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Stop button for three seconds.
Parking brake G WARNING If you must brake the vehicle with the parking brake, the braking distance is considerably longer and the wheels could lock. There is an increased danger of skidding and accidents. Only use the parking brake to brake the vehicle when the service brake is faulty. Do not apply the parking brake too firmly. If the wheels lock, release the parking brake until the wheels begin turning again.
Parking 183
G WARNING If you leave children unsupervised in the vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for example: Rreleasing the parking brake Rshifting the automatic transmission out of
the parking position P
Rstarting the engine. They could also operate the vehicle's equipment. There is a risk of an accident and injury. When leaving the vehicle, always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
If you brake the vehicle with the parking brake, the brake lamps will not light up. X To apply: depress parking brake ; firmly. When the engine is running, the$ (USA only) or J (Canada only) indicator lamp lights up in the instrument cluster.
X To release: depress the brake pedal and
keep it depressed.
X Pull release handle :.
When the ignition is switched on or the engine is running, the $ (USA only) or J (Canada only) indicator lamp goes out in the instrument cluster.
Parking the vehicle for a long period If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than four weeks, the battery may be damaged by exhaustive discharging.
184 Driving tips
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a result of lack of use. X Visit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist workshop.
Driving tips General notes Important safety notes G WARNING If you switch off the ignition while driving, safety-relevant functions are only available with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake boosting effect. You will require considerably more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk of an accident. Do not switch off the ignition while driving. G WARNING If you operate mobile communication equipment while driving, you will be distracted from traffic conditions. You could also lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident. Only operate this equipment when the vehicle is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the country in which you are driving. Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a mobile phone while driving a vehicle. If you make a call while driving, always use hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone when the traffic situation permits. If you are unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop before operating the telephone. Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph (approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers
a distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) per second.
Drive sensibly – save fuel Observe the following tips to save fuel: X The tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure. X Remove unnecessary loads. X Remove roof racks when they are not
needed.
X Warm up the engine at low engine speeds. X Avoid frequent acceleration or braking. X Have all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the Maintenance Booklet or by the service interval display.
Fuel consumption also increases when driving in cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in hilly terrain.
Drinking and driving G WARNING Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and driving are very dangerous combinations. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions and judgment. The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident is greatly increased when you drink or take drugs and drive. Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow anyone to drive who has been drinking or taking drugs.
Emission control G WARNING Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave the engine running in enclosed spaces without sufficient ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep the level of poisonous components in exhaust fumes within legal limits. These systems only work at peak efficiency if they are serviced exactly in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. For this reason, only have work on the engine carried out by qualified and authorized Mercedes- Benz technicians. The engine settings must not be changed under any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific service work must be carried out at regular intervals and in accordance with the Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details can be found in the Maintenance Booklet.
ECO display
Example: ECO display The ECO display gives you information on how economical your driving style is. The ECO display assists you in achieving the optimum driving style in terms of consumption, taking the actual and selected conditions into consideration. Your driving style can significantly influence the vehicle's consumption. The ECO display consists of three bars: RAcceleration Acceleration RConstant Constant RCoasting Coasting The percent value is the average value of the three bars. The three bars and the mean value begin at the value of 50%. A higher percentage indicates a more economical driving style. The ECO display does not indicate the actual fuel consumption and a fixed percentage
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count in the ECO display does not indicate a fixed consumption figure. Apart from driving style, consumption is dependent on many factors such as, e.g.: Rload Rtire pressure Rcold start Rchoice of route Relectrical consumers switched on These factors are not taken into consideration by the ECO display. The evaluation of your driving style is carried out using the following three categories: RAcceleration Acceleration (evaluation of all acceleration processes): - The bar fills up: moderate acceleration,
especially at higher speeds - The bar empties: sporty acceleration RConstant Constant (assessment of driving behavior at all times): - The bar fills up: constant speed and
avoidance of unnecessary acceleration and deceleration - The bar empties: fluctuations in speed RCoasting Coasting (assessment of all deceleration processes): - The bar fills up: anticipatory driving,
keeping your distance and early release of the accelerator. The vehicle can coast without use of the brakes.
- The bar empties: frequent braking
i An economical driving style specially
requires driving at moderate engine speeds. To achieve a higher value in the categories Acceleration and Constant Acceleration Constant: Robserve the gearshift recommendations. Rdrive in drive program E. i On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the highway, only the bar for Constant Constant will change.
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i The ECO display summaries the driving
characteristics from the start of the journey to its completion. For this reason, the bars change dynamically at the beginning of the journey. On longer journeys, there are fewer changes. For more dynamic changes, carry out a manual reset.
Further information on the ECO display (Y page 242).
Braking Important safety notes 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.
Downhill gradients ! On long and steep gradients, you must reduce the load on the brakes by shifting early to a lower gear. This allows you to take advantage of the engine braking effect and helps avoid overheating and excessive wear of the brakes. When you take advantage of the engine braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn for some time, e.g. on a slippery road surface. This could cause damage to the drive train. This type of damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty. Do not depress the brake pedal continuously while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. causing the brakes to rub by constantly applying light pressure to the pedal. This results in excessive and premature wear to the brake pads.
Heavy and light loads G WARNING If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving, the braking system can overheat. This increases the stopping distance and can even cause the braking system to fail. There is a risk of an accident. Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never depress the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but drive on for a short while. This allows the airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain without braking, there may be a delayed reaction from the brakes when braking for the first time. This may also occur after the vehicle has been washed or driven through deep water. You have to depress the brake pedal more firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front. After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying attention to the traffic conditions. This will warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly and protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt- treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt residue may form on the brake discs and brake pads. This can result in a significantly longer braking distance.
RBrake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not endanger other road users when doing so. RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes ! If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a warning tone while the engine is running, the brake fluid level may be too low. Observe additional warning messages in the multifunction display. The brake fluid level may be too low due to brake pad wear or leaking brake lines. Have the brake system checked immediately. This work should be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. ! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or
performance tests may only be carried out on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you are planning to have the vehicle tested on such a dynamometer, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to obtain further information first. Otherwise, you could damage the drive train or the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine and the ignition must be switched off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock or Start/Stop button in position 0 or 1) while the parking brake is being tested on a brake dynamometer. Braking maneuvers triggered automatically by ESP® may seriously damage the brake system.
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! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine and the ignition system must be switched off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock or Start/Stop button in position 0 or 1) when: Rtesting the parking brake on a brake
dynamometer.
Ryou intend to have the vehicle towed with
one of the axles raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically by ESP® may seriously damage the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake system must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. Consult a qualified specialist workshop to arrange this. Have brake pads installed and brake fluid replaced at a qualified specialist workshop. If the brake system has only been subject to moderate loads, you should test the functionality of your brakes at regular intervals. To do so, press firmly on the brake pedal when driving at a high speed. This improves the grip of the brake pads. You can find a description of Brake Assist (BAS) at (Y page 68) or of BAS PLUS with Intersection Assist at (Y page 68). The braking characteristics of the vehicle can be seriously impaired if: Rbrake pads other than those recommended
are installed
Rthe recommended brake fluid is not used Safe braking can no longer be guaranteed.
AMG high-performance and ceramic brakes The AMG brake systems are designed for heavy loads. This may lead to noise when braking. This will depend on: RSpeed RBraking force REnvironmental conditions, such as
temperature and humidity
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The wear of individual components of the brake system, such as the brake pads/linings or brake discs, depends on the individual driving style and operating conditions. For this reason, it is impossible to state a mileage that will be valid under all circumstances. An aggressive driving style will lead to high wear. You can obtain further information about this from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. New and replaced brake pads and discs only reach their optimum braking effect after several hundred kilometers of driving. Compensate for this by applying greater force to the brake pedal. Keep this in mind, and adapt your driving and braking accordingly during this break-in period. Excessive heavy braking results in correspondingly high brake wear. Observe the # brake wear warning lamp in the instrument cluster and note any brake status messages in the multifunction display. Especially for high performance driving, it is important to maintain and have the brake system checked regularly.
Driving on wet roads Hydroplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth on the road surface, there is a danger of hydroplaning occurring, even if: Ryou drive at low speeds. Rthe tires have adequate tread depth. For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in conditions in which hydroplaning may occur, you must drive in the following manner: Rlower your speed. Ravoid ruts. Rbrake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads ! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving through it. Drive slowly through standing water. Otherwise, water may enter the vehicle interior or the engine compartment. This can damage the electronic components in the engine or the automatic transmission. Water can also be drawn in by the engine's air suction nozzles and this can cause engine damage.
Winter driving Important safety notes G WARNING If 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 DANGER If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of fatal injury. If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area around the vehicle are clear of snow. To ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a window on the side of the vehicle that is not facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified specialist workshop at the onset of winter. i Vehicles with a diesel engine: do not cover the radiator, e.g. with a protective cover. The measuring function of the onboard diagnosis system may otherwise provide inaccurate values. Some of these
values are required by law and must therefore always be accurate.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" section (Y page 374).
Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" section (Y page 374).
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.
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 375).
The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. Changes in the outside temperature are displayed after a short delay. 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. The vehicle could skid if you fail to adapt your driving style. Always adapt your driving style and drive at a speed to suit the prevailing weather conditions. You should pay special attention to road conditions when temperatures are around freezing point.
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Driving systems Cruise control 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 shift to a lower gear in time. By doing so, you will make use of the braking effect of the engine. This 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).
Important safety notes If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise control can neither reduce the risk of an accident nor override the laws of physics. Cruise control cannot take into account the road, traffic and weather conditions. Cruise control is only an aid. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for staying in your lane. Do not use cruise control: Rin road and traffic conditions which do not allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g. in heavy traffic or on winding roads Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels to lose traction and the vehicle could then skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new driver of the speed stored.
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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.
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 accept 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 If you call up the stored speed and it is lower than the current speed, the vehicle decelerates. If you do not know the stored speed, the vehicle could decelerate unexpectedly. There is a risk of an accident. Pay attention to the road and traffic conditions before calling up the stored speed. If you do not know the stored speed, store the desired speed again.
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you :.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal. The first time cruise control is activated, it stores the current speed or regulates the speed of the vehicle to the previously stored speed.
Setting a speed
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): 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.
i Cruise control is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. For example, if you accelerate briefly to overtake, cruise control adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored after you have finished overtaking.
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Deactivating cruise control
There are several ways to deactivate cruise control: X Briefly press the cruise control lever
forwards :.
or X Brake. Cruise control is automatically deactivated if: Ryou 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 Cruise Control Off 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 General notes DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and automatically helps you maintain the distance to the vehicle detected in front. Vehicles are detected with the aid of the radar sensor system. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes automatically so that the set speed is not exceeded.
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Change into a lower gear in good time on long and steep downhill gradients. This is especially important if the vehicle is laden. By doing so, you will make use of the braking effect of the engine. This relieves the load on the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly. If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that there is a risk of a collision, you will be warned visually and acoustically. DISTRONIC PLUS cannot prevent a collision without your intervention. An intermittent warning tone will then sound and the distance warning lamp will light up in the instrument cluster. Brake immediately in order to increase the distance to the vehicle in front or take evasive action provided it is safe to do so. For DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you, the radar sensor system must be operational. DISTRONIC PLUS operates in range between 0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (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 harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Removal, tampering, or altering of the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in any non-approved way. Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Important safety notes G WARNING Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID" supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to recognize dangers. G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to: Rpeople or animals Rstationary obstacles on the road, e.g.
stopped or parked vehicles
Roncoming and crossing traffic As a result, DISTRONIC PLUS may neither give warnings nor intervene in such situations. There is a risk of an accident. Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake. G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS cannot always clearly identify other road users and complex traffic situations. In such cases, DISTRONIC PLUS may: Rgive an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
Rneither give a warning nor intervene Raccelerate unexpectedly There is a risk of an accident. Continue to drive carefully and be ready to brake, in particular when warned to do so by DISTRONIC PLUS.
G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with up to 50% of the maximum possible deceleration. If this braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC PLUS warns you visually and audibly. There is a risk of an accident. In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and try to take evasive action.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automatically in certain situations. To prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in the following or other similar situations: Rwhen towing the vehicle Rin the car wash
If you fail to adapt your driving style, DISTRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk of accident nor override the laws of physics. DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take into account the road, traffic and weather conditions. DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for staying in your lane. Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS: Rin road and traffic conditions which do not allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g. in heavy traffic or on winding roads Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels to lose traction and the vehicle could then skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or vehicles driving on a different line. In particular, the detection of obstacles can be impaired if: Rdirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Rsnow or heavy rain
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Rinterference by other radar sources Rstrong radar reflections, for example, in
parking garages
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS may unexpectedly accelerate the vehicle to the stored speed. This speed may: Rbe too high if you are driving in a filter lane
or an exit lane
Rbe so high in the right lane that you pass vehicles driving on the left (left-hand drive countries)
Rbe so high in the left lane that you pass vehicles driving on the right (right-hand drive countries)
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new driver of the speed stored.
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 call up the
last stored speed
A To set the specified minimum distance
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Activating DISTRONIC PLUS 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. RActive Parking Assist must not be
activated.
Rthe transmission must be in position D. 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
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.
You can also activate DISTRONIC PLUS when stationary. The lowest speed that can be set is 18 mph (30 km/h). X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ; or press it up : or down =. DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.
Activating at the current speed/last stored speed G WARNING If you call up the stored speed and it differs from the current speed, the vehicle accelerates or decelerates. If you do not know the stored speed, the vehicle could accelerate or brake unexpectedly. There is a risk of an accident. Pay attention to the road and traffic conditions before calling up the stored speed. If you do not know the stored speed, store the desired speed again.
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. i If you do not fully release the accelerator pedal, the DISTRONIC PLUS Passive DISTRONIC PLUS Passive
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.
Driving with DISTRONIC PLUS Pulling away and driving
X If you want to pull away with
DISTRONIC PLUS: remove your foot from the brake pedal.
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you :.
or X Accelerate briefly.
Your vehicle pulls away and adapts its speed to that of the vehicle in front. If no vehicle is detected in front, your vehicle accelerates to the set speed.
i The vehicle can also pull away when it is facing an unidentified obstacle or is driving on a different line from another vehicle. The vehicle then brakes automatically. There is a risk of an accident. Be ready to brake at all times.
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS operates in the same way as cruise control. If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front has slowed down, it brakes your vehicle. In this way, the distance you have selected is maintained. If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a faster-moving vehicle in front, it increases the driving speed. However, the vehicle is only accelerated up to the speed you have stored.
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Selecting the drive program DISTRONIC Plus supports a sporty driving style when you have selected the S driving program (Y page 171). Acceleration behind the vehicle in front or to the set speed is then noticeably more dynamic. If you have selected the E driving program, the vehicle accelerates more gently. This setting is recommended in stop-and-start traffic. Changing lanes If you change to the passing lane, DISTRONIC PLUS supports you when: Ryou are driving faster than 45 mph
(70 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.
Stopping G WARNING When leaving the vehicle, even if it is braked only by DISTRONIC PLUS, it could roll away if: Rthere is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
RDISTRONIC PLUS has been deactivated
with the cruise control lever, e.g. by a vehicle occupant or from outside the vehicle.
Rthe electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses have been tampered with.
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Rthe battery is disconnected. Rthe accelerator pedal has been depressed,
e.g. by a vehicle occupant. There is a risk of an accident. If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the vehicle against rolling away.
Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 198). 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. 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. 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.
Ra system malfunction occurs. Rthe power supply is not sufficient.
Setting a speed
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): 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.
i If you accelerate to overtake, DISTRONIC PLUS adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored after you have finished overtaking.
Setting the specified minimum distance You can set the specified minimum distance for DISTRONIC PLUS by varying the time span between one and two seconds. With this function, you can set the minimum distance that DISTRONIC PLUS keeps to the vehicle in front, dependent on vehicle speed. You can see this distance in the multifunction display (Y page 197). i Make sure that you maintain a sufficient distance to the vehicle in front and comply with the minimum distance as required by law. Adjust the distance to the vehicle in front if necessary.
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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 In the Assistance menu (Y page 246) of the on-board computer, you can select the assistance display. Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated
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 197). 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.
DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the speedometer
Example: vehicles featuring automatic transmission with a DIRECT SELECT lever
: 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 Assistance Graphic using the on-board computer (Y page 246).
Assistance Graphic function
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Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated
: Vehicle in front, if detected ; Specified minimum distance to the
vehicle in front; adjustable
= Own vehicle ? DISTRONIC PLUS active (text only
appears when the cruise control lever is actuated) Assistance Graphic function
X Select the Assistance Graphic using the on-board computer (Y page 246).
i You will see the stored speed for about
five seconds when you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS
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 DISTRONIC PLUS Off message will see the DISTRONIC PLUS Off in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds. i The last speed stored remains stored until
you switch off the engine.
i DISTRONIC PLUS is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is automatically deactivated if: Ryou engage the parking brake RESP® intervenes or you deactivate ESP® Rthe transmission is in the P, R or N position 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 Ryou activate Active Parking Assist If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. You will see the DISTRONIC PLUS Off DISTRONIC PLUS Off message in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds.
Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS General notes Pay particular attention in the following traffic situations: RCornering, going into and coming out of a
bend
RVehicles traveling on a different line ROther vehicles changing lanes RNarrow vehicles
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Other vehicles changing lanes
DISTRONIC PLUS has not detected the vehicle cutting in yet. The distance to this vehicle will be too short. Narrow vehicles
RObstructions and stationary vehicles RCrossing vehicles 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 has not yet detected the vehicle in front on the edge of the road, because of its narrow width. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short. Obstructions and stationary vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect vehicles traveling on a different line. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.
DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obstacles or stationary vehicles. If, for
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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 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.
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist General notes
DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist aids you in keeping the vehicle in the center of the driving lane by means of moderate steering interventions at speeds of 0 - 125 mph (0 - 200 km/h). DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist monitors the area in front of your vehicle by means of camera system :, at the top of the windshield.
At speeds of more than 37 mph (60 km/h) DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist focuses on lane markings that are present. At speeds of 0 - 37 mph (0 - 60 km/h) DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist focuses on the vehicle in front, taking into account lane markings, e.g. when following vehicles in a traffic jam. DISTRONIC PLUS must be active in order for the Steering Assist function to be available. Important safety notes If you fail to adapt your driving style, DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist can neither reduce the risk of an accident nor override the laws of physics. DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist cannot take into account road, weather or traffic conditions. DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist is only an aid. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for staying in your lane. DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist does not detect road and traffic conditions. If you are following a vehicle which is driving towards the edge of the road, your vehicle could come into contact with the curb or other road boundaries. In the case of deviations in road markings, beware of other road users, e.g. cyclists, that are in the direct vicinity of your vehicle. Obstacles such as building site huts on the lane or projecting out into the lane are not detected. An inappropriate steering intervention, e.g. after intentionally driving over a lane marking, can be corrected at any time if you steer slightly in the opposite direction. DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist cannot continuously keep your vehicle in lane. In some cases, the steering intervention is not sufficient to bring the vehicle back to the lane. In such cases, you must steer the vehicle yourself to ensure that it does not leave the lane.
The system may be impaired or may not function if: Rthere is poor visibility, e.g. due to
insufficient illumination of the road, or due to snow, rain, fog or spray
Rthere is glare, e.g. from oncoming traffic, the sun or reflections (e.g. when the road surface is wet)
Rthe windshield is dirty, fogged up, damaged or covered, for instance by a sticker, in the vicinity of the camera
Rno, or several, unclear lane markings are
present for one lane, e.g. in a construction area
Rthe lane markings are worn away, dark or
covered up, e.g. by dirt or snow
Rthe distance to the vehicle in front is too
small and the lane markings thus cannot be detected
Rthe lane markings change quickly, e.g. lanes branch off, cross one another or merge
Rthe road is narrow and winding Rthere are strong shadows cast on the lane Pay attention also to the important safety notes for DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 192). The steering interventions are carried out with a limited steering moment. The system requires the driver to keep his hands on the steering wheel and to steer himself. If you do not steer yourself or if take your hands off the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time, the system will first alert you with a visual warning. A steering wheel symbol appears in the multifunction display. If you have still not started to steer and have not taken hold of the steering wheel after five seconds, a warning tone also sounds to remind you to take control of the vehicle. DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist is then switched to passive. DISTRONIC PLUS remains active.
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The system is switched to passive and no longer assists you by performing steering interventions if: Ryou actively change lanes Ryou switch on the turn signal Rtake your hands off the steering wheel or do not steer for a prolonged period of time
i After you have finished changing lanes,
DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist is automatically active once more.
DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist does not provide assistance: Ron very sharp corners Rif no lane markings or no clear lane
markings have been detected
Rif the vehicle in front is not detected at
speeds below 37 mph (60 km/h)
Rin tire run-flat mode Activating Steering Assist X Select the DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering
Assist function using the on-board computer (Y page 248). The DTR+: Steering Assistant On DTR+: Steering Assistant On message appears in the multifunction display. DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist is activated.
Information in the multifunction display
If DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist is activated but is not ready for a steering intervention, steering wheel symbol : appears in grey. If the system provides you with support by means of steering interventions, symbol : is shown in green.
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Deactivating Steering Assist X Deactivate the DISTRONIC PLUS with
Steering Assist function using the on-board computer (Y page 248). The DTR+ Steering Assistant Off DTR+ Steering Assistant Off message appears in the multifunction display. DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist is deactivated.
When DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist is deactivated automatically.
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.
Important safety notes G WARNING When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll away despite being braked by the HOLD function if: Rthere is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
Rthe HOLD function has been deactivated by pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant. Rthe electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses have been tampered with.
Rthe battery is disconnected There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off the HOLD function and secure the vehicle against rolling away.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automatically in certain situations. To prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in the following or other similar situations: Rwhen towing the vehicle Rin the car wash
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 transmission is in position D, R or N RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated
Activating the HOLD function
X Make sure that the activation conditions
are met.
X Depress the brake pedal. X Quickly depress the brake pedal further
until ë: appears in the 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 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.
Ra system malfunction occurs. Rthe power supply is not sufficient.
RACE START Important safety notes i Observe the safety notes for the SPORT
handling mode (Y page 74).
RACE START is intended solely for activation on dedicated race circuits. RACE START enables optimal acceleration from a standing start. The precondition for this is a suitable high-grip road surface. i RACE START is only available in AMG
vehicles.
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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.
(Y page 74)
Rthe steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
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 171) until the RS lamp lights up. The RACE START Confirm: Paddle UP RACE START Confirm: Paddle UP Cancel: Paddle DOWN 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 RACE START Canceled message appears in the multifunction display.
X To cancel: pull the left steering wheel
paddle shifter (Y page 172).
or X To confirm: pull the right steering wheel paddle shifter (Y page 172). The RACE START Available Depress RACE START Available Depress gas pedal 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 RACE START Not Possible See Operator's Manual Possible See Operator's Manual message appears in the multifunction display.
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X Fully depress the accelerator pedal.
The engine speed rises to approximately 3,500 rpm. The RACE START Release brake to RACE START Release brake to start 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 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. TheRACERACE START in the multifunction display.
START Active
Active message appears
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 RACERACE START Not Possible See Operator's START Not Possible See Operator's Manual 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 G WARNING When the vehicle is being lowered, people could become trapped if their limbs are between the vehicle body and the wheels or
underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of injury. Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle or in the immediate vicinity of the wheel arches when the vehicle is being lowered. G WARNING Vehicles with level control: The vehicle is slightly lowered if: Ryou have selected comfort suspension
tuning and
Ryou lock the vehicle within approximately
60 seconds of switching off the engine You and people in the vicinity of the wheel arch or the underbody may thus become trapped. There is a risk of injury. Make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of the wheel arch or the underbody when you lock the vehicle.
! The vehicle is lowered by about 15 mm if:
Ryou have selected "Comfort tuning" Ryou switch off the engine and then Ryou lock the vehicle within approximately
60 seconds
When parking, position your vehicle so that it does not make contact with the curb as the vehicle is lowered. Your vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
If you unlock the vehicle within 60 seconds of having switched the engine off, the vehicle is lowered slightly when Comfort suspension mode is selected. 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
approximately 0.80 in (20 mm) when compared with the normal level RLowered: the vehicle is raised by
approximately 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 205)
Setting the vehicle level Select the "Normal" setting for normal road surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow chains or on particularly poor road surfaces. Your selection remains stored even if you remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. 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 the display.
Vehicle Rising message appears in
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The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you: Rdrive at a speed over approximately
75 mph (120 km/h)
Rdrive for approximately three minutes at a
speed over 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. 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.
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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 the multifunction display.
AIRMATIC SPORT message appears in
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 :.
