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Slippery road surfaces G WARNING If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip. There is an increased danger of skidding and accidents. Do not shift down for additional engine braking on a slippery road surface. 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.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be stopped when moving at low speed: X Shift the transmission to position N. Drive particularly carefully on slippery road surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS. i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see (Y page 365).
Driving systems Cruise control Important safety notes 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. G WARNING The cruise control brakes automatically so that the set speed is not exceeded.
General 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).
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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. In the multifunction display, the segments between the stored speed and the maximum speed light up.
Activation conditions To activate cruise control, all of the following activation conditions must be fulfilled: Rthe parking brake must be released. Ryou are driving faster than 20 mph
(30 km/h).
RESP® must be active, but not intervening. Rthe transmission must be in position D.
Storing and maintaining the current speed
You can adopt 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 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
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overtake, cruise control adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored after you have finished overtaking.
Deactivating cruise control
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.
There are several ways to deactivate cruise control: X Briefly press the cruise control lever
forwards :.
or X Brake. Cruise control is automatically deactivated if: Ryou depress the parking brake. Ryou are driving at less than 20 mph
(30 km/h).
RESP® intervenes or you deactivate ESP®. Ryou shift the transmission to position N
while driving. If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. You will see the Cruise Control Off message in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds. i When you switch off the engine, the last
speed stored is cleared.
DISTRONIC PLUS Important safety notes G WARNING Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID" supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to recognize dangers.
X Press the cruise control lever up : for a higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.
X To adjust the set speed in 1 mph
increments (1 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever up : or down ; to the pressure point. Every time the cruise control lever is pressed up : or down ; the last speed stored is increased or reduced.
X To adjust the set speed in 5 mph increments (10 km/h increments): press the cruise control lever up : or down ; to beyond the pressure point. Every time the cruise control lever is pressed up : or down ; the last speed stored is increased or reduced.
i Cruise control is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. For example, if you accelerate briefly to
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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 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. 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. 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
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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 with your own braking. This will result in potentially dangerous emergency braking which will not always result in an impact being avoided. Tailgating increases the risk of an accident. 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.
General 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
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to maintain the preset distance to the vehicle in front. If you want DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you, the radar sensor system must be activated (Y page 241) 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) and120 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 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.
Cruise control lever
: To store the current speed or a higher
speed
; To store the current speed or a lower
speed
= To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS ? To store the current speed or calling up
the last stored speed
A To set the specified minimum distance
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS 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).
Activation conditions In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the following conditions must be fulfilled: Rthe engine must be started. It may take up
to two minutes after pulling away before DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.
Rthe parking brake must be released. RESP® must be active, but not intervening. Rthe transmission must be in position D. Rthe hood must be closed.
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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
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ;, or press it up : or down =. DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.
X Press the cruise control lever repeatedly up : or down = until the desired speed is set.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal. Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the vehicle in front, but only up to the desired stored speed.
When driving at speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h), you can only activate DISTRONIC 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. 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 X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ;, or press it up : or down =. DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.
X Press the cruise control lever repeatedly up : or down = until the desired speed is set.
If the vehicle in front of you is stationary, you can only activate DISTRONIC PLUS once your vehicle is stationary as well. i DISTRONIC PLUS can only be activated at under 20 mph(30 km/h) if a vehicle in front has been detected. Therefore, the DISTRONIC PLUS distance display in the instrument cluster should be activated (Y page 236).
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 193).
Pulling away and driving G WARNING When you step on the brake pedal, you switch off the DISTRONIC PLUS except when the vehicle is at a standstill. The DISTRONIC PLUS will no longer brake your vehicle. You are always responsible for maintaining a distance from other vehicles, observing road speeds and braking well in advance.
X If the vehicle in front pulls away: remove
your foot from the brake pedal.
or X Accelerate briefly.
Your vehicle pulls away and adapts its speed to that of the vehicle in front.
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
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vehicle. In this way, the distance you have selected is maintained. If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front is driving faster, it accelerates your vehicle, but only up to the speed you have stored. Changing lanes 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.
If you change to the passing lane, DISTRONIC PLUS supports you when: Ryou are driving faster than
40 mph(60 km/h).
RDISTRONIC PLUS is maintaining the
distance to a vehicle in front.
Ryou switch on the appropriate turn signal. RDISTRONIC PLUS does not detect a danger
of collision.
If these conditions are fulfilled, your vehicle is accelerated. Acceleration will be interrupted if changing lanes takes too long or if the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front becomes too small. i When changing lanes, DISTRONIC PLUS
monitors the left lane on left-hand drive vehicles and the right lane on right-hand drive vehicles.
Vehicles with COMAND/Audio 50
Example: traffic circle i The following function is not operational
in all countries.
DISTRONIC PLUS uses additional information from your navigation system so that it can react appropriately to certain traffic situations. This is the case if, while following a vehicle, DISTRONIC PLUS is active and you: Rapproach or drive through a traffic circle Rapproach a T-intersection Rturn off at a freeway exit Even if the vehicle in front leaves the detection range, DISTRONIC PLUS temporarily maintains the current driving speed and does not accelerate. This is based on the current map data in the navigation system. The current speed is maintained: Rapproximately 10 seconds before the
traffic circle/T intersection and approximately 1.5 seconds when driving on a traffic circle
Rapproximately 12 seconds before reaching
a freeway exit and approximately 4 seconds after the freeway exit
Afterwards, the vehicle accelerates back to the set speed you specified. Vehicles with COMAND i The following function is not operational
in all countries.
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DISTRONIC PLUS does not replace the parking brake and must not be used for parking. The DISTRONIC PLUS braking effect is canceled and the vehicle can start moving if: RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated using the
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. If you wish to leave the vehicle or park it, deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the vehicle against rolling away. G WARNING Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID" supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to recognize dangers.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until it is stationary. Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains stationary and you do not need to depress the brake. i Depending on the specified minimum
distance, your vehicle will come to a standstill at a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in front. The specified minimum distance is set using the control on the cruise control lever.
DISTRONIC PLUS uses additional information from your navigation system so that it can react appropriately to certain traffic situations. This is the case if, while following a vehicle, DISTRONIC PLUS is active and you: Rapproach or drive through a traffic circle Rapproach a T-intersection Rturn off at a freeway exit Even if the vehicle in front leaves the detection range, DISTRONIC PLUS temporarily maintains the current driving speed and does not accelerate. This is based on the current map data in the navigation system.
Example: traffic circle The current speed is maintained: Rapproximately ten seconds before the
traffic circle/T-intersection and for approximately 1.5 seconds when driving in the traffic circle
Rapproximately twelve seconds before
reaching a freeway exit and approximately four seconds after the freeway exit
Afterwards, the vehicle accelerates back to the set speed you specified. 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.
X Press the cruise control lever up : for a higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.
X To adjust the set speed in 1 mph
increments (1 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever up : or down ; to the pressure point. Every time the cruise control lever is pressed up : or down ;, the last speed stored is increased or reduced.
X To adjust the set speed in 5 mph increments (10 km/h increments): press the cruise control lever up : or down ; to beyond the pressure point. Every time the cruise control lever is pressed up : or down ;, the last speed stored is increased or reduced.
i DISTRONIC PLUS is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. If you accelerate to overtake, DISTRONIC PLUS adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored after you have finished overtaking.
Storing the current speed or calling up a stored speed 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.
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Vehicles featuring automatic transmission with a DIRECT SELECT lever When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, the transmission is shifted automatically to position P if: Rthe driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.
Rthe engine is switched off, unless it is automatically switched off by the ECO start/stop function. Rthe hood is opened. Ra system malfunction occurs. Rthe power supply is not sufficient.
Setting a speed 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.
: To store the current speed or a higher
speed
; To store the current speed or a lower
speed
= To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS ? To store the current speed or calling up
the last stored speed
A To set the specified minimum distance
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 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.
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 193). 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.
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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 DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, one or two segments ; in the set speed range light up. If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front, segments ; between speed of the vehicle in front : and stored speed = light up. i For design reasons, the speed displayed in the speedometer may differ slightly from the speed set for DISTRONIC PLUS.
DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the multifunction display General notes You can select the distance display in the Assistance menu (Y page 236)of the on- board computer.
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Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated
: Vehicle in front, if detected ; Distance indicator, current distance to
the vehicle in front
= Specified minimum distance to the
vehicle in front; adjustable
? Own vehicle X Select the Distance Display function using the on-board computer (Y page 236).
Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated
: DISTRONIC PLUS activated ; Own vehicle = Specified minimum distance to the
vehicle in front; adjustable ? Vehicle in front, if detected X Select the Distance Display function using the on-board computer (Y page 236).
i You will see the stored speed for about
five seconds when you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS 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 a vehicle 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.
There are several ways to deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS: X Briefly press the cruise control lever
forwards :.
or X Brake, unless the vehicle is stationary. When you deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS, you will see the DISTRONIC PLUS Off message in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds. i The last speed stored remains stored until
you switch off the engine.
DISTRONIC PLUS is automatically deactivated if: Ryou engage the parking brake. Ryou are driving slower than 15 mph
(25 km/h) and there is no vehicle in front,
or if the vehicle in front is no longer detected.
RESP® intervenes or you deactivate ESP®. Rthe transmission is in the P, R or N position. Ryou switch off the radar sensor system
(Y page 241).
Ryou pull the cruise control lever towards you in order to pull away and the front- passenger door or one of the rear doors is open.
Rthe vehicle has skidded. If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. You will see the DISTRONIC PLUS Off message in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds.
Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS Important safety notes 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
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
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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.
The following contains descriptions of certain road and traffic conditions in which you must be particularly attentive. In such situations, brake if necessary. DISTRONIC PLUS is then deactivated. Cornering, going into and coming out of a bend
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 may not detect vehicles traveling on a different line. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.
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Other vehicles changing lanes
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 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 does not brake for obstacles or stationary vehicles. If, for
DISTRONIC PLUS may mistakenly detect vehicles that are crossing your lane. Activating DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights with crossing traffic, for example, could cause your vehicle to pull away unintentionally.
HOLD function 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.
Activation conditions You can activate the HOLD function if: Rthe vehicle is stationary. Rthe engine is running or if it has been automatically switched off by the ECO start/stop function.
Rthe driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened.
Rthe parking brake is released. Rthe hood is closed. Rthe transmission is in position D, R or N. RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
Activating the HOLD function 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).
X Make sure that the activation conditions
are met.
X Depress the brake pedal. X Quickly depress the brake pedal further until ë appears in the multifunction display. The HOLD function is activated. You can release the brake pedal.
i If depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function, wait briefly and then try again.
Deactivating the HOLD function 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 parking brake and must not be used for parking.
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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.
Rthe electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses are tampered with.
Rthe battery is disconnected. If you leave the vehicle or park it, deactivate the HOLD function and secure the vehicle against rolling away.
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 depress the brake pedal again with a
certain amount of pressure until ë disappears from the multifunction display.
Ryou activate DISTRONIC PLUS. When the HOLD function is activated, the transmission is shifted automatically to position P if: Rthe driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.
Rthe engine is switched off, unless it is automatically switched off by the ECO start/stop function. Rthe hood is opened. Ra system malfunction occurs. Rthe power supply is not sufficient. i If the engine has been switched off, it cannot be started again until the HOLD function has been deactivated.
If there is a malfunction in the system or power supply while the HOLD function is activated, the Brake ImmediatelyBrake Immediately message is shown in the
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multifunction display. Immediately depress the brake firmly until the warning message in the multifunction display goes out.
RACE START Important safety notes G WARNING RACE START is only available when SPORT handling mode is activated. SPORT handling mode only stabilizes the vehicle to a limited extent in the event of swerving or wheelspin. RACE START should only be used on specially designated roads. Always adapt your speed and driving style to the prevailing road and weather conditions.
i RACE START is only available in AMG
vehicles.
RACE START enables optimal acceleration from a standing start. The precondition for this is a suitable high-grip road surface.
Conditions for activation You can activate RACE START if: Rthe doors are closed. Rthe engine is running and it has reached an
operating temperature of approximately 176 ‡ (80 †). This is the case when the engine oil temperature in the multifunction display stops flashing.
RSPORT handling mode is activated.
Rthe steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
(Y page 70)
position.
Rthe vehicle is stationary and the brake
pedal is depressed (left foot).
Rthe transmission is in position D.
Activating RACE START X Depress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed.
X Turn the drive program selector clockwise (Y page 165) until the RS lamp lights up. The RACE START Confirm: Paddle UP Cancel: Paddle DOWN message appears in the multifunction display.
i If the activation conditions are no longer fulfilled, RACE START is canceled. The RACE START Canceled message appears in the multifunction display.
X To cancel: pull the left steering wheel
paddle shifter (Y page 166).
or X To confirm: pull the right steering wheel paddle shifter (Y page 166). The RACE START Available Depress gas pedal message appears in the multifunction display.
i If you do not depress the accelerator pedal fully within two seconds, RACE START is canceled. The RACE START Not Possible See Operator's Manual message appears in the multifunction display.
X Fully depress the accelerator pedal.
The engine speed rises to approximately 3500 rpm. The RACE START Release brake to start message appears in the multifunction display.
i If you do not release the brake pedal within five seconds, RACE START is canceled. The RACE START Canceled message appears in the multifunction display.
X Take your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed. The vehicle pulls away at maximum acceleration. The RACE START Active message appears in the multifunction display.
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RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle reaches a speed of approximately 30 mph (Canada: 50 km/h). Drive program S+ is activated. SPORT handling mode remains activated. RACE START is deactivated immediately if you release the accelerator pedal during RACE START or if any of the activation conditions are no longer fulfilled. The RACE START Not Possible See Operator's Manual message appears in the multifunction display. i If RACE START is used repeatedly within a short period of time, it is only available again after the vehicle has been driven a certain distance.
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: Rnormal Rraised: the vehicle is raised by about
0.80 in (20 mm) when compared with the normal level
Rlowered: the vehicle is lowered by about 0.40 in (10 mm) when compared with the normal level
The "Normal" and "Raised" vehicle levels can be set manually. The "Lowered” vehicle level is set automatically: Rat speeds above 70 mph (113 km/h) Rif you have selected "Sports tuning"
(Y page 200)
Setting the vehicle level 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.
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. 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. 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. Setting the normal level X Start the engine.
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If indicator lamp ; is lit: X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle is adjusted to normal level.
Suspension tuning General notes The electronically controlled damping system works continuously. This improves driving safety and ride comfort. The damping 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
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 Press button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. Sports suspension tuning is selected. The AIRMATIC 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. Select comfort mode also when driving fast on straight roads, e.g. on straight stretches of freeway. X Press button :.
Indicator lamp = lights up. Comfort tuning is selected. The AIRMATIC COMFORT message appears in the multifunction display.
AMG adaptive sport suspension system General notes i AMG adaptive sport suspension system is
available for the E 63 AMG model.
Rear axle level control The vehicle automatically sets the vehicle level at the rear axle. Rear axle level control ensures the best possible suspension and that the ground clearance remains constant even when the vehicle is loaded. This improves driving safety and fuel consumption.
Suspension tuning General notes The electronically controlled damping system works continuously. This improves driving safety and ride comfort. The damping 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 of Sport, Sport +
or Comfort
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If you select Sport or Sport + mode and restart the engine, the suspension setting reverts to Comfort mode. Sport mode
: Mode selection button ; Button to store, recall and display the
selected mode
= Sport + mode indicator lamp ? Sport mode indicator lamp 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 Press button : once.
Indicator lamp ? lights up. You have selected Sport mode. The AMG Suspension System SPORT message appears in the multifunction display.
Sport + mode The very firm setting of the suspension tuning in Sport + mode ensures the best possible contact with the road. Select this mode only when driving on race circuits. If indicator lamps = and ? are off: X Press button : twice.
Indicator lamps = and ? light up. You have selected Sport + mode. The AMG Suspension System SPORT + message appears in the multifunction display.
If indicator lamp ? lights up: X Press button : once.
Second indicator lamp = lights up. You have selected Sport + mode. The AMG Suspension System SPORT + message appears in the multifunction display.
Comfort mode 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 Press button : repeatedly until indicator
lamps = and ? go out. You have selected Comfort mode. The AMG Suspension System COMFORT message appears in the multifunction display.
Storing and calling up settings Once the suspension tuning and drive program have been selected, you can store and call up your settings using AMG button ;. X To store: press AMG button ; until you
hear a tone.
X To call up: press AMG button ;.
The stored suspension tuning and drive program are selected.
X To display: briefly press AMG button ;. Your selection appears in the multifunction display.
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4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive) 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.
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.
PARKTRONIC Important safety notes G WARNING The PARKTRONIC is a supplemental system. It is not intended to, nor does it replace, the need for extreme care. The responsibility during parking and other critical maneuvers always remains with the driver.
G WARNING Make sure no persons or animals are in or near the area in which you are parking/ maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be injured.
PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and audibly the distance between your vehicle and an object. PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when you: Rswitch on the ignition Rshift the transmission to position D, R or N Rrelease the parking brake PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above 11 mph (18km/h). It is reactivated at lower speeds. PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper and four sensors in the rear bumper.
Range of the sensors General notes ! When parking, pay particular attention to objects above or below the sensors, such as flower pots or trailer drawbars. PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects when they are in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle or the objects. The sensors may not detect snow and other objects that absorb ultrasonic waves. Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a truck or a pneumatic drill could cause PARKTRONIC to malfunction. PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on uneven terrain.
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: Example: sensors in the front bumper,
left-hand side
The sensors must be free of dirt, ice and slush. Otherwise, they may not function correctly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking care not to scratch or damage them (Y page 337).
Example: side view
Example: top view
Front sensors Center
Corners
Rear sensors Center
Corners
Approx. 40in (approx. 100cm) Approx. 24in (approx. 60cm)
Approx. 48in (approx. 120cm) Approx. 32in (approx. 80cm)
Minimum distance Center Corners
Approx. 8in (approx. 20cm) Approx. 6in (approx. 15cm)
If there is an obstacle within this range, the relevant warning displays light up and a warning tone sounds. If the distance falls below the minimum, the distance may no longer be shown.
Warning displays
Warning display for the front area : Segments on the left-hand side of the
vehicle
; Segments on the right-hand side of the
vehicle
= Segments showing operational readiness The warning displays show the distance between the sensors and the obstacle. The warning display for the front area is located
Deactivating/activating PARKTRONIC
: To deactivate/activate PARKTRONIC ; Indicator lamp If indicator lamp ; lights up, PARKTRONIC is deactivated. i PARKTRONIC is automatically activated when you turn the SmartKey to position 2
in the ignition lock.204 Driving systems
on the dashboard above the center air vents. The warning display for the rear area is located on the headliner in the rear compartment. The warning display for each side of the vehicle is divided into five yellow and two red segments. PARKTRONIC is operational if yellow segments showing operational readiness = light up. The selected transmission position determines which warning display is active when the engine is running. Transmission position R or N
Warning display
Front area activated Rear and front areas activated No areas activated
One or more segments light up as the vehicle approaches an obstacle, depending on the vehicle's distance from the obstacle. From the: Rsixth segment onwards, you will hear an
intermittent warning tone for approximately two seconds.
Rseventh segment onwards, you will hear a
warning tone for approximately two seconds. This indicates that you have now reached the minimum distance.
Problems with PARKTRONIC
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Problem Only the red segments in the PARKTRONIC warning displays are lit. You also hear a warning tone for approximately two seconds. PARKTRONIC is deactivated after approximately 20 seconds, and the indicator lamp in the PARKTRONIC button lights up.
Only the red segments in the PARKTRONIC warning displays are lit. PARKTRONIC is deactivated after approximately 20 seconds.
Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off. X If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference. X Clean the PARKTRONIC sensors (Y page 337). X Switch the ignition back on. The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or ultrasound waves. X See if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location.
Parking Guidance Important safety notes G WARNING Parking Guidance is merely an aid and may display parking spaces that are not suitable for parking, for example: Rno-parking areas Rparking spaces with unsuitable surfaces
(road surface)
Rdriveways Rentrances and exits Parking Guidance detects and measures potential parking spaces while driving past. Changes to the parking space after this point are not taken into account, for example if the vehicle in front of or behind the parking space
changes position or objects in the parking space are moved. Even when using Parking Guidance, you are still responsible for driving carefully. If you rely on Parking Guidance alone, you could cause an accident and injure yourself and others. Safety always remains your responsibility and you must continue paying careful attention to your immediate surroundings when parking and maneuvering. G WARNING Objects located above the height range of Parking Guidance will not be detected when the parking space is measured. These objects are not taken into account when the parking procedure is calculated, e.g. overhanging loads, tail sections or loading ramps of goods
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vehicles. Under some circumstances, Parking Guidance might therefore issue steering instructions too soon. This may lead to a collision. For this reason, you should avoid using Parking Guidance in such situations. G WARNING Make sure that no persons or animals are in the maneuvering range. Otherwise, they could be injured.
! Pay particular attention to low objects or
objects with flat surfaces, such as trailer drawbars, posts, cross beams and curbs. These types of objects cannot be detected by Parking Guidance and may damage the vehicle.
! If unavoidable, you should drive over
obstacles such as curbs slowly and not at a sharp angle. Otherwise, you may damage the wheels or tires.
Parking Guidance is an electronic parking aid with ultrasound. Ultrasound is used to measure the road on both sides of the vehicle. A suitable parking space is indicated by the parking symbol. You receive steering instructions when parking. You may also use PARKTRONIC (Y page 202). When PARKTRONIC is deactivated, Parking Guidance is also unavailable. Use Parking Guidance for parking spaces:
