate this risk completely is never to place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front- passenger seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint on the rear seat.
RIf you install a rear-facing child restraint on
the front-passenger seat, make sure the 42 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front- passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 42 indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 42
indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 42 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the42 indicator lamp goes out or remains out, do not transport a child on the front-passenger seat until the system has been repaired.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.
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67
RIf you place a child in a forward-facing child
restraint on the front-passenger seat:
- move the seat as far back as possible
- use the proper child restraint
recommended for the age, size and weight of the child
- secure child restraint with the vehicle's
seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions
RFor children larger than a typical 12-month- old child, the front-passenger front air bag can be activated or deactivated.
G WARNING Infants and small children should never share a seat belt with another occupant. In the event of 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 that are too large for a child restraint must travel in seats using normal 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.
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Children in the vehicle
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
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:
Rbe seriously or fatally injured through
X Pull the seat belt out fully and let the inertia
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
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.
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
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69
a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster.
Install the child restraint system in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Attach the child restraint system to both securing rings.
An incorrectly installed child restraint system could come loose during an accident and seriously or even fatally injure the child.
Child restraint systems or child seat securing rings that are malfunctioning or damaged as the result of a collision must be replaced.
X Move the backrest of the electrically
adjustable rear seat to an upright position (Y page 108).
X Fold upholstery cover = and the Velcro
fastener upwards.
X Turn installation aid ? to a vertical position to prevent upholstery cover = from folding down.
X Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restraint systems on both securing rings ;. Comply with the manufacturer's instructions when installing the LATCH- type (ISOFIX) child restraint system.
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.
! Vehicles with a center seat in the rear: when installing the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint system, make sure that the seat belt for the center seat does not get trapped. Otherwise, the seat belt could be damaged.
G WARNING Vehicles with rear power seats:
Never change the rear seat position after installing the child restraint. This could
Rdamage the child restraint
Rintroduce undesirable slack or tension into
the seat belt
Rloosen the child restraint
Rmisposition the child restraint
All of the above will lessen the effectiveness of the child restraint and thus increase the chance or severity of injury in an accident.
Top Tether
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 anchorage points are located in the rear compartment behind the head restraints.
Installation instructions : indicate the installation location of securing rings 2.
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Children in the vehicle
instructions when doing so. Make sure that Top Tether belt ? is tight.
The child restraint system with Top Tether belt ? has been removed:
X Slide covering cap : onto Top Tether
anchorage ;.
G WARNING Vehicles with rear power seats:
X Vehicles with electrically adjustable rear
seats: move the rear seat backrests to an upright position (Y page 108).
X Remove respective covering cap : of the
Never change the rear seat position after installing the child restraint. This could
Rdamage the child restraint
Rintroduce undesirable slack or tension into
Top Tether anchorage.
the seat belt
X Place covering cap : in a suitable place
Rloosen the child restraint
(e.g. in the glove box).
Rmisposition the child restraint
All of the above will lessen the effectiveness of the child restraint and thus increase the chance or severity of injury in an accident.
Child-proof locks
Important safety notes
G WARNING Activate the child-proof locks for the rear doors and the override switch for the rear windows when children are traveling in the vehicle.
Children could injure themselves or others while the vehicle is in motion if, for example, they:
Ropen the doors
Ropen the side windows
Radjust the seats
Roperate the cigarette lighter
X Move the head restraint upwards. X Route Top Tether belt ? under the head restraint between the two head restraint bars.
X Hook Top Tether hook = of Top Tether
belt ? into Top Tether anchorage ;.
Ensure that:
RTop Tether hook = is hooked into Top
Tether anchorage ; as shown.
RTop Tether belt ? is not twisted. RTop Tether belt ? can move freely
between the rear seat backrest and the head restraint.
X Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restraint system with Top Tether. Comply with the manufacturer's installation
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.
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
