Get Driving and parking Guide for Mercedes B Class SUV First Generation (2005-2010)

Useful information ............................ 126

Running-in notes ............................... 126

Driving ............................................... 126

Manual transmission ........................ 133

Automatic transmission ................... 134

Refuelling ........................................... 141

Parking ............................................... 144

Driving tips ........................................ 146

Driving systems ................................ 149

Towing atrailer ................................. 181

125

Driving and parking

Useful information

This Owner's Manual describes all models

and all standard and optional equipment

available to your vehicle at the time of pub-

lication of the Owner's Manual. Country-

specific deviations are possible. Please

note that your vehicle may not be equipped

with all features described. This also

applies to safety-relevantsystems and

functions.

Please read the information on qualified

specialist workshops (Y page 22).

Running-in notes

Important safety notes

WARNING

New brake pads/linings only have optimal

braking performance after several hundred

kilometres.Until then, compensate for this by

applying greaterforce to the brake pedal. This

also applies when brake pads/linings or

brake discs have been changed.

The first 1,500 km

If you treat the engine with sufficient care

from the very start,you will be rewarded with

excellent performance for the remainder of

the engine's life.

Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine

speeds for the first 1,500 km.

Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this

period, e.g. driving at full throttle.

Change gear in good time, before the rev

counter needle is Ô of the way to the red

area of the rev counter.

Do not shift down a gear manually in order

to brake.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

Try to avoid depressing the accelerator

pedal beyond the point of resistance (kick-

down).

After 1,500 km, you may gradually bring the

vehicle up to full road and engine speeds.

You should also observe these notes on

running in if the engine or parts of the drive

train on your vehicle have been replaced.

Driving

Important safety notes

WARNING

Do not place any objects in the driver's foot-

well. If you use a floormat or carpet in the

driver's footwell, make sure that it is correctly

secured and that there is sufficient clearance

for the pedals.

Do not place several floormats on top of one

another.

Loose objects or the floormats could other-

wise get caught between the pedals if you

accelerate or brake suddenly. You will then

not be able to brake, declutch or accelerate

as intended. This could lead to accidents and

injury.

WARNING

Do not change down for additional engine

braking on a slippery road surface. This could

cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and

the vehicle could skid. This could cause you

to lose control of your vehicle and cause an

accident.

Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use

the engine's full performance until it has

reached operating temperature.

Only set the automatic transmission to the

respective drive positions when the vehicle

is stationary.

Where possible, avoid spinning the drive

wheels when pulling away on slippery

126

Driving

Driving and parking

roads. Otherwise, you could damage the

drive train.

Keypositions

To remove the key

Power supply for some consumers, such

as the windscreen wipers

Ignition(power supply for all consumers)

and drive position

To start the engine

Vehicles with manual transmission: the

steering is locked when the key is taken out

of the ignition lock.

If the key does not belong to the vehicle,

it can still be turned in the ignition lock.

However, the ignition will not be switched

on. The engine cannot be started.

Starting the engine

Important safety notes

WARNING

Never leave the engine running in enclosed

spaces. The exhaust gases contain carbon

monoxide. Inhaling exhaust fumes consti-

tutes a health hazard and could lead to loss

of consciousness or even death.

Do not depress the accelerator pedal

when starting the engine.

Vehicles with apetrol engine: the

engine runs at a higherengine speed during

a cold start so that the catalytic converter

can reach operating temperature more

quickly. In this case, the sound of the

engine may be different.

Manual transmission

Depress the brake pedal and keep it

depressed.

Depress the clutch pedal fully.

Shift to neutral N.

You can only start the engine when the

clutch pedal is fully depressed.

Automatic transmission

Shift the transmission to position P.

Transmission positiondisplay P is shown in

the multifunction display.

When the transmission is in position N,

you can also start the engine with the brake

pedal depressed.

Starting procedure

To start a petrol engine: turn the key to

position 3 in the ignition lock

(Y page 127) and release it as soon as the

engine is running.

To start adiesel engine: turn the key to

position 2 in the ignition lock

(Y page 127).

The % preglow indicator lamp in the

instrumentcluster lights up.

When the % preglow indicator lamp

goes out, turnthe key to position 3

(Y page 127) and release it as soon as the

engine is running.

You can start the engine without preglow

if the engine is warm.

Vehicles with automatic transmis-

sion: you can also use the touch-start func-

tion. To do this, turn the key to position 3

(Y page 127) and release it immediately.

The engine then starts automatically.

Driving

127

Driving and parking

Pulling away

Manual transmission

Change gear in good time and avoid spin-

ning the wheels. Otherwise, you could dam-

age the vehicle.

Depress the brake pedal and keep it

depressed.

Depress the clutch pedal fully.

Shift to either first gear or reverse gear R.

Release the electric parking brake

(Y page 145).

Release the brake pedal.

Slowly release the clutch pedal and gently

depress the accelerator pedal.

Follow the shift recommendations in the

multifunction display for an economical

driving style (Y page 134).

The vehicle locks centrally once you have

pulled away.The locking knobs in the doors

drop down.

You can open the doors from the inside at

any time.

You can also deactivate the automatic lock-

ing feature (Y page 203).

Automatic transmission

It is only possible to shift the transmission

from position P to the desired position if

you depress the brake pedal. Only then can

the parking lock be deactivated. If the

brake pedal is not depressed, the DIRECT

SELECT lever can still be operated, but the

parking lock remains engaged.

At transmission fluid temperatures below

Ò20 †, you can only shift out of park posi-

tion P into another transmission position

when the engine is running.

Depress the brake pedal and keep it

depressed.

Shift the transmission to position D or R.

Release the brake pedal.

Carefully depress the accelerator pedal.

The electric parking brake (Y page 145) is

automatically released.

The red ! indicator lamp in the instru-

ment cluster goes out.

The vehicle locks centrally once you have

pulled away.The locking knobs in the doors

drop down.

You can open the doors from the inside at

any time.

You can also deactivate the automatic lock-

ing feature (Y page 203).

Upshifts take place at higher engine

speeds after a cold start. This helps the

catalytic converter to reach its operating

temperature more quickly.

Pulling away with a trailer

To ensure that you do not roll backwards

when pulling away on an uphill slope, engage

the electric parking brake.

Press and hold handle :.

The electric parking brake continues to

brake and prevent the vehicle from rolling

backwards.

The red ! indicator lamp in the instru-

ment cluster remains on.

Depress the accelerator pedal.

As soon as the vehicle/trailer combination

is held by the driving force of the engine,

release lever :.

The electric parking brake is released.

128

Driving

Driving and parking

The red ! indicator lamp in the instru-

ment cluster goes out.

For further information on the electric

parking brake, see (Y page 145).

Hill startassist

WARNING

Never leave the vehicle when it is held by hill

start assist. After approximately one second,

hill start assist will no longer brake your vehi-

cle and it could roll away.

Hill start assist helps you when pulling away

forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient.

It holds the vehicle for a short time after you

have removed your foot from the brake pedal.

This gives you enough time to move your foot

from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal

and depress it before the vehicle begins to

roll.

Take your foot off the brake pedal.

The vehicle is then held for about a second.

Pull away.

Hill start assist will not function if:

you are pulling away on a level road or a

downhill gradient.

on vehicles with automatic transmission,

the transmission is in position N.

the electric parking brake is applied.

ESP

is malfunctioning.

ECO start/stop function

General notes

WARNING

If the ECO symbol appears in the multifunc-

tion display when the engine is switched off,

the engine was switched off automatically.

However, all vehicle systems remain active. If

you open the door, unfasten your seat belt or

remove your foot from the brake pedal, the

engine will automatically start.The vehicle

may begin moving. There is a risk of accident.

To prevent the vehicle from accidentally pull-

ing away, do not release the brake pedal until

you want to drive on.

Do not leave the vehicle until you have

switched off the ignition and secured the vehi-

cle to prevent it from rolling away.

Always switch the ignition off and take the

key with you when leaving the vehicle.

The ECO start/stop function switches the

engine off automatically if the vehicle stops

moving.

When pulling away again, the engine starts

automatically.The ECO start/stop function

thereby helps you to reduce the fuel con-

sumption and emissions of your vehicle.

The ECO start/stop function is activated each

time the engine is switched on. The system is

operational when the ¤ symbol is shown

in the multifunction display.

If the ECO start/stop function is deactivated

(Y page 131), the ¤ symbol is not shown.

Automatic engine switch-off

General notes

The engine is only switched off if:

the vehicle is at a standstill (vehicles with

automatic transmission).

in the case of vehicles with manual trans-

mission: the vehicle speed is below a cer-

tain threshold.

the outside temperature is within the range

that is suitable for the system.

the engine is at normal operating temper-

ature.

the set temperature for the vehicle interior

has been reached.

the battery is sufficiently charged.

the system detects that the windscreen is

not misted up when the air-conditioning

system is switched on.

the bonnet is closed.

Driving

129

Driving and parking

the vehicle is not being steered.

the driver's door is closed and the seat belt

is fastened.

The engine can be switched off automat-

ically a maximum of four times (first stop

and three subsequent stops) in succession.

The automatic engine switch-off is then

available againafter the ECO symbol

appears in the multifunction display.

During automatic engine switch-off, the

climate control system only operates at a

reduced capacity. If you require full climate

control capacity, the ECO start/stop func-

tion can be deactivated by pressing the

ECO button (Y page 131).

Vehicles with manual transmission

The ECO start/stop function switches off the

engine automatically at low speeds.

Brake the vehicle.

Engage neutral N(Y page 134) (follow

gearshift instruction : to engage neutral

N, if necessary).

Release the clutch pedal.

The engine is switched off automatically.

Vehicles with automatic transmission

The ECO start/stop function switches the

engine off automatically if the vehicle is

braked to a standstill and the brake remains

depressed with the transmission in position

D or N.

You can also activate the HOLD function

whenthe vehicle is stationary if the engine

has been switched off automatically.Itis

thennot necessary to continue applying

the brakes during the automatic stop

phase. When you depress the accelerator

pedal, the engine starts automatically and

the braking effect of the HOLD function is

deactivated. Depress the accelerator pedal

carefully, as the engine must be started

first.

Automatic engine start

General notes

The engine is started automatically if:

the ECO start/stop function is deactivated

by pressing the ECO button.

the vehicle starts to roll.

the brake system requires this.

the system detects moisture on the wind-

screen when the air-conditioning system is

switched on.

the battery's charge status is too low.

the driver's seat belt is removed or the driv-

er's door is opened.

the bonnet is opened.

you shift the transmission from position D

to R on a vehicle with automatic transmis-

sion.

you steer the vehicle.

Vehicles with manual transmission

Only engage gear when the clutch pedal

is depressed.

The engine is started automatically if you:

depress the clutch pedal

depress the accelerator pedal

Vehicles with automatic transmission

The engine is started automatically if you:

release the brakes when in transmission

position D or N, unless the HOLD function

is activated or

engage reverse gear R or

depress the accelerator pedal

130

Driving

Driving and parking

Shifting the transmissionto position P

does not start the engine.

If you shift the transmission from R to D,

the ECO start/stop function will be availa-

ble again once the ¤ symbol reappears

in the multifunction display.

Deactivating/activating the ECO start/

stop function

To deactivate: press button :.

Indicator lamp ; and the ¤ symbol in

the multifunction display go out.

To activate: press button :.

Indicator lamp ; lights up. If all conditions

are fulfilled, the ¤ symbol appears in

the multifunction display.

If not all conditions are fulfilled, the ¤

symbol is not shown in the multifunction

display.Ifthis is the case, the ECO start/

stop function is not available.

If indicator lamp ; is off, the ECO start/stop

function has been deactivated manually or as

the result of a malfunction. The engine will

then not be switched off automatically when

the vehicle stops.

The ECO start/stop function is activated

each time the engine is switched on.

Driving

131

Driving and parking

Problems with the engine

Problem Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

The engine does not

start.

The HOLD function or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated.

Deactivate the HOLD function (Y page 162) or DISTRONIC

PLUS (Y page 154).

Try to start the engine again.

The engine does not

start. The starter motor

can be heard.

There is a malfunction in the engine electronics.

There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.

Turn the key back to position 0 in the ignition lock before

attempting to start the engine again.

Try to start the engine again (Y page 127). Avoid excessively

long and frequent attempts to start the engine, as this will drain

the battery.

If the engine does not start after several attempts:

Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

The engine does not

start. The starter motor

can be heard. The

reserve fuel warning

lamp is lit and the fuel

gauge display shows 0.

The fuel tank is empty.

Refuel the vehicle.

The engine does not

start. You cannot hear

the starter motor.

The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak

or discharged.

Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 283).

If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:

Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.

Allow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two

minutes.

Try to start the engine again.

If the engine still does not start:

Consult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz

Service Centre.

132

Driving

Driving and parking

Problem Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

Vehicles with a petrol

engine:

The engine is not run-

ning smoothly and is

misfiring.

There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical

component of the engine management system.

Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.

Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic con-

verter and damage it.

Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist

workshop.

The coolant tempera-

ture display is showing

more than 120 †. The

coolant warning lamp

may also be lit and a

warning tone may

sound.

The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine

is no longer being cooled sufficiently.

Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant

to cool down.

Check the coolant level (Y page 265). Observe the warning

notes as you do so and top up the coolant if necessary.

If the coolant level is correct, the engine radiator fan may be faulty.

The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled

sufficiently.

If the coolant temperature is less than 120 †, you can continue

driving to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.

Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving on

mountain roads and stop-start traffic.

Manual transmission

Important safety notes

WARNING

The movement of the pedals must not be

impaired in any way. Do not keep any objects

in the driver's footwell. Make sure that floor-

mats or carpets are correctly secured and

that there is sufficient clearance for the ped-

als.

Do not place several floormats on top of one

another.

WARNING

Do not change down for additional engine

braking on a slippery road surface. This could

cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and

the vehicle could skid. This could cause you

to lose control of your vehicle and cause an

accident.

Gear lever

Only engage gear when the clutch pedal

is depressed.

When shifting between 5th and 6th gear,

you should always push the gear lever all

the way to the right. Otherwise, you could

shift unintentionally into 3rd or 4th gear

and damage the transmission.

If you shift down at too high a speed (trans-

mission braking), this can cause the engine

to overrev, leading to engine damage.

Do not use the clutch bite point to keep the

vehicle stationary on uphill gradients.

There is otherwise a risk of damaging the

clutch.

Manual transmission

133

Driving and parking

On long and steep downhill gradients,

especially if the vehicle is ladenortowing

a trailer, you must shift into gear 1, 2 or 3

in good time. This uses the engine's braking

effect.This relieves the load on the brake

system and prevents the brakes from over-

heating and wearing too quickly.

Gear lever

Reverse gear

1 to 6

Forward gears

Shifting to neutral N

Depress the clutch pedal fully.

Move the gear lever to position N :.

Neutral N with ECO start/stop func-

tion activated

In neutral N, the engine is switched off if the

vehicle speed is below a certain threshold and

the clutch pedal is not depressed.

For further information on the ECO start/stop

function, see (Y page 129).

Engaging reverse gear

Only shift into reverse gear R when the

vehicle is stationary. Otherwise, you could

damage the transmission.

Pull the gear lever up, push it to the left and

then pull it back.

The ECO start/stop function is not avail-

able when reverse gear is engaged.

For further information on the ECO start/

stop function: (Y page 129).

Shift recommendation

The gearshift recommendations assist you in

adopting an economical driving style. The rec-

ommended gear is shown in the multifunction

display.

Shift gear according to gearshift recom-

mendation : shown in the multifunction

display of the instrumentcluster.

Automatic transmission

Important safety notes

WARNING

The movementofthe pedals must not be

impaired in any way.Do not keep any objects

in the driver's footwell. Make sure that floor-

mats or carpets are correctly secured and

that there is sufficient clearance for the ped-

als.

134

Automatic transmission

Driving and parking

Do not place several floormats on top of one

another.

WARNING

Do not change down for additional engine

braking on a slippery roadsurface. This could

cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and

the vehicle could skid. This could cause you

to lose control of your vehicle and cause an

accident.

WARNING

The clutch may overheat if you hold the vehi-

cle stationary on uphill gradients by depress-

ing the acceleratorpedal. If the clutch does

overheat, a warning tonesounds and a display

message is shown in the multifunction dis-

play. The frictional connection of the clutch

may then be interrupted. The vehicle may roll

away.As a result, you could cause an acci-

dent.

You will only be able to continue you journey

once the clutch has cooled down and the dis-

play message in the multifunction display has

disappeared.

Never hold the vehicle stationary on uphill

gradients by depressing the accelerator.

Instead, only ever hold the vehicle stationary

on uphill gradients by

depressing the brake pedal

activating the HOLD function

engaging the electric parking brake

Bear in mind that the power transmission

between the engine and the transmission

is interrupted when the engine is switched

off. Therefore, to prevent the vehicle from

rolling away, shift the automatic transmis-

sion to park position P and apply the elec-

tric parking brake when the engine is

switched off and the vehicle is stationary.

DIRECTSELECT lever

Overview of transmission positions

The DIRECT SELECT leveris on the right of the

steering column.

Park position with parking lock

Reverse gear

Neutral

Drive

The DIRECT SELECT lever always returns

to its original position. The current trans-

mission position P, R, N or D appears in the

transmission position display

(Y page 135) in the multifunction display.

Transmission position and drive pro-

gram display

The current transmission position and drive

program appearinthe multifunction display.

Transmission position display

;

Drive program display

The arrows in the transmission position

display show how and into which transmis-

sion positions you can change using the

DIRECT SELECT lever.

Automatic transmission

135

Driving and parking

If the transmission position display in the

multifunction display is not working, you

should pull away carefully to check whether

the desired transmission position is

engaged. Ideally, you should select trans-

mission position D and drive program E or

Engaging parkposition P

Push the DIRECT SELECT lever in the direc-

tion of arrow P.

Transmission position display P is shown in

the multifunction display.

When you engage park position P, make

sure that the transmission position display

shows P in the multifunction display.

You can only engage park position P when

the vehicle is stationary.

The automatic transmission shifts into

park position P automatically if you open

the driver's door when the vehicle is sta-

tionary or when driving at very low speed

with the transmission in position D or R. In

addition, a warning tone sounds and a dis-

play message is shown.

If you depress the brake pedal and push

the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down, the

parking lockis disengaged and the trans-

mission shifts to neutral N.

At transmission fluid temperatures below

Ò20 †, you can only shift out of park posi-

tion P into another transmission position

when the engine is running.

If you want to shift from park position P

directly to R or D, depress the brake and

push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down

past the first point of resistance.

If the engine speed is too high, do not shift

the automatic transmission directly from

D to R, from R to D or directly to P. Other-

wise, the automatic transmission could be

damaged.

Engaging reverse gear R

Only shift the automatic transmission to

R when the vehicle is stationary.

The ECO start/stop function is not avail-

able when reverse gear is engaged.

For further information on the ECO start/

stop function, see (Y page 129).

Depress the brake pedal while the vehicle

is stationary.

Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the

first point of resistance.

Shifting to neutral N

Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down

to the first point of resistance.

Neutral N with ECO start/stop function

activated

The ECO start/stop function switches the

engine off automatically if the vehicle is

braked to a standstill when in neutral N and

the brake is still depressed.

For further information on the ECO start/stop

function, see (Y page 129).

Drive position D with ECO start/stop

function activated

The ECO start/stop function switches the

engine off automatically if the vehicle is

braked to a standstill when in drive position

D and the brake is still depressed.

For further information on the ECO start/stop

function, see (Y page 129).

Engaging drive position D

Depress the brake pedal while the vehicle

is stationary.

Push the DIRECT SELECT lever down past

the first point of resistance.

136

Automatic transmission

Driving and parking

Transmission positions

Park position

This prevents the vehicle fromroll-

ing away when stopped. Do not

shift the transmission into position

P (Y page 144) unless the vehicle

is stationary.

Reverse gear

Only shift the transmission to R

when the vehicle is stationary.

Neutral

No power is transmitted from the

engine to the drive wheels.

Releasing the brakes will allow you

to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to

push it or tow it.

If ESP

is deactivated or faulty:

only shift the transmission to posi-

tion N if the vehicle is in danger of

skidding, e.g. on icy roads.

When you switch off the engine, the

automatic transmission automati-

cally shifts into neutral N.

Drive

The automatic transmission

changes gear automatically. All

forward gears are available.

Changing gear

The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-

vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-

mission position D.This automatic gearshift-

ing behaviouris determined by:

the selected drive program (Y page 137)

the position of the accelerator pedal

the road speed

Driving tips

Accelerator pedal position

Your style of driving influences how the auto-

matic transmission shifts gear:

little throttle: early upshifts

more throttle: late upshifts

Kickdown

Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.

Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the

pressure point.

The transmission shifts to a lower gear

depending on the engine speed.

Ease off the accelerator pedal once the

desired speed is reached.

The automatic transmission shifts back up.

Trailer towing

Drive in the middle of the engine speed

range on uphill gradients.

Depending on the uphill or downhill gradi-

ent, select a lower gear (Y page 147), even

if cruise control, DISTRONIC PLUS, or

SPEEDTRONIC are activated.

Program selector button

General notes

The program selector button allows you to

choose between drive programs with differ-

ent driving characteristics.

Automatic transmission

137

Driving and parking

Example: programselector button

E Economy Comfortable, economical

driving

S Sport Sporty driving style

M Manual Manual gearshifting

Press program selectorbutton : repeat-

edly until the letterfor the desired gearshift

program appears in the multifunction dis-

play.

The automatic transmission switches to

automatic drive program E each time the

engine is started.

For further information on the automatic

drive program, see (Y page 138).

Steering wheel gearshift paddles

Left steering wheel gearshift paddle

(shifts down)

;

Right steering wheel gearshift paddle

(shifts up)

In drive program M, you can change gear

yourself using the steering wheel gearshift

paddles.

If you pull the left or right steering wheel gear-

shift paddle when in automatic drive program

E or S, the automatic transmission shifts into

drive program M for a limited time. Depend-

ing on which gearshift paddle is pulled, the

automatic transmission immediately shifts

into the next gear down or up.

You can only change gear with the steer-

ing wheel gearshift paddles when the trans-

mission is in position D.

For further information on the manual

drive program, see (Y page 139).

Automatic drive program

Drive program E is characterised by the fol-

lowing:

comfort-oriented engine settings.

optimal fuel consumption resulting from

the automatic transmission shifting up

sooner.

the vehicle pulling away more gently in

forward and reverse gears, unless the

accelerator pedal is depressed fully.

increased sensitivity. This improves driving

stability on slippery road surfaces, for

example.

the automatic transmission shifting up

sooner. This results in the vehicle being

driven at lower engine speeds and the

wheels being less likely to spin.

Drive program S is characterised by the fol-

lowing:

sporty engine settings

the automatic transmission shifting up

later

as a result of the later automatic transmis-

sion shift points, the fuel consumption pos-

sibly being higher

138

Automatic transmission

Driving and parking

Manual drive program

Introduction

In manual drive program M, you can change

gearyourself by using the steering wheel

gearshift paddles. For this, the transmission

must be in position D. The gear currently

selected and engaged is shown in the multi-

function display.

Manual drive program M differs from drive

programs E and S with regard spontaneity,

responsiveness and smoothness of gear

changes.

Gear Driving situations

To use the engine's braking effect

To use the braking effect of the

engine on downhill gradients and

for driving:

on steep mountain roads

in mountainous terrain

in arduous conditions

To use the braking effect of the

engine on extremely steep downhill

gradients and on long downhill

stretches

Activating the manual drive program

Activating permanently

Press the program selector button

(Y page 137) repeatedly until M appears in

the multifunction display.

Manual drive program M remains active

until drive program E or S is engaged.

Activating temporarily

Pull the right or left steering wheel gearshift

paddle (Y page 138).

M is shown in the multifunction display.

Manual drive program M is temporarily

active. Depending on which gearshift pad-

dle is pulled, the automatic transmission

immediately shifts into the next gear down

or up.

When manual drive program M is activa-

ted via the steering wheel gearshift pad-

dles, the temporarily active manual drive

program M will be deactivated automati-

cally after a limited time, if the driving sit-

uation permits. In this case, the automatic

transmission shifts into the automatic drive

program that was last engaged, i.e. E or S.

When driving on downhill gradients, the

temporarily active manual drive program

M will only be deactivated if the accelerator

pedal is depressed while the vehicle is roll-

ing downhill.

Upshifting

Pull the right-hand steering wheel gearshift

paddle (Y page 138).

The automatic transmission shifts up to the

next gear.

If the maximum engine speed on the cur-

rently engaged gear is reached and you

continue to accelerate, the automatic

transmission automatically shifts up in

order to prevent engine damage.

Downshifting

Pull the left-hand steeringwheel gearshift

paddle (Y page 138).

The automatic transmission shifts down to

the next gear.

If you brake the vehicle or stop without

shifting down, the automatic transmission

will shift down to a gear that will allow the

vehicle to accelerate or pull away again.

For maximum acceleration, pull the left-

hand steering wheel gearshift paddle until

the transmission selects the optimum gear

for the current speed.

If the engine exceeds the maximum

engine speed when shifting down, the auto-

matic transmission protects against engine

damage by not shifting down.

Automatic transmission

139

Driving and parking

Kickdown

You can also use kickdown for maximum

acceleration in manual drive program M.

Depress the acceleratorpedal beyond the

pressure point.

The transmission shifts to a lower gear

depending on the engine speed.

Shift back up once the desired speed is

reached.

During kickdown, you cannot shift gears

using the steering wheel gearshift paddles.

If you apply full throttle, the automatic

transmission shifts up to the nextgear

when the maximum engine speed is

reached. This prevents the engine from

overrevving.

Switching off the manual drive program

Press the program selector button

(Y page 137) repeatedly until E or S

appears in the multifunction display.

Deactivating the temporary manual drive

program

Pull and hold the right steering wheel gear-

shift paddle until the automatic transmis-

sion shifts into the last active automatic

drive program E or S.

When manual drive program M is deacti-

vated, the automatic transmission in auto-

matic drive program E or S may shift from

the currentgear into a higher or lower gear.

This is dependentonthe position of the

accelerator pedal, speed and load.

140

Automatic transmission

Driving and parking

Problems with the transmission

Problem Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

The transmission has

problems shifting gear.

The transmission is losing oil.

Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-

shop immediately.

The acceleration ability

is deteriorating.

The transmission no

longer shifts into all of

the gears.

Reverse gear can no

longer be engaged.

The transmission is in emergency mode.

Stop.

Shift the transmission to position P.

Switch off the engine.

Wait at least 10seconds before restarting the engine.

Shift the transmission to position D.

Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-

shop immediately.

Refuelling

Important safety notes

WARNING

Fuel is highly flammable. Fire, naked flames

and smoking are therefore prohibited when

handling fuels.

Switch off the engine before refuelling.

WARNING

Avoid contact with fuels.

It is hazardous to your health if your skin

comes into direct contact with fuels or you

breathe in fuel vapours.

WARNING

Do not use petrol to refuel a diesel tank.Never

mix diesel with petrol. Doing so could damage

the fuel system and the engine. The vehicle

could also catch fire.

Do not use petrol to refuel vehicles with a

diesel engine. Do not use diesel to refuel

vehicles with a petrol engine. Even small

amounts of the wrong fuel result in damage

to the fuel system and the engine.

Do not switch on the ignition if you acci-

dentally refuel with the wrong fuel. Other-

wise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines. Notify

a qualified specialist workshop and have

the fuel tank and fuel lines drained com-

pletely.

Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the

fuel system.

Take care not to spill any fuel on painted

surfaces. You could otherwise damage the

paintwork.

Use a filter when adding fuel from a fuel

can. The fuel lines and/or the diesel injec-

tion system could otherwise be blocked by

particles from the fuel can.

Further information on fuel and on fuel grades

can be found in the "Fuel" section

(Y page 312).

Refuelling

141

Driving and parking

Refuelling

Fuel fillerflap

To open the fuel filler flap

;

Tyre pressure table

To insertthe fuel filler cap

Fuel type to be refuelled

The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked auto-

matically when you open or close the vehicle

with the key.

The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed

æ in the instrument cluster. The arrow

next to the filling pump indicates the side of

the vehicle.

Opening

Switch off the engine.

Remove the key from the ignition lock.

Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of

arrow :.

The fuel filler flap swings up.

Turn the fuel filler flap anti-clockwise and

remove it.

Insert the fuel filler cap into the holder

bracket on the inside of filler flap =.

Completely insert the filler neck of the fuel

pump nozzle into the tank and refuel.

Only fill the tank until the pump nozzle

switches off.

Do not add any more fuel after the pump

stops filling for the first time. Otherwise,

fuel may leak out.

Closing

Replace the cap on the filler neck and turn

clockwise until it engages audibly.

Close the fuel filler flap.

142

Refuelling

Driving and parking

Problem Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

The fuel filler flap can-

not be opened.

The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.

The key battery is discharged.

Unlock the vehicle (Y page 72).

Unlock the vehicle using the emergency key element

(Y page 73).

The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is jam-

med.

Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

Parking

Important safety notes

WARNING

Only remove the key from the ignition lock

when the vehicle is stationary, as you cannot

steer the vehicle when the key is removed.

Never leave children unsupervised in the vehi-

cle. They might release the electric parking

brake. This could lead to aserious or fatal

accident.

WARNING

Under no circumstances should the exhaust

system come into contact with flammable

materials such as dry grass or petrol, for

example. Do not park the vehicle on dry grass-

land or harvested grain fields. The hot exhaust

system could otherwise ignite the flammable

material and set the vehicle on fire.

To ensure that the vehicle is secured against

rolling away unintentionally:

the electric parking brake must be applied.

on vehicles with manual transmission,

engage first gear or reverse gear.

on vehicles with automatic transmission,

the transmission must be in position P and

the transmission position display must

show P in the multifunction display.

the key must be removed from the ignition

lock.

on uphill or downhill gradients, turn the

frontwheels towards the kerb.

Switching off the engine

Important safety notes

WARNING

If the engine is not running, there is no power

assistance for the steering and brakes. Steer-

ing and braking then requires significantly

greater effort.

As a result, you might lose control of the vehi-

cle, cause an accident and injure yourself and

others.

Therefore, do not switch off the engine while

you are driving.

Vehicles with manual transmission

Shift to either first gear or reverse gear R.

Turn the key to position 0 in the ignition

lock and remove it.

The immobiliser is activated.

Apply the electric parking brake.

144

Parking

Driving and parking

Vehicles with automatic transmission

Apply the electricparking brake.

Shift the transmission to position P.

Turn the key to position 0 in the ignition

lock and remove it.

The immobiliser is activated.

If you switch the engine off with the trans-

mission in position R or D, the automatic

transmission shifts to N automatically.

If you then open the driver's door or the

front-passenger door or remove the key

from the ignition, the automatic transmis-

sion shifts to P.

If you shift the automatic transmission to

N before switching off the engine, the auto-

matic transmission remains in N even if a

door is opened.

Electric parking brake

General notes

The electric parking brake carries out a

function check at regular intervals when

the engine is switched off.Noises that

occur are normal.

Engaging/releasing manually

Engaging

Push handle :.

The red ! indicator lamp in the instru-

ment cluster lights up.

The electric parking brake can also be

applied when the key is removed.

Releasing

Turn the key to position 1 in the ignition

lock.

Pull handle :.

The red ! indicator lamp in the instru-

ment cluster goes out.

You can only release the electric parking

brake when the key is at position 1 in the

ignition lock.

Engaging automatically

The electric parking brake of your vehicle is

automatically applied if DISTRONIC PLUS

(only for vehicles with automatic transmis-

sion) or the HOLD function brakes the vehicle

until it is stationary or keeps the vehicle sta-

tionary. In addition, at least one of the follow-

ing conditions must be fulfilled:

the engine is switched off.

the driver's door is open and the seat belt

is not fastened.

there is a system malfunction.

the power supply is insufficient.

the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy

period.

The red ! indicator lamp in the instrument

cluster lights up.

The electric parking brake is not automat-

ically engaged if the engine is switched off

by the ECO start/stop function.

Releasing automatically

The electric parking brake can only be

released automatically in vehicles with

automatic transmission.

The electric parking brake of your vehicle is

released automatically when all of the follow-

ing conditions are fulfilled:

the engine is running.

the transmission is in position D or R.

Parking

145

Driving and parking

the seat belt is fastened.

you depress the accelerator pedal.

If the transmission is in position R, the tailgate

must be closed.

If your seat belt is not fastened, the following

conditions must be fulfilled to automatically

release the electric parking brake:

the driver's door is closed.

you have shifted outoftransmission posi-

tion P or you have previously drivenfaster

than 3 km/h.

Emergency braking

The vehicle can also be braked during an

emergency using the electric parking brake.

While driving, push handle : of the electric

parking brake (Y page 145).

The vehicle is braked for as long as han-

dle : of the electric parking brake

pressed. The longer the electric parking

brake handle : is depressed, the greater

the braking force.

During braking:

a warning tone sounds.

the

Release park. brake

message

appears.

the red ! indicator lamp in the instru-

mentclusterflashes.

When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-

still, the electric parking brake is engaged.

Parking up the vehicle

If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer

than four weeks, the battery may be damaged

by exhaustive discharging.

Have the battery disconnected at a quali-

fied specialist workshop or connecta

trickle charger.

If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer

thansix weeks, the vehicle may suffer dam-

age as a result of lack of use.

Visit a qualified specialist workshop and

seek advice.

You can obtain information about trickle

chargers fromaqualified specialist work-

shop.

Driving tips

General driving tips

Coasting with the engine switched off

WARNING

Never switch the engine off while the vehicle

is in motion.

There is no power assistance for the steering

and the service brake when the engine is not

running.

You will require considerably more effortto

steer and brake, and you could therefore lose

control of the vehicle and cause an accident.

Short journeys

Vehicles with adiesel particle filter: if

the vehicle is mostly driven for short dis-

tances, it is possible that malfunctions may

occur during the automatic cleaning of the

diesel particle filter. This may lead to fuel

collecting in the engine oil and cause

engine failure. Therefore, if you frequently

drive short distances, you should take a 20

minute trip on a motorway or rural road at

least every 500km.

Brakes

Important safety notes

WARNING

Do not change down for additional engine

braking on a slippery road surface. This could

146

Driving tips

Driving and parking

cause the drive wheels to losetheir grip and

the vehicle could skid.

WARNING

Make sure that other road users are not

endangered by your braking.

Downhill gradients

You must select a lower gear in good time on

long and steep downhill gradients, especially

if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer. To

do so in vehicles with an automatic transmis-

sion, you will need to select the manual drive

program M in advance (Y page 139).

This also applies if you have activated

cruise control, SPEEDTRONIC or DIS-

TRONIC PLUS.

This will use the braking effect of the engine,

so less braking will be required to prevent the

vehicle from gaining speed. This relieves the

load on the brake system and prevents the

brakes from overheating and wearing too

quickly.

Vehicles with automatic transmis-

sion: if the accelerator pedal is depressed

briefly on downhill gradients while the man-

ual drive program M is temporarily activa-

ted, the automatic transmission may

switch back to the last active automatic

drive program E or S.The automatic trans-

mission may shift to a higher gear. This can

reduce the engine's braking effect.

Heavy and light loads

WARNING

Never depress the brake pedal continuously

while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause

the brakes to rub by applying constant slight

pedal pressure. This causes the brake system

to overheat, increases the braking distance

and can lead to the brakes failing completely.

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 air-

flow to cool the brakes more quickly.

If the brakes have been used only moderately,

you should occasionally test their effective-

ness. To do this, brake more firmly from a

higher speed. This improves the grip of the

brakes.

Wet road surfaces

If driving in heavy rain for a prolonged period

of time without braking, there may be a

delayed reaction from the brakes when brak-

ing for the first time. This may also occur after

the vehicle has been washed.

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 vehi-

cle washed, brake firmly while paying atten-

tion to the traffic conditions. This will warm

up the brake discs, thereby drying them more

quickly and protecting them against corro-

sion.

Limited braking performance on salt-

treated roads

WARNING

The layerofsalt on thebrake discs and the

brake pads/linings may causeadelay in the

braking effect, resulting in a significantly lon-

ger braking distance, which could lead to an

accident.

To avoid this danger, you should:

occasionally brake carefully, without put-

ting other road users at risk, when you are

driving on salted roads. This helps to

remove any salt that may have started to

build up on the brake discs and the brake

pads/linings.

maintain a greater distanceto the vehicle

ahead and drive with particular care.

carefully apply the brakes at the end of a

trip and immediately after commencing a

new trip, so that salt residues are removed

from the brake discs.

Driving tips

147

Driving and parking

New brake pads/linings

WARNING

New brake pads/linings onlyreach their opti-

mum braking effectafter several hundred kil-

ometres of driving. Before this optimumbrak-

ing effect is reached, you should compensate

for the reduced braking effect by applying

greater pressure when braking. This also

applies after the brake discs or the brake

pads/linings have been replaced.

For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-

mends that you only have brake pads/linings

fitted to yourvehicle which have been

approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or

which correspond to an equivalent quality

standard. Brake pads/linings which have not

been approved for Mercedes-Benzvehicles or

which are not of an equivalent quality could

affect your vehicle's operating safety.

Tyre traction

WARNING

Whereas the vehicle can be fully controlled at

a certain speed on dry roads, you must reduce

your speed on wet or icy roads to achieve the

same road safety. You could otherwise cause

an accident.

Pay particular attention to the road conditions

at temperatures around freezing point.

If ice has formed on the road surface (e.g.

from fog), a thin film of water rapidly forms on

the ice when you brake, considerably reduc-

ing tyre traction. Drive with particular care in

such weather conditions.

Driving on wet roads

Aquaplaning

If water has accumulated to a certain depth

on the road surface, there is a danger of aqua-

planing occurring, even if:

you are driving at low speeds.

the tyres have adequate tread depth.

For this reason, do not drive in tyre ruts, and

brake carefully.

Driving on flooded roads

Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in

front or in the opposite direction create

waves. This may cause the maximum per-

missible water depth to be exceeded.

These notes must be observed under all

circumstances. You could otherwise dam-

age the engine, the electronics or the trans-

mission.

If you have to drive on stretches of road on

which water has collected, please bear in

mind that:

the maximum permissible still water depth

is 25 cm.

you should drive no faster than at walking

pace.

Winter driving

General notes

WARNING

If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow,

ensure that snow is kept away from the

exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as

long as the engine is running. Otherwise, poi-

sonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the

vehicle, resulting in loss of consciousness and

even death.

To assure sufficientfresh air ventilation, open

a window slightly on the side of the vehicle

not facing the wind.

148

Driving tips

Driving and parking

Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified

specialist workshop at the onset of winter.

Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"

section(Ypage 294).

Driving with summer tyres

Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"

section (Y page 294).

Slippery road surfaces

WARNING

Do not shift down for additional engine brak-

ing on a slippery road surface. This could

cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and

the vehicle could skid.

If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be

stopped when moving at low speed:

Vehicles with manual transmission:

shift to neutral.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

shift the transmission to position N.

Try to bring the vehicle under control by

using corrective steering.

You should drive particularly carefully on slip-

pery road surfaces.Avoid sudden accelera-

tion, steering and braking manoeuvres.

For more information on driving with

snow chains, see (Y page 295).

Driving systems

Cruise control

General notes

Cruise control maintains a constant road

speed for you.Itbrakes automatically in order

to avoid exceeding the set speed. You must

select a lower gearingood time on long and

steep downhill gradients, especially if the

vehicle is laden or towing a trailer. For vehi-

cles with automatic transmission, you need

to have selected manual drive program

M(Y page 147). 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 con-

ditions make it appropriate to maintain a

steady speed for a prolonged period. You can

store any road speed above 30 km/h.

Important safety notes

WARNING

Do not change down for additional engine

braking on a slippery road surface. This could

cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and

the vehicle could skid.

WARNING

Cruise control cannot take account of road

and traffic conditions.

Always pay attention to traffic conditions

even when cruise control is activated.

Cruise control is only an aid designed to assist

driving. You are responsible for the vehicle's

speed and for braking in good time.

WARNING

Do not use cruise control

in traffic conditions that do not allow you to

drive at a constant speed (e.g. heavy traffic

or winding roads). You may otherwise

cause an accident.

on slippery roads. The drive wheels may

lose their grip when braking or accelerating

and the vehicle may skid.

when there is low visibility, e.g. due to fog,

heavy rain or snow.

Cruise control lever

You can operate cruise control and variable

SPEEDTRONIC with the cruise control lever.

Driving systems

149

Driving and parking

The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control

lever indicates which system you have selec-

ted:

LIM indicator lamp off: cruise control is

selected.

LIM indicator lamp on: variable SPEED-

TRONIC is selected.

To activate or increase speed

;

LIM indicator lamp

To activate the currentspeed/last stored

speed

To activate or reduce speed

To switch between cruise control and var-

iable SPEEDTRONIC

To deactivate cruise control

When you activate cruise control, the stored

speed is shown in the multifunction display

for five seconds. The segments between the

stored speed and the maximum speed then

light up in the multifunction display.

Activation conditions

To activate cruise control, all of the following

activation conditions must be fulfilled:

the electric parking brake must be

released.

you must be driving faster than 30 km/h.

ESP

must be switched on, but not inter-

vening.

on vehicles with automatic transmission,

the selector lever must be in position D.

on vehicles with manual transmission, a

gear must be engaged.

cruise control must be selected.

To select cruise control: check that LIM

indicator lamp ; is off.

If it is off, cruise control is already selected.

If it is not, press the cruise control lever in

the direction of arrow A.

LIM indicator lamp ; in the cruise control

lever goes out. Cruise control is selected.

Storing, maintaining and calling up a

speed

Storing and maintaining the current

speed

You can store the currentspeed if you are

driving faster than 30 km/h.

Accelerate the vehicle to the desired

speed.

Briefly press the cruise control lever

up : or down ?.

Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal.

Cruise control is activated. The vehicle

automatically maintains the speed.

Cruise control may be unable to maintain

the stored speed on uphill gradients. The

stored speed is resumed when the gradient

evens out. Cruise controlmaintains the

stored speed on downhill gradients by

automatically applying the brakes.

i Vehicles with manual transmission:

always drive at adequate, but notexces-

sive, engine speeds.

change gear in good time.

if possible, do not change down several

gears at a time.

150

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Storing the current speed or calling up the

last stored speed

WARNING

Only call up a stored speed if you know what

that speed is and if it is suitable for the current

traffic and driving situation. You can other-

wise endanger yourself or others by uninten-

tionally triggering sudden acceleration or

braking.

Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you =.

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 aspeed

Press the cruise control lever up : for a

higherspeed or down ? for a lower speed.

Keep the cruise control lever pressed until

the desired speed is reached.

Release the cruise control lever.

The new speed is stored.

To adjust the set speed in 1 km/h incre-

ments: briefly press the cruise control

lever up : or down ? to the pressure

point.

The last stored speed increases or decrea-

ses in 1 km/h increments.

To adjust the set speed in 10 km/h

increments: briefly press the cruise con-

trol lever up : or down ? beyond the

pressure point.

The last stored speed increases or decrea-

ses in 10 km/h increments.

Cruise control is not deactivated if you

depress the accelerator pedal. For exam-

ple, if you accelerate briefly to overtake,

cruise control adjusts the vehicle's speed

to the last speed stored after you have fin-

ished overtaking.

Deactivating cruise control

There are several ways to deactivate cruise

control:

Briefly press the cruise control lever for-

wards B.

Brake

Briefly press the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow A.

Variable SPEEDTRONIC is selected. LIM

indicator lamp ; in the cruise controllever

lights up.

Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:

you engage the electric parking brake.

you are driving at less than 30 km/h.

ESP

intervenes or if you deactivate ESP

while driving a vehicle with manual trans-

mission, you shift into neutral or depress

the clutch pedal for longer than six sec-

onds.

on vehicles with manual transmission, you

shift to a gear that is too high, and as a

result the engine speed is too low.

on vehicles with automatic transmission,

you shift into 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.

The last speed stored is cleared when you

switch off the engine.

SPEEDTRONIC

General notes

SPEEDTRONIC brakes automatically so that

you do not exceed the set speed. You must

select a low gear in good time on long and

steep downhill gradients, especially if the

vehicle is laden or towing a trailer. For vehi-

cles with automatic transmission, you need

Driving systems

151

Driving and parking

to have selected manual drive program

M(Y page 147).By doing so, you will make

use of the braking effectofthe engine. This

relieves the load on the brake system and

prevents the brakes from overheating and

wearing too quickly. If you need additional

braking, depress the brake pedal repeatedly

rather than continuously.

You can set a variable or permanent limit

speed:

variable for speed limits, e.g. in built-up

areas

permanent for long-term speed restric-

tions, e.g. when driving with winter tyres

fitted (Y page 154)

The speed indicated in the speedometer

may differ slightly from the limit speed

stored.

Important safety notes

WARNING

Never depress the brake pedal continuously

while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause

the brakes to rub by applying constant slight

pedal pressure. This causes the brake system

to overheat, increases the braking distance

and can lead to the brakes failing completely.

WARNING

Do not change down for additional engine

braking on a slippery road surface. This could

cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and

the vehicle could skid.

WARNING

SPEEDTRONIC is only an aid designed to

assist driving. You are responsible for the

vehicle's speed and for braking in good time.

Variable SPEEDTRONIC

General notes

With the cruise control lever, you can operate

cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS and vari-

able SPEEDTRONIC.

The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control

lever indicates which system you have selec-

ted:

LIM indicator lamp off: cruise control or

DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.

LIM indicator lamp on: variable SPEED-

TRONIC is selected.

You can use the cruise control lever to limit

the speed to any speed above 30 km/h while

the engine is running.

To store the current speed or a higher

speed

;

LIM indicator lamp

To store the current speed or call up the

last stored speed

To store the current speed or a lower

speed

To switch between cruise control or DIS-

TRONIC PLUS and variable SPEEDTRONIC

To deactivate variable SPEEDTRONIC

Selecting variable SPEEDTRONIC

WARNING

If there is a change of drivers, advise the new

driver of the limit speed stored.

Only use variable SPEEDTRONIC if you will not

have to accelerate suddenly to a speed above

that stored as the limit speed. You could oth-

erwise cause an accident.

You can only exceed the limit speed stored if

you deactivate variable SPEEDTRONIC:

using the cruise control lever

by depressing the accelerator pedal

beyond the pressure point (kickdown)

152

Driving systems

Driving and parking

It is not possible to deactivate variable

SPEEDTRONIC by braking.

Check whether LIM indicator lamp ; is on.

If it is on, variable SPEEDTRONIC is already

selected.

If it is not, press the cruise control lever in

the direction of arrow A.

LIM indicator lamp ; in the cruise control

lever lights up. Variable SPEEDTRONIC is

selected.

Make sure that the accelerator pedal is not

depressed beyond the pressure point.

Storing the current speed

You can use the cruise control lever to limit

the speed to any speed above 30 km/h while

the engine is running.

Briefly press the cruise control lever

up : or down ?.

The current speed is stored. For five sec-

onds, the multifunction display shows the

stored speed, e.g.

Limit 100 km/h

The segments in the speedometer lightup

from the start of the scale up to the stored

speed.

Storing the current speedorcalling up the

last stored speed

WARNING

Only select a stored speed if you know what

that speed is and whether it is suitable for the

current driving and traffic situation. Other-

wise, sudden braking could endanger you or

others.

Briefly pull the cruise control levertowards

you =.

To adjust the set speed in 1 km/h incre-

ments: briefly press the cruise control

lever up : to the pressure point for a

higher speed, or down ? for a lower speed.

Keep the cruise control lever pressed to the

pressure point until the desired speed is

set. Press the cruise control lever up : for

a higher speed or down ? for a lower

speed.

To adjust the set speed in 10 km/h

increments: briefly press the cruise con-

trol lever up : past the pressure point for

a higher speed, or down ? for a lower

speed.

Keep the cruise control lever pressed

beyond the pressure point until the desired

speed is set. Press the cruise control lever

up : for a higher speed or down ? for a

lower speed.

Deactivating variable SPEEDTRONIC

WARNING

It is not possible to deactivate variable Speed-

tronic by braking.

There are several ways to deactivate variable

SPEEDTRONIC:

Briefly press the cruise control lever for-

wards B.

Briefly press the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow A.

LIM indicator lamp ; in the cruise control

lever goes out. Variable SPEEDTRONIC is

deactivated.

Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is selec-

ted.

Variable SPEEDTRONIC is automatically

deactivated if:

you depress the accelerator pedal beyond

the pressure point (kickdown), but only if

your current speed does not differ by more

than 20 km/h from the stored speed. You

will hear a warning tone if this is the case.

on vehicles with manual transmission, if

you shift to a higher gear and as a result,

the engine speed is too low.

The last speed stored is cleared when you

switch off the engine.

Driving systems

153

Driving and parking

Permanent SPEEDTRONIC

You can use the on-board computer to limit

the speed permanently to avalue between

160 km/h(e.g. for driving on winter tyres) and

the maximum speed (Y page 203).

Shortly before the storedspeed is reached, it

appears in the multifunction display.

Permanent SPEEDTRONIC remains active,

even if variable SPEEDTRONIC is deactivated.

You cannot exceed the stored limit speed,

even if you depress the accelerator pedal

beyond the pressure point (kickdown).

DISTRONIC PLUS

Important safety notes

WARNING

Do not change down for additional engine

braking on a slippery road surface. This could

cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and

the vehicle could skid.

WARNING

DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid designed to

assist driving. The driver remains fully respon-

sible for the vehicle's distance from other

vehicles, the vehicle's speed and for braking

in good time.

DISTRONIC PLUS does not react in particular

to:

pedestrians

stationary obstacles on the road, e.g. stop-

ped or parked vehicles

oncoming and crossing traffic

DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrowvehi-

cles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or vehi-

cles driving on a differentline. Therefore,

always pay attention to traffic conditions even

when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Other-

wise, you may fail to recognise dangers in

time, cause an accident and injure yourself

and others.

WARNING

DISTRONIC PLUS cannot takeaccount of road

and traffic conditions. If DISTRONIC doesnot

recognise or no longer recognises the vehicle

in front, do not activate DISTRONIC or, if it is

already active, deactivate it. This is especially

the case:

before corners

on filter lanes

when changing to a lane with faster moving

traffic

in complex driving situations or where lanes

are diverted, e.g. at roadworks on a motor-

way

DISTRONIC PLUS otherwise maintains the

current speed set by you or accelerates up to

the set speed.

DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take account of

weather conditions. Deactivate, or do not

activate, DISTRONIC PLUS:

if the roads are slippery, snow-covered or

icy. The wheels could lose their grip when

braking or accelerating. The vehicle could

start to skid.

if the sensors are dirty or there is poor vis-

ibility, e.g. due to snow, rain or fog. Dis-

tance control may be impaired.

Always pay attention to traffic conditions

even when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated.

Otherwise, you may fail to recognise dangers

in time, cause an accident and injure yourself

and others.

WARNING

DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle up to a

maximum of 4 m/s

depending on its speed.

This corresponds to approximately 40% of

your vehicle's maximum braking power. You

must also apply the brakes yourself if this

braking power is not sufficient.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a risk of collision

with avehicle in front, an intermittent warning

tone sounds. In addition, the · distance

warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights

up. Brake to avoid a collision.

154

Driving systems

Driving and parking

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).

General notes

DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and

automatically helps you maintainthe dis-

tance to the vehicle detected in front. DIS-

TRONIC PLUS brakes automatically so that

the set speed is not exceeded.

You must select a lower gear in good time on

long and steep downhill gradients, especially

if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer. For

this, you need to have selected manual drive

program M(Y page 147). 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 a slower-moving

vehicle in front, your vehicle is braked in order

to maintain the preset distance to the vehicle

in front.

If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC

PLUS operates in the same way as cruise

control in the speed range between

30 km/h and 200 km/h. If avehicle is driving

in front of you, DISTRONIC operates in the

speed range between 0km/h and

200 km/h.

Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS on roads with

steep gradients.

Cruise control lever

With the cruise control lever, you can operate

DISTRONIC PLUS and variable SPEED-

TRONIC.

The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control

lever indicates which system you have selec-

ted:

LIM indicator lamp off: DISTRONIC PLUS

is selected.

LIM indicator lamp on: variable SPEED-

TRONIC is selected.

To store the current speedorahigher

speed

;

To set the specified minimum distance

LIM indicator lamp

To store the current speed or call up the

last stored speed

To store the current speed or a lower

speed

To switch between DISTRONIC PLUS and

variable SPEEDTRONIC

To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS

Selecting DISTRONIC PLUS

Check whether LIM indicator lamp = is off.

If it is off, DISTRONIC PLUS is already selec-

ted.

If it is not, press the cruise control lever in

the direction of arrow B.

LIM indicator lamp = in the cruise control

lever goes out. DISTRONIC PLUS is selec-

ted.

Driving systems

155

Driving and parking

Activating DISTRONIC PLUS;storing,

maintaining and calling up aspeed

Activation conditions

To activate DISTRONIC PLUS, all of the fol-

lowing activation conditions mustbe fulfilled:

the engine must be running. It may take up

to two minutes of driving before DIS-

TRONIC PLUS is ready for use.

the electric parking brake must be

released.

ESP

must be switched on, but not inter-

vening.

the transmission must be in position D.

the driver's door must be closed when you

shift from P to D or your seat belt must be

fastened.

the front-passenger door and the rear

doors must be closed.

the vehicle must not be skidding.

Switching on

To activate while driving: you can only acti-

vate DISTRONIC PLUS at speeds below

20 km/hifthe vehicle in front is detected and

shown in the multifunction display. If the vehi-

cle in front is no longer detected and dis-

played, DISTRONIC PLUS switches off and

you will hear a tone.

Briefly pull the cruise control level towards

you ?, or press it up : or down A.

DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.

Keep the cruise control lever pressed

up : or down A until the desired speed

is set.

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.

If you do not fully release the accelerator

pedal, the

DISTRONIC PLUS inactive

message appears in the multifunction dis-

play.The set distance to a slower-moving

vehicle in front will then not be maintained.

You will be driving at the speed you deter-

mine by the position of the accelerator

pedal.

To activate when driving towards a sta-

tionary vehicle: if the vehicle in front is sta-

tionary, you can only activate DISTRONIC

PLUS if your vehicle is also stationary.

Briefly pull the cruise control level towards

you ?, or press it up : or down A.

DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.

DISTRONIC PLUS can only be activated at

under 20 km/h if a vehicle in front has been

detected. It is therefore helpful to have the

DISTRONIC PLUS distance display activa-

ted in the multifunction display

(Y page 198).

Keep the cruise control lever pressed

up : or down A until the desired speed

is set.

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 159).

Displaying DISTRONIC PLUS in the speedometer

When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, one or

two segments ; in the set speed range light

up.

For design reasons, the speed displayed

in the speedometer may differ slightly from

the speed set for DISTRONIC PLUS.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detectsavehicle in front,

segments ; between speed of the vehicle in

front : and stored speed = light up.

156

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Distance display with DISTRONIC PLUSactivated

in the multifunction display

DISTRONIC PLUS activated

;

Own vehicle

Specified minimum distance to the vehi-

cle in front; adjustable

Vehicle in front, if detected

In the Assistance menu (Y page 198) of the

on-board computer, you can select the dis-

tance display.

Select the

Distance display

function

using the on-board computer

(Y page 198).

You will see the stored speed for about

five seconds whenyou activate DISTRONIC

PLUS.

Driving

WARNING

If you depress the brake, DISTRONIC PLUS is

deactivated unless your vehicle is stationary.

DISTRONIC PLUS then no longer brakes your

vehicle. In such cases, control the distance

from vehicles travelling in front with the brake

alone. You could otherwise cause an accident

and thereby injure yourself and others. The

driver remains fully responsible for the vehi-

cle's distance from other vehicles, the speed

being driven and for braking in good time.

Pulling away

If the vehicle in front pulls away: remove

your foot from the brake pedal.

Briefly pull the cruise control lever

(Y page 155) towards you.

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 vehi-

cle. In this way, the distance you have selec-

ted 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 lane

WARNING

DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid designed to

assist driving.

It is not a substitute for attentive driving. The

driver remains fully responsible for the vehi-

cle's distance from other vehicles, the vehi-

cle's speed and for braking in good time.

Always pay attention to traffic conditions and

your surroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to

recognise dangers in time, cause an accident

and injure yourself and others.

DISTRONIC PLUS supports you when you

move to the fast lane if:

you are driving faster than 60 km/h.

DISTRONIC PLUS is maintaining the dis-

tance to a vehicle in front.

you switch on the appropriate turn signals.

DISTRONIC PLUS does not detect a danger

of collision.

If these conditions are met, your vehicle is

accelerated. Acceleration will be interrupted

if changing lanes takes too long or if the dis-

Driving systems

157

Driving and parking

tance between your vehicleand the vehicle in

front becomes too small.

Whenchanging lanes, DISTRONIC PLUS

monitors the left lane for left-hand-drive

vehicles and the right lane for right-hand-

drive vehicles.

Stopping

WARNING

Never get out of the vehicle when DISTRONIC

PLUS is activated.

DISTRONIC PLUS must also never be oper-

ated, activated or deactivated by a passenger

or from outside the vehicle.

DISTRONIC PLUS does not replace the elec-

tric parking brake and must not be used for

parking.

The DISTRONIC PLUS braking effect is can-

celled and the vehicle can start moving if:

DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated using the

cruise control lever.

you accelerate.

there is a malfunction in the system or an

interruption in the power supply, e.g. bat-

tery failure.

the electrical system in the engine com-

partment, the battery or the fuses are tam-

pered with.

the battery is disconnected.

If you wish to leave the vehicle or park it,

deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the

vehicle against rolling away.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle

in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until

it is stationary.

Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains

stationary and you do not need to depress the

brake.

After a time, the electric parking brake

secures the vehicle and relieves the service

brake.

Depending on the specified minimum dis-

tance, 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.

The electric parking brake secures the vehicle

automatically if DISTRONIC PLUS is activated

and:

the driver's door is open and the driver's

seat belt is unfastened.

the engine is switched off, unless it is auto-

matically switched off by the ECO start/

stop function.

a system fault occurs.

the power supply is not sufficient.

If a fault occurs, then the transmission may

be shifted into position P automatically.

Storing the current speed or calling up the

last stored speed

WARNING

Only call up a stored speed if you know what

that speed is and if it is suitable for the current

traffic and driving situation. You can other-

wise endanger yourself or others by uninten-

tionally triggering sudden acceleration or

braking.

Briefly pull the cruise control lever

(Y page 155) towards you.

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.

158

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Setting aspeed

To store the current speed or a higher

speed

;

To store the current speed or a lower

speed

Press the cruise control lever up : for a

higherspeed or down ; for a lower speed.

Keep the cruise control lever pressed until

the desired speed is reached.

Release the cruise control lever.

The new speed is stored. DISTRONIC PLUS

is activated and adjusts the vehicle's speed

to the new speed stored.

To adjust the set speed in 1 km/h incre-

ments: briefly press the cruise control

lever up : or down ; to the pressure

point.

The last stored speed increases or decrea-

ses in 1 km/h increments.

To adjust the set speed in 10 km/h

increments: briefly press the cruise con-

trol lever up : or down ; beyond the

pressure point.

The last stored speed increases or decrea-

ses in 10 km/h increments.

DISTRONIC PLUS is not deactivated if you

depress the accelerator pedal. If you accel-

erate to overtake, DISTRONIC PLUS

adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last

speed stored after you have finished over-

taking.

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 func-

tion, you can set the minimum distance that

DISTRONIC PLUS keeps to the vehicle in

front, dependentonvehicle speed. You can

see this distance in the multifunction display

(Y page 157).

To increase: turn control = in direc-

tion ;.

DISTRONIC PLUS then maintains a greater

distance between your vehicle and the

vehicle in front.

To decrease: turn control = in direc-

tion :.

DISTRONIC PLUS then maintains a shorter

distance between your vehicle and the

vehicle in front.

Make sure that you maintain the mini-

mum distance to the vehicle in front as

required by law. Adjust the distance to the

vehicle in front if necessary.

Driving systems

159

Driving and parking

Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS

There are several ways to deactivate DIS-

TRONIC PLUS:

Briefly press the cruise control lever for-

wards :.

Brake, unless the vehicle is stationary.

Briefly press the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow =.

Variable SPEEDTRONIC is selected. LIM

indicator lamp ; in the cruise controllever

lights up.

When you deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS, you

will see the

DISTRONIC PLUS off

message

in the multifunction display for approximately

five seconds.

The last speed stored remains stored until

you switch off the engine.

DISTRONIC PLUS is automatically deactiva-

ted if:

you engage the electric parking brake or if

the vehicle is automatically secured with

the electric parking brake.

you are driving slower than 10 km/h and

there is no longer a vehicle in front, or if the

vehicle in frontis no longer detected.

ESP

intervenes or if you deactivate ESP

the transmission is in the P, R or N position.

you 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.

the vehicle has skidded.

If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will

hear a warning tone. You will see the

DIS‐

TRONIC PLUS off message in the multifunc-

tion display for approximately five seconds.

In the Assistance menu (Y page 198) of the

on-board computer, you can select the dis-

tance display.

Distance display when DISTRONIC PLUS is deacti-

vated

Vehicle in front, if detected

;

Distance indicator: current distance to

the vehicle in front

Specified minimum distance to the vehi-

cle in front; adjustable

Own vehicle

Select the

Distance display

function

using the on-board computer

(Y page 198).

Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS

General notes

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.

160

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Cornering, going into and coming out of a

bend

The ability of DISTRONIC PLUSto detect vehi-

cles when cornering is limited. Your vehicle

may brake unexpectedly or late.

Vehicles travelling on adifferent line

DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect vehicles

travelling on a different line. The distance to

the vehicle in frontwill be too short.

Other vehicles changing lane

DISTRONIC PLUS has not detected the vehi-

cle 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 carriage-

way, because of its narrow width.The dis-

tance to the vehicle in front will be too short.

Obstructions and stationary vehicles

DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obsta-

cles or stationary vehicles. If, for example, the

detected vehicle turns a corner and reveals

an obstacle or stationary vehicle, DISTRONIC

PLUS will not brake for these.

Driving systems

161

Driving and parking

Crossing vehicles

DISTRONIC PLUS may detect vehicles that

are crossing your lane by mistake. Activating

DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights with cross-

ing traffic, for example, could cause your vehi-

cle to pull away unintentionally.

HOLD function

General notes

The HOLD function can assistthe driver in the

following situations:

when pulling away, especially on steep

slopes

when manoeuvring on steep slopes

when waiting in traffic

The vehicle is kept stationary without the

driver having to depress the brake pedal.

The braking effect is cancelled and the HOLD

function is deactivated when you depress the

accelerator pedal to pull away.

Important safety notes

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).

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 elec-

tric parking brake and must not be used for

parking.

The braking effect of the HOLD function is

cancelled and the vehicle could roll away if:

the HOLD function is deactivated by

depressing the accelerator pedal or the

brake pedal.

there is a malfunction in the system or an

interruption in the power supply, e.g. bat-

tery failure.

the electrical system in the engine com-

partment, the battery or the fuses are tam-

pered with.

the battery is disconnected.

If you leave the vehicle or park it, deactivate

the HOLD function and secure the vehicle

against rolling away.

Activation conditions

You can activate the HOLD function if:

the vehicle is stationary.

the engine is running or if it has been auto-

matically switched off by the ECO start/

stop function.

the driver's door is closed or if your seat

belt is fastened.

the electric parking brake is released.

the transmission is in position D, R or N.

DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.

Activating the HOLD function

Make sure that the activation conditions

are met.

Depress the brake pedal.

Quickly depress the brake pedal further

until ë appears in the multifunction dis-

play.

The HOLD function is activated. You can

release the brake pedal.

162

Driving systems

Driving and parking

If depressing the brake pedalthe first

time does not activate the HOLD function,

wait briefly and then try again.

Deactivating the HOLD function

The HOLD function is deactivated automati-

cally if:

you accelerate and the transmission is in

position D or R.

you shift the transmission to position P.

you depress the brake pedal again with a

certain amount of pressure until ë dis-

appears from the multifunction display.

you secure the vehicle using the electric

parking brake.

you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.

After a time, the electric parking brake

secures the vehicle and relieves the service

brake.

The electric parking brake secures the vehicle

automatically if the HOLD function is activa-

ted and:

the driver's door is open and the driver's

seat belt is unfastened.

the engine is switched off, unless it is auto-

matically switched off by the ECO start/

stop function.

a system fault occurs.

the power supply is not sufficient.

If a fault occurs, then the transmission may

be shifted into position P automatically.

PARKTRONIC

Important safety notes

WARNING

PARKTRONIC is only an aid and may not

detect all obstacles. It is not a substitute for

attentive driving.

You are always responsible for safety and

must continue to pay attention to your imme-

diate surroundings when parking and

manoeuvring. You could otherwise endanger

yourself and others.

WARNING

Make sure that no persons or animals are in

the manoeuvring range. Otherwise, they

could be injured.

When parking, pay particular attention to

objects above or below the sensors, such

as flower pots or trailer drawbars. PARK-

TRONIC 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

objects which absorb ultrasonic sources.

Ultrasonic sources, such as an automatic

car wash, a lorry's compressed-air brakes

or a pneumatic drill, could cause PARK-

TRONIC to malfunction.

PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on

uneven terrain.

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 if

you:

switch on the ignition

shift to position D, R or N on vehicles with

automatic transmission

release the electric parking brake

PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above

18 km/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.

Driving systems

163

Driving and parking

Range of the sensors

General notes

Example: sensors in the front bumper,

left-hand side

Side view

Top view

The sensors mustbe free of dirt, ice and

slush. Otherwise, they may not function cor-

rectly. Clean the sensorsregularly, taking

care not to scratch or damage them

(Y page 270).

Front sensors

Centre approximately 100 cm

Corners approximately 60 cm

Rear sensors

Centre approximately 120 cm

Corners approximately 80 cm

Minimum distance

Centre approximately 20 cm

Corners approximately 20 cm

If there is an obstacle within this range, the

relevant warning displays light up and a warn-

ing tone sounds. If the distance falls below

the minimum, the distancemay no longer be

shown.

Warning displays

The warning displays show the distance

between the sensors and theobstacle. The

warning display for the frontarea is located

on the dashboard above the centre air vents.

The warning display for the rear area is loca-

ted on the roof lining in the rear compart-

ment.

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 display for each side of the vehi-

cle is divided into five yellow and two red seg-

ments. PARKTRONIC is operational if yellow

segments showing operational readiness =

light up.

164

Driving systems

Driving and parking

The gear lever position or the transmission

position of the automatic transmission and

the direction in which the vehicle is rolling

determine which warning display is active

when the engine is running.

Manual transmission:

Gear lever posi-

tion

Warning display

Forwards gear

Neutral

Front area activated

Reverse gear, or

the vehicle is rolling

backwards

Rear and front areas

activated

Automatic transmission:

Transmission

position

Warning display

Front area activated

R, N or the vehicle

is rolling back-

wards

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:

sixth segment onwards, you will hear an

intermittent warning tonefor approx-

imately two seconds.

seventh segment onwards, you will hear a

warning tone for approximately two sec-

onds. This indicates that you have now

reached the minimum distance.

Deactivating/activating PARKTRONIC

Indicator lamp

;

To deactivate/activate PARKTRONIC

If indicator lamp : lights up, PARKTRONIC is

deactivated.

PARKTRONIC is automatically activated

when you turn the key to position 2 in the

ignition lock.

Towing atrailer

Fold in the ball coupling if the trailer tow

hitch is not required.PARKTRONIC meas-

ures the minimum detection range to an

obstacle fromthe bumper, not the ball cou-

pling.

PARKTRONIC is deactivated for the rear area

when you establish an electrical connection

between your vehicle and a trailer.

Driving systems

165

Driving and parking

Problems with PARKTRONIC

Problem Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

Only the red segments

in the PARKTRONIC

warning displays are lit.

You also hear a warning

tone for approximately

two seconds.

PARKTRONIC is deacti-

vated after approx-

imately 20 seconds,

and the indicator lamp

in the PARKTRONIC

button lights up.

PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off.

If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified

specialist workshop.

Only the red segments

in the PARKTRONIC

warning displays are lit.

PARKTRONIC is deacti-

vated after approx-

imately 20 seconds.

The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference.

Cleanthe PARKTRONIC sensors (Y page 270).

Switch the ignition back on.

The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or

ultrasound waves.

See if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location.

Active Parking Assist

General notes

Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking

aid with ultrasound. Ultrasound is used to

measure the road on both sides of the vehicle.

Asuitable parking space is indicated by the

parking symbol. Active steering intervention

can assistyou during parking.

You may also use PARKTRONIC

(Y page 163). When PARKTRONIC is switched

off, Active Parking Assist is also unavailable.

Use Active Parking Assist for parking spaces:

that are parallel to the direction of travel

that are on straight roads, not bends

that are on the same level as the road, e.g.

not on the pavement

Important safety notes

WARNING

Active Parking Assist is merely an aid and may

sometimes recommend parking spaces that

are not suitable for parking. For example,

these might be spaces where parking is pro-

hibited, driveways, unsuitable surfaces, etc.

Active Parking Assist measures the parking

space as you drive past it. Any later changes

to the parking space are not taken into

account. For instance, this may be the case

when the vehicle parked in front of or behind

the space changes its position or when an

obstacle is moved into the parking space.

Active Parking Assist does not relieve you of

the responsibility of paying attention. If you

rely solely on Active Parking Assist, you could

cause an accident and injure yourself and oth-

ers.

166

Driving systems

Driving and parking

You are always responsible for safety and

must continue to pay attention to your imme-

diate surroundings when parking and

manoeuvring.

WARNING

Objects located above the height range of

Active Parking Assist will not be detected

when the parking space is measured.These

are not taken into account when the parking

procedure is calculated, e. g. overhanging

loads, tail sections or loading ramps of goods

vehicles. In some circumstances, Active Park-

ing Assist may therefore guide you into the

parking space too early. This may lead to a

collision. For this reason, you should avoid

using Active Parking Assist in such situations.

WARNING

The front of the vehicle will veer out in the

direction of the oncoming traffic during the

parking operation. In some cases the vehicle

will also take you onto sections of the oncom-

ing lane during the parking procedure.

You are responsible for safety at all times and

must pay attention to any road users

approaching or passing. Stop the vehicle if

necessary or cancel the Active Parking Assist

parking procedure.

WARNING

Make sure that no persons or animals are in

the manoeuvring range. Otherwise, they

could be injured.

If unavoidable, you should drive over

obstacles such as kerbs slowly and not at

a sharp angle. Otherwise, you may damage

the wheels or tyres.

Parking tips:

on narrow roads, drive as closely as possi-

ble past the parking space.

parking spaces that are littered, overgrown

or partially occupied by trailer drawbars

might be identified incorrectly or not at all.

snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking

space being measured inaccurately.

pay attention to the PARKTRONIC

(Y page 164) warning messages during the

parking procedure.

at any time, you can intervene in the steer-

ing procedure to correct it. Active Parking

Assist will then be cancelled.

when transporting a load which protrudes

from your vehicle, you should not use

Active Parking Assist.

never use Active Parking Assist when snow

chains are fitted.

make sure that the tyre pressures are

always correct.This has adirectinfluence

on the parking characteristics of the vehi-

cle.

the way your vehicle is positioned in the

parking space after parking is dependent

on various factors.These include the posi-

tion and shape of the vehicles parked in

front and behind it and the conditions of the

location. In some cases, Active Parking

Assist may guide you too far into a parking

space, or not far enough into it. In some

cases, it may also lead you across or onto

the kerb. If necessary, you should cancel

the parking procedure with Active Parking

Assist.

you can also engage forward gear prema-

turely. The vehicle redirects and does not

drive as far into the parking space. Should

a gear be changed too early to achieve a

sensible parking position, the parking pro-

cedure will be cancelled.

Detecting parking spaces

Active Parking Assist is switched on automat-

ically when driving forwards. The system is

operational at speeds of up to approximately

35 km/h. While in operation, the system inde-

pendently locates and measures parking

spaces on both sides of the vehicle. When

driving at speeds below 30 km/h, you will see

the parking symbol as a status indicator in the

instrumentcluster. Active Parking Assist only

Driving systems

167

Driving and parking

displays parking spaces on the front-

passenger side as standard. Parking spaces

on the driver's side are displayed as soon as

the turn signal on the driver's side is activa-

ted. To park on the driver's side, you must

leave the driver's side turn signal switched

on. This must remain switched on until you

acknowledge the use of Active Parking Assist

by pressing the a button on the multi-

function steering wheel.

When a parking space has been detected, an

arrow towards the right or the left also

appears.

Example: detected parkingspace for a vehicle with

automatic transmission

Detected parking space on the left

;

Parking symbol

Detected parking space on the right

Active Parking Assist will only detectparking

spaces:

that are parallel to the direction of travel

that are at least 1.5 m wide

that are at least 1.0 m longer than your

vehicle

Aparking space is displayed while you are

driving past it, and until you are approx-

imately 15 m away from it.

Parking

WARNING

PARKTRONIC and Active Parking Assist are

merely parking aids and may notdetectall

obstacles. They do not relieve you of the

responsibility of paying attention.

You are always responsible for safety and

must continue to pay attention to your imme-

diate surroundings when parking and

manoeuvring. You could, otherwise, endanger

yourself and others.

WARNING

When parking, you need to make sure that no

obstacles are located in the vicinity of the

vehicle during the entire operation. Active

Parking Assist does not relieve you of the

responsibility of paying attention. It merely

aids you by intervening actively in the steer-

ing.

To stop the vehicle or avoid an accident you

need to apply the brakes yourself.

Stop the vehicle when the parking space

symbol shows the desired parking space in

the instrument cluster.

Vehicles with manual transmission:shift to

reverse gear.

Vehicles with automatic transmission: shift

into position R.

The

Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:

% message appears in the multifunction

display.

To cancel the procedure: press the

% button on the multifunction steering

wheel or pull away.

To parkusing Active Parking Assist:

press the a button on the multifunction

steering wheel.

The

Park Assist active Accelerate

and brake Observe surroundings mes-

sage appears in the multifunction display.

Let go of the multifunction steering wheel.

Reverse the vehicle, being ready to brake

at all times. When reversing, do not exceed

a speed of approximately 10 km/h. Other-

wise, Active Parking Assist will be deacti-

vated.

In tight parking spaces, you will achieve

the best parking results by backing up as

168

Driving systems

Driving and parking

far as possible.When doing so, also

observe the PARKTRONIC messages.

Stop as soon as PARKTRONIC sounds the

continuous warning tone, if not before.

Manoeuvring may be required in tight park-

ing spaces.

Vehicles with manual transmission: the

Park

Assist active Engage forward gear

Observe surroundings message appears in

the multifunction display.

Vehicles with automatic transmission: the

Park Assist active Select D Observe

surroundings message appears in the mul-

tifunction display.

Vehicles with manual transmission: while

the vehicle is stationary, shift to first gear.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

select transmission position D while the

vehicle is stationary.

Active Parking Assist immediately steers in

the other direction.

The

Park Assist active Accelerate

and brake Observe surroundings mes-

sage appears in the multifunction display.

You will achieve the best results by wait-

ing for the steering procedure to complete

before pulling away.

Drive forwards and be ready to brake at all

times.

Stop as soon as PARKTRONIC sounds the

continuous warning tone, if not before.

Vehicles with manual transmission: the

Park

Assist active Engage reverse gear

Observe surroundings message appears in

the multifunction display.

Vehicles with automatic transmission: the

Park

Assist active Select R Observe

surroundings message appears in the mul-

tifunction display.

Further transmission shifts may be neces-

sary.

As soon as the parking procedure is com-

plete, the

Park Assist switched off

message appears in the multifunction dis-

play.Active Parking Assist is now deacti-

vated. PARKTRONIC is still available.

Manoeuvre if necessary.

Always observe the warning messages dis-

played by PARKTRONIC (Y page 164).

Cancelling Active Parking Assist

You can cancel Active Parking Assist at any

time.

Stop the movement of the multifunction

steering wheel or steeryourself.

Active Parking Assist will be cancelled at

once. The

Park Assist cancelled

mes-

sage appears in the multifunction display.

Press the PARKTRONIC button on the

centre console (Y page 165).

PARKTRONIC is switched off and Active

Parking Assist is immediately cancelled.

The

Park Assist cancelled message

appears in the multifunction display.

Active Parking Assist is cancelled automati-

cally if:

a gear is changed/the transmission is shif-

ted too early.

parking using Active Parking Assist is no

longer possible.

you are driving faster than 10 km/h.

a wheel spins and ESP

intervenes or fails.

The ÷ warning lamp lights up in the

instrument cluster.

Awarning tone sounds. The parking space

symbol disappears and the multifunction dis-

play shows the

Park Assist cancelled

message.

When Active Parking Assist is cancelled, you

must steer again yourself.

Towing atrailer

For vehicles with a trailer tow hitch, the min-

imum required length for parking spaces is

slightly increased.

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169

Driving and parking

If you have attached a trailerto your vehicle,

you should not use Active Parking Assist.

Once the electrical connection is established

between your vehicle and the trailer, Active

Parking Assist is no longer available.

Reversing camera

General notes

Reversing camera in the tailgate handle

Reversing camera : is an optical parking

and manoeuvring aid. It uses guide lines to

show the area behind your vehicle in the

Audio/COMAND display.

The area behind the vehicle is displayed as a

mirror image, as in the rear-view mirror.

Important safety notes

WARNING

Make sure that no persons or animals are in

the manoeuvring range. Otherwise, they

could be injured.

WARNING

The reversing camera is only an aid and may

display obstacles in a distorted or incorrect

manner, or may not even display them at all.

The reversing camera does not relieve you of

the responsibility to pay attention. The cam-

era cannot show objects:

very near to the rear bumper

below the rear bumper

that are located above the tailgate handle

recess

You are always responsible for safety and

must continue to pay attention to your imme-

diate surroundings when parking and

manoeuvring. This applies to the areas

behind, in front of and next to the vehicle. You

could otherwise endanger yourself and oth-

ers.

WARNING

Under the following circumstances, the

reversing camera will not function, or will

function in a limited manner:

if the tailgate is open

in heavy rain, snow or fog

at night or in very dark places

if the camera is exposed to very bright light

if the area is lit by fluorescent light or LED

lighting (the display may flicker)

if there is a sudden change in temperature,

e.g. when driving into a heated garage in

winter

if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed

if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this

event, have the camera position and setting

checked at a qualified specialist workshop.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use

a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this

purpose.

Do not use the reversing camera in these

types of situation. You could otherwise injure

others or damage objects and your vehicle

while you are parking.

Activating/deactivating the reversing

camera

To activate: make sure that the key is in

position 2 in the ignition lock.

Make sure that in the audio system/

COMAND Online, the "Reversing camera"

function is selected; see the separate oper-

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Driving systems

Driving and parking

ating instructions for the audio system/

COMAND Online.

Engage reverse gear.

Guide lines are used to show the area

behind the vehicle in the Audio/COMAND

display.

Function mode display for vehicles with COMAND

Online and a trailer tow hitch

To switch between function modes on

vehicles with COMAND Online and a

trailer tow hitch: selectthe "Reverse

parking" function with the COMAND con-

troller symbol :; see the separate operat-

ing instructions for COMAND Online.

For the "Coupling up a trailer" function,

select the symbol ;; see the separate

operating instructions for COMAND Online.

The symbol of the selected function is high-

lighted.

To deactivate: the reversing camera is deac-

tivated if you:

select transmission position P (vehicles

with automatic transmission)

drive forward ten metres

for vehicles with an automatic transmis-

sion, shift the transmission from R to

another position after 15 seconds

for vehicles with manual transmission, shift

out of reverse gear after 15 seconds

drive forwards at a speed of over

10 km/h

Displays in the Audio/COMAND display

WARNING

Using the reversing camera can be dangerous

if you are colour-blind or if your ability to dis-

tinguish colours is impaired.

Only use the reversing camera if you can see

and distinguish between all the coloured

guide lines that are displayed by the reversing

camera in the Audio/COMAND display.

WARNING

Please note that objects not at ground level

may appear to be further away than they

actually are. These include:

the bumper of a vehicle that is parked

behind your vehicle

a trailer drawbar

the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch

the tail-end of a lorry

slanted posts

The lines are only guides, not accurate meas-

urements of the distance to an obstacle.

Therefore, you should never pass the red line

when approaching an obstacle. You could oth-

erwise cause an accident and injure yourself

and others.

Lanes

White lane marking vehicle width with

steering wheel straight (static)

;

Yellow lane marking the course the tyres

will take at the current steering wheel

angle (dynamic)

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171

Driving and parking

Red lane marking vehicle width at the cur-

rentsteering wheel angle (dynamic)

Bumper

For the white and red lanes, the vehicle width

includes the exterior mirrors. For the yellow

lane, the vehicle width is measured to the

outer edge of the wheels.

Guide lines

Bumper

Red guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 0.25 mfrom the rear of the vehicle

Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 4.0 mfrom the rear of the vehicle

Vehicle centre axle (marker assistance)

Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 1.0 mfrom the rear of the vehicle

The lanes and guide lines are only displayed

if you have engaged reverse gear.

The distance specifications only apply to

objects that are at ground level.

Additional displays on vehicles with PARKTRONIC

and COMAND Online

Front warning display

;

Additional PARKTRONIC operational read-

iness indicator

Rearwarning display

Vehicles with PARKTRONIC and COMAND

Online: if PARKTRONIC is operational

(Y page 163), an additional operational read-

iness indicator will appear in the COMAND

display ;. If the PARKTRONIC warning dis-

plays are active or light up, the warning dis-

plays : and = are also active or light up

correspondingly in the COMAND display.

"Reverse parking" function

Make sure that the reversing camera is

activated and the "Reverse parking" func-

tionis selected; see the separate operating

instructions for the audio system/

COMAND Online.

The lane and the guide lines are shown.

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Driving systems

Driving and parking

Reversing straight into a parking space

without turning the steering wheel

White lane indicating the route the vehicle

will take with the steering wheel straight

;

Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 1.0 mfrom the rear of the vehicle

Red guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 0.25 mfrom the rear of the vehicle

With the help of white lane :, check

whetherthe vehicle will fit into the parking

space.

Using the white lane as a guide, carefully

reverse until you reach the end position.

Red guide line = is then at the end of the

parking space. The vehicle is almost paral-

lel in the parking space.

Reverse perpendicular parking with the

steering wheel at an angle

Drive past the parking space and bring the

vehicle to a standstill.

Turning the steering wheel

Red lane indicating the route the vehicle

will take with the steering wheel in its cur-

rent position

;

Parking space marking

While the vehicle is at a standstill, turn the

steering wheel in the direction of the park-

ing space until the red lane reaches parking

space marking ;.

Keep the steering wheel in that position

and reverse carefully.

Reversing with the steering wheel turned

Red lane indicating the route the vehicle

will take with the steering wheel in its cur-

rent position

Stop the vehicle when it is almost exactly

in front of the parking space.

The white lane should be as close to parallel

with the parking space marking as possi-

ble.

Driving systems

173

Driving and parking

Driving to the final position

White lane indicating the route the vehicle

will take with the steering wheel in its cur-

rent position

;

Parking space marking

Turn the steering wheel to the centre posi-

tionwhile the vehicle is stationary.

Red guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 0.25 mfrom the rear of the vehicle

;

White lane indicating the route the vehicle

will take with the steering wheel straight

End of parking space

Reverse carefully until you have reached

the end position.

Red guide line : is then at the end of park-

ing space =.The vehicle is almost parallel

in the parking space.

"Coupling up a trailer" function

This function is only available on vehicles with

a trailer tow hitch and COMAND Online.

Vehicle centre point on the yellow guide

line at a distance of approximately 1.0 m

from the rear of the vehicle

;

Trailer drawbar

Ball coupling

Set the height of trailer drawbar ; so that

it is slightly higher than ball coupling =.

Position the vehicle centrally in front of

trailer drawbar ;.

Ball coupling

;

Red guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 0.25 m from ball coupling

Trailer drawbarmarker assistant

Trailer drawbar

Symbol for the "Coupling up a trailer"

function

Select the symbol A with the Audio/

COMAND controller; see theseparate

operating instructions for the audio sys-

tem/COMAND Online.

The "Coupling up a trailer" function is selec-

ted. The distance specifications now only

174

Driving systems

Driving and parking

apply to objects that are at the same level

as the ball coupling.

Reverse carefully, making sure that trailer

drawbar markerassistant = points

approximately in the direction of trailer

drawbar ?.

Reverse carefully until trailer drawbar ?

touches red guide line ;.

Couple up the trailer (Y page 181).

ATTENTION ASSIST

Introduction

ATTENTION ASSIST helps you during long,

monotonous journeys such as on motorways

and trunk roads. It is active in the 80 km/h

to 180 km/h range.

If ATTENTION ASSIST detects typical indica-

tors of fatigue or increasing lapses in con-

centration on the part of the driver, it sug-

gests taking a break.

Important safety notes

WARNING

ATTENTION ASSIST is only an aid and may

detect your tiredness or lapses in concentra-

tion too late or not at all. It is not asubstitute

for a well rested and attentive driver.

Fatigue may cause you to recognise hazard-

ous situations too late, misjudge a situation

or react slower. For this reason, make sure

you feel rested before you begin driving and

during your journey. Always take breaks in

good time and regularly, especially during

long journeys. Otherwise, you may fail to rec-

ognise dangers in time, cause an accidentand

injure yourselfand others.

ATTENTIONASSIST assesses your level of

fatigue or lapses in concentration by taking

the following criteria into account:

your personal driving style, e.g. steering

characteristics

journey-related parameters, e.g. time of

day, length of journey

The functionality of ATTENTION ASSIST is

restricted, and warnings may be delayed or

not occur at all:

if the road condition is poor, e.g. if the sur-

face is uneven or if there are potholes

if there is a strong sidewind

if you have adopted a sporty driving style

with high cornering speeds or high rates of

acceleration

if you are predominantly driving slower

than 80 km/h or faster than 180 km/h

if you are currently using COMAND Online

or making a telephone call with COMAND

Online

if the time has been set incorrectly

in active driving situations, such as when

you change lanes or change your speed

Warning and display messages in the

multifunction display

Example: vehicles with automatic transmission

Activate ATTENTION ASSIST using the on-

board computer (Y page 199).

Symbol : appears in the multifunction

display.

If ATTENTION ASSIST is active, it will not

warn you until at least 20 minutes after

your journey has begun. You thenhear an

intermittent warning tonetwice and the

Attention Assist: Drowsiness

Driving systems

175

Driving and parking

detected message appears in the multi-

function display.

If necessary, take a break.

Press the a button to confirm the mes-

sage.

On long journeys, take regularbreaks in good

time to allow yourself to rest properly.Ifyou

do not take a break, you will be warned again

after 15 minutes at the earliest. The precon-

dition for this is that ATTENTION ASSIST still

detects typical indicators of fatigue or

increasing lapses in concentration.

ATTENTION ASSIST is reset and starts

assessing your tiredness again when you con-

tinue your journey if:

you switch off the engine.

you take off your seat belt and open the

driver's door, e.g. for a change of drivers or

to take a break.

Speed Limit Assist

General notes

Speed Limit Assist shows you detected speed

limits in the multifunction display.Data from

the navigation system is also used for this

purpose. If a traffic sign indicating a speed

limit or the end of a speed limit is detected,

it is shown in the multifunction display. If

Speed Limit Assist does notdetectany traffic

signs, the speed limit from the digital road

map is takenand shown in the display.

Speed Limit Assist detects the traffic signs

with a camera attached behind the top of the

windscreen.

Speed Limit Assist camera

Important safety notes

WARNING

Speed Limit Assist is onlyanaid and may

detect speed limit signs incorrectly or not at

all.

The system may be impaired or may not func-

tion if:

there is poor visibility, e.g. due to snow,

rain, fog or spray.

there is glare, e.g. from the sun or from

oncoming traffic.

the windscreen is dirty, misted up or cov-

ered, for instance by a sticker, in the vicinity

of the camera.

the traffic signs are covered, for instance

by dirt, snow or trees.

the traffic signs are poorly illuminated.

there are ambiguous traffic signs, for

instance near roadworks or on multi-lane

roads.

Traffic signs always have priority over the

Speed Limit Assist display. Speed Limit Assist

cannot detect road and traffic conditions. It is

not a substitute for attentive driving.

Always pay attention to traffic conditions and

your surroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to

recognise dangers in time, cause an accident

and injure yourself and others.

176

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Information in the multifunction display

Example: vehicles with automatic transmission

Traffic sign indicating aspeed limit or the

end of a speed limit (example)

;

Speed Limit Assist is available and the

warning function is switched on in the on-

board computer

Units used in the traffic sign displayed

Briefly showing detected traffic signs in

the multifunction display

Activate the Speed Limit Assist warning

function using the on-board computer

(Y page 198).

Symbol ; appears.

Atraffic sign indicating a speed limitorthe

end of a speed limit : appears in the mul-

tifunction display for around five seconds

as soon as it is detected. Any other infor-

mation in the multifunction display is hid-

den for this period.

Permanently showing detected traffic

signs in the multifunction display

Display Speed Limit Assist using the on-

board computer (Y page 198).

Atraffic sign indicating a speed limitorthe

end of a speed limit : appears in the mul-

tifunction display as soon as it is detected.

Traffic sign indicating a speed limit : is

generally displayed until:

a traffic sign indicating the end of the

speed limit is detected.

you make a turn.

you leave or enter a town.

the road type changes (e.g. motorway,

country road).

you have travelled a certain minimum

distance without the traffic sign being

repeated or detected again.

You can also activate Speed Limit Assist

using COMAND Online. The maximum per-

missible speed is shown in the COMAND

display; see the COMAND Online operating

instructions.

Lane Tracking package

General notes

The Lane Tracking package consists of Blind

Spot Assist (Y page 177) and Lane Keeping

Assist (Y page 180).

Blind Spot Assist

General notes

Blind Spot Assist uses a radar sensor system

to monitor the areas on both sides of your

vehicle. It supports you from speeds of

30 km/h. A warning display in the exterior

mirrors draws your attention to vehicles

detected in the monitored area. If you then

switch on the corresponding turn signal to

change lane, you will also receive an optical

and audible collision warning. For this pur-

pose, Blind Spot Assist uses sensors in the

rear bumper.

Important safety notes

WARNING

Blind Spot Assist is only an aid designed to

assist driving. It may fail to detect some vehi-

cles and is no substitute for attentive driving.

Blind Spot Assist cannot detect road and traf-

fic conditions. It may fail to detect narrow

vehicles, such as motorcycles or bicycles, or

only detect them too late.

Monitoring may be affected by dirty sensors,

strong spray or poor visibility caused by snow,

Driving systems

177

Driving and parking

rain or mist, for example. In this case, vehicles

are detected late or not at all.

Always pay attention to traffic conditions and

yoursurroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to

recognise dangers in time, cause an accident

and injure yourself and others.

The radar sensor system is automatically

deactivated near radio telescope facilities

(Y page 320).

For Blind SpotAssist to assist you when driv-

ing, the radar sensor system must be activa-

ted (Y page 203) and operational.

Monitoring range of the sensors

WARNING

Blind Spot Assist monitors certain areas in the

immediate vicinity of your vehicle. Vehicles

that approach and drive past at high speeds

are not detected. There is no display and no

warning.

If the lanes are very wide, it may not be pos-

sible to monitor the complete width of the

neighbouring lane. For this reason, vehicles in

the next lane may not be detected, especially

if they are driving in a staggered formation in

different lanes. This may be the case if vehi-

cles are driving at the edge of their lane that

is furthest away from your vehicle.

Always pay attention to traffic conditions and

your surroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to

recognise dangers in time, cause an accident

and injure yourselfand others.

Blind SpotAssist monitors the area up to

three metres behind your vehicle and directly

next to your vehicle as shown in the diagram.

If the lanes are narrow, vehicles driving in the

lane beyond the lane next to your vehicle may

be indicated, especially if the vehicles are not

driving in the middle of their lane. This may

be the case if the vehicles are driving on the

inner side of their lane.

Due to the nature of the system:

warnings may be issued in error when driv-

ing close to crash barriers or similarsolid

lane borders.

warnings may be interrupted when driving

alongside long vehicles, for example lor-

ries, for a prolonged time.

The two sensors for Blind Spot Assist are

integrated into the sides of the rear bumper.

Make sure that the bumper is free of dirt, ice

or slush in the vicinityofthe sensors. The

radar sensors must not be covered, for exam-

ple by cycle racks or overhanging loads. Fol-

lowing a severe impact or in the event of dam-

age to the bumpers, have the function of the

radar sensors checked at aqualified special-

ist workshop. Blind Spot Assist may other-

wise notwork properly.

178

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Indicator and warning display

WARNING

Blind SpotAssist is not active at speeds below

30 km/h. The indicator lamps in the exterior

mirrors are yellow. Vehicles in the monitoring

range are then not indicated.

Always pay attention to traffic conditions and

your surroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to

recognise dangers in time, cause an accident

and injure yourselfand others.

Yellow indicator lamp/red warning lamp

If Blind SpotAssist is switched on, indicator

lamp : in the exterior mirrors lights up yel-

low up to a speed of 30 km/h. At speeds

above 30 km/h, the indicator lamp goes out

and Blind Spot Assist is operational.

If a vehicle is detected within the monitoring

range of Blind Spot Assist at speeds above

30 km/h, warning lamp : on the corre-

sponding side lights up in red. This warning is

always emitted when a vehicle enters the

blind spot monitoring range from behind or

from the side. When you overtake a vehicle,

the warning only occurs if the difference in

speed is less than 12 km/h.

The yellow indicator lamp goes out if reverse

gear is engaged. Blind Spot Assist is then

deactivated.

The brightness of the indicator/warning

lamps is adjusted automatically according to

the ambient light.

Collision warning

If a vehicle is detected in the monitoring range

of Blind Spot Assist and you switch on the

corresponding turn signal, a double warning

tone sounds. Red warning lamp : flashes. If

the turn signal remains on, detected vehicles

are indicated by the flashing of red warning

lamp :.There are no further warning tones.

Switching on Blind Spot Assist

On vehicles without an integrated naviga-

tion system, make sure that the Becker

MAP PILOT is connected; see the separate

operating instructions for Audio 20.

Make sure that the radar sensor system

(Y page 203) and Blind Spot Assist

(Y page 199) are activated in the on-board

computer.

Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition

lock.

Warning lamps : light up red in the exte-

rior mirrors for approximately 1.5 seconds

and then turn yellow.

Trailer towing

If you attach a trailer, make sure that you have

correctly established the electrical connec-

tion. This can be accomplished by checking

the trailer lighting. Blind Spot Assist is then

deactivated. The indicator lamp lights up yel-

low in the exterior mirrors and the

Blind

Spot Assist currently unavailable

See Owner's Manual message appears in

the multifunction display.

You can deactivate the indicator lamps in

the exterior mirrors.

To do so, switch off Blind Spot Assist if:

the key is in position 2 in the ignition

lock.

the engine is not running.

the electrical connection to the trailer

has been established.

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179

Driving and parking

Lane Keeping Assist

General notes

Lane Keeping Assist monitors the area in

frontofyour vehicle by means of a camera at

the top of the windscreen.Lane Keeping

Assist detects lane markings on the road and

warns you before you leave your lane unin-

tentionally.

Lane Keeping Assist camera

If you select

km on the on-board computer in

the

Display unit Speed-/odometer:

function (Y page 200), Lane Keeping Assist

is active starting at aspeed of 60 km/h. If the

miles

display unit is selected, the assistance

range begins at 40 mph.

Important safety notes

WARNING

Lane Keeping Assist does not keep your vehi-

cle in its lane. It is only an aid and may detect

the lane markings on the road incorrectly or

not at all.

The system may be impaired or may not func-

tion if:

there is poor visibility, e.g. due to insuffi-

cient illumination of the road, or due to

snow, rain, fog or spray.

there is glare, e.g. from oncoming traffic,

the sun, or reflection from other vehicles.

the windscreen is dirty, misted up or cov-

ered, for instance by a sticker, in the vicinity

of the camera

several or no lane markings for a single lane

are present.

the lane markings are worn away, dark or

covered up, e.g. by dirt or snow.

the distance to the vehicle in front is too

small and the lane markings thus cannot be

detected.

the lane markings on the road are unclear,

e.g. near roadworks.

the lane markings change quickly, e.g.

lanes branch off, cross one another or

merge.

the road is narrow and winding.

Lane Keeping Assist cannot detect road and

traffic conditions. It is not a substitute for

attentive driving. You are responsible for the

vehicle's speed, braking in good time, and

steering correctly. Always adapt your driving

style to suit the prevailing road and weather

conditions. Always pay attention to traffic

conditions and your surroundings. Otherwise,

you may fail to recognise dangers in time,

cause an accidentand injure yourselfand oth-

ers.

A warning may be given if a front wheel

passes overalane marking. It will warn you

by means of intermittent vibration in the

steering wheel for up to 1.5seconds.

Activating Lane Keeping Assist

Example: vehicles with automatic transmission

Switch on Active Lane Keeping Assist using

the on-board computer; to do so, select

Standard

or Adaptive(Y page 199).

Symbol : appears in the multifunction

display.

If you drive at speeds above 60 km/h and

lane markings are detected, symbol : is

highlighted. Lane Keeping Assist is ready

for use.

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Driving systems

Driving and parking

When Standard is selected, no warning vibra-

tion occurs if:

you have switched on the turn signals. In

this event, the warnings are suppressed for

a certain period of time.

a driving safety system intervenes, such as

ABS, BAS or ESP

When Adaptive is selected, no warning vibra-

tion occurs if:

you have switched on the turn signals. In

this case, the warnings are suppressed for

a certain period of time.

a driving safety system intervenes, such as

ABS, BAS or ESP

you accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown.

you brake hard.

you steer actively, e.g. swerve to avoid an

obstacle or change lane quickly.

you cut the corner on a sharp bend.

In order that you are warned only when nec-

essary and in good time if you cross the lane

marking, the system recognises certain con-

ditions and warns you accordingly.

The warning vibration occurs earlier if:

you approach the outer lane marking on a

bend.

the road has very wide lanes, e.g. a motor-

way.

the system recognises solid lane markings.

The warning vibration occurs later if:

the road has narrow lanes.

you cut the corner on a bend.

Towing atrailer

Notes on towing atrailer

Important safety notes

WARNING

When reversing the vehicle towards the

trailer, make sure there is nobody between

the trailer and the vehicle.

Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully.If

you do notcouple the trailer to the towing

vehicle correctly, the trailer could become

detached.

Make sure that the following values are not

exceeded:

the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight

the permissible trailer load

the permissible rear axle load of the towing

vehicle

the maximum permissible gross vehicle

weight of both the towing vehicle and the

trailer

You will find the applicable permissible val-

ues, which must not be exceeded, in the vehi-

cle documents.

You will find the values approved by the man-

ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates

and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech-

nical data" section.

WARNING

If the Check trailer hitch locking

mechanism message appears in the multi-

function display while the vehicle is in motion,

pull over immediately and check whether the

ball coupling is correctly engaged.

WARNING

When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling

characteristics will be different in comparison

to when driving without a trailer.

The vehicle/trailer combination:

is heavier

is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-

ent-climbing capability

has an increased braking distance

is affected more by strong crosswinds

demands more sensitive steering

has a larger turning circle

As a result, the handling characteristics may

be impaired and you may lose control of the

vehicle. This could lead to an accident with

serious or even fatal injuries.

Towing atrailer

181

Driving and parking

When towing a trailer, always adjust your

speed to the currentroad and weather con-

ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-

sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-

tion.

WARNING

Never depress the brake pedal continuously

while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause

the brakes to rub by applying constant slight

pedal pressure. This causes the brake system

to overheat, increases the braking distance

and can lead to the brakes failing completely.

WARNING

On no account should you attempt to draw the

vehicle/trailer combination out by increasing

speed.

WARNING

If you exceed the maximum noseweight when

using a carrier system on the ball coupling:

the carrier system may be thrown around.

the ball coupling and the carrier system

may become detached from the vehicle.

As a result, you may injure others or cause an

accident.

Do not exceed the maximum noseweight.

When driving with a loaded carrier system,

always adjust your driving style to the prevail-

ing road, traffic and weather conditions and

drive particularly carefully.

You can use carrier systems, e.g. bicycle

racks or load-bearing implements, on the ball

coupling. The maximum noseweight of 75kg

applies when using carrier systems on the ball

coupling.

General notes

Use a drawbar noseweight as close as

possible to the maximum permissible nose-

weight. Do not use a noseweight of less

than 50kg, otherwise the trailer may come

loose.

Note that the payload and the rear axle load

are reduced by the actual payload.

When towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure

on the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a

maximum load; see the tyre pressure table

in the fuel filler flap (Y page 295).

You will find installation dimensions and loads

in the "Technical data" section

(Y page 318).

The maximum noseweight of the trailer draw-

bar on the ball coupling is 75 kg. The actual

noseweight may however not be higher than

the value which is given on the trailer tow

hitch or trailer identification plates. The low-

est weight applies.

Please note that when towing a trailer, PARK-

TRONIC (Y page 163) and Blind Spot Assist

(Y page 177) are only available with limita-

tions, or not at all.

The height of the ball coupling changes

with the load of the vehicle. If necessary,

use a trailer with a height-adjustable draw-

bar.

Driving tips

Observe the notes on ESP

trailer stabi-

lisation (Y page 67).

The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/

trailer combinations depends on the type of

trailer. Before beginning the journey, check

the trailer's documents to see what the max-

imum permitted speed is. Observe the legally

prescribed maximum speed in the relevant

country.

For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-

imum permissible rear axle load is increased

when towing a trailer. Refer to the "Technical

data" section to find out whether this applies

to your vehicle. If you utilise any of the added

maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,

the vehicle/trailer combination may not

exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for

reasons concerning the operating permit.

This also applies in countries in which the

182

Towing atrailer

Driving and parking

permissible maximum speed for vehicle/

trailer combinations is above 100 km/h.

When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling

characteristics will be differentincomparison

to when driving without a trailer and it will

consume more fuel.

Change into a lower gear in good time on long

and steep downhill gradients. Vehicles with

automatic transmission: in order to do so, you

will need to have switched to manual drive

program M in advance (Y page 139).

This also applies if you have activated

cruise control, SPEEDTRONIC or DIS-

TRONIC PLUS.

This will use the braking effect of the engine,

so less braking will be required to prevent the

vehicle from gaining speed. This relieves the

load on the brake system and prevents the

brakes from overheating and wearing too

quickly. If you need additional braking,

depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather

than continuously.

Vehicles with automatic transmis-

sion: if the accelerator pedal is depressed

briefly on downhill gradients while manual

drive program M is temporarily activated,

the automatic transmission may switch

back to the last active automatic drive pro-

gram E or S.The automatic transmission

may shift to a higher gear. This can reduce

the engine's braking effect.

Driving tips

If the trailer swings from side to side:

Do not accelerate.

Do not counter-steer.

Brake if necessary.

Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-

cle in front than when driving without a

trailer.

Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake

gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.

Then, increase the braking force rapidly.

The values given for gradient-climbing

capabilities from a standstill refer to sea

level. When driving in mountainous areas,

note that the power output of the engine,

and consequently the vehicle's gradient-

climbing capability, decrease with increas-

ing altitude.

Folding out the ball coupling

WARNING

Make sure that the ball coupling is engaged,

either in its folded-out or folded-in position,

and that the indicator lamp is off.

Do not turn the release wheel when a trailer

is coupled up. Otherwise, the trailer might

detach.

Before you can tow a trailer with your vehicle,

you must fold out the ball coupling.

The release wheel is located behind the left-

hand side trim panel in the boot.

To open the cover: turn handle : anti-

clockwise and fold down cover ; and

remove it.

Towing atrailer

183

Driving and parking

Pull out release wheel =.

Turn release wheel = anti-clockwise as far

as it will go.

The ball coupling disengages and folds out

behind the rear bumper. Indicator

lamp ? flashes.

Pull the ball coupling in the direction of the

arrow until it engages in a vertical position.

Indicator lamp ? goes out. The power

socket folds down automatically.

The multifunction display shows the

Check trailer hitch lock display mes-

sage until the ball coupling is engaged.

Remove the protective covering from the

ball coupling and store it in a safe place.

Make sure that the ball of the ball coupling

is clean and that it is either greased or dry

(grease free), depending on the instruc-

tions for the trailer.

Coupling up a trailer

WARNING

Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged

overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could

become trapped between the bumper and

trailer drawbar.

Make sure that the transmission is in posi-

tion P.

Engage the electric parking brake.

Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.

Couple up the trailer.

Establish the electrical connection

between the vehicle and the trailer.

Check that the trailer lighting system is

working.

Decoupling atrailer

WARNING

As soon as you raise the trailer drawbar, the

unladen vehicle rises slightly. The vehicle then

lowers to driving level.

Make sure thatnobody is in the vicinity of the

wheel arch or the underbody. You could oth-

erwise trap yourself or others.

WARNING

The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-

nect the trailer cable. Make sure that nobody

is in the vicinity of the wheel arch or the

underbody. You could otherwise trap yourself

or others.

As soon as you decouple the trailer, the unla-

den vehicle rises slightly. Make sure that you

or others are not injured in the process.

Do not disconnect a trailer with an

engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your

vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-

ing of the overrun brake.

Make sure that the transmission is in posi-

tion P.

Engage the electric parking brake.

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Towing atrailer

Driving and parking

Secure the traileragainst rolling away.

Remove the trailer cable and decouple the

trailer.

Folding in the ball coupling

WARNING

Make sure that no persons or animals are in

the pivoting range of the ball coupling. Other-

wise, they could be injured.

Fold the ball coupling back in if you are not

using the trailer tow hitch.

Place the protective covering on the ball

coupling.

The release wheel is located behind the left-

hand side trim panel in the boot.

To open the cover: turn handle : anti-

clockwise and fold down cover ; and

remove it.

Pull out release wheel =.

Turn release wheel = anti-clockwise as far

as it will go.

The ball coupling disengages and folds out

behind the rear bumper. Indicator

lamp ? flashes.

Press the ball coupling in the direction of

the arrow until it engages behind the

bumper.

Indicator lamp ? goes out and the mes-

sage in the multifunction display disap-

pears.

Trailer power supply

You can connect accessories with a

power rating of up to 240 W to the perma-

nent power supply and with a power rating

of up to 180 W to the power supply that is

switched on via the ignition lock.

The trailer battery may not be charged from

the power supply.

To switch the connected power supply

on or off: turn the key in the ignition lock

to position 2 or 0 respectively.

When it leaves the factory, your vehicle's

trailer socket is equipped with a permanent

power supply and a power supply that is

switched on via the ignition lock.

The permanent power supply is supplied via

trailer socket pin 9.

The power supply that is switched on via the

ignition lock is supplied via trailer socket pin

10.

Towing atrailer

185

Driving and parking

The trailer's permanentpower supply is

switched off in the event of low vehicle supply

voltage and after six hours at the latest.

You can find more information about instal-

ling the trailer electricsataqualified special-

ist workshop.

Bulb failure indicator for LED lamps

If LED lamps are fitted in the trailer, an

error message may appear in the multi-

function display even if there is no fault. The

reason for the error message could be that

the currenthas fallenbelow the minimum

of 50 mA.

To ensure reliable operation of the bulb failure

indicator, each LED chain in the trailer lighting

must be guaranteed a minimum current of

50 mA.

Trailer with 7-pin connector

General notes

If your trailer has a 7-pin connector, you can

connect it to the 13-pin socket on the ball

coupling using an adapter or, if necessary, an

adapter cable. Both can be obtained in a

qualified specialist workshop.

Fitting the adapter

Make sure that there is sufficientcable

play so that the cable cannotbecome

detached when cornering.

Open the socket cover.

Insert the connector with lug : into

groove ; on the socket and turn the con-

nector clockwise to the stop.

Let the cover engage.

If you are using an adapter cable, secure

the cable to the trailer with cable ties.

186

Towing atrailer

Driving and parking

Driving and parking for Your Mercedes B Class SUV First Generation (2005-2010)

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