Get Safety -> Driving safety systems Guide for Mercedes B Class SUV First Generation (2005-2010)

You secure each door individually with the

child-proof locks on the rear doors.Adoor

secured with a child-proof lock cannot be

opened from inside the vehicle. When the

vehicle is unlocked, the door can be opened

from the outside.

To activate: press the child-proof lock

lever up in the direction of arrow :.

Make sure that the child-proof locks are

working properly.

To deactivate: press the child-proof lock

lever down in the direction of arrow ;.

Override feature for the rear side win-

dows

To activate/deactivate: press switch :.

Switch : is pushed in or extended. If the

switch has engaged, operation of the rear

side windows is disabled. Operation is then

only possible using the switches in the driv-

er's door.

Driving safety systems

Driving safety systems overview

In this section, you will find information about

the following driving safety systems:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

BAS (Brake Assist System)

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (BAS

PLUS and distance warning signal)

Adaptive brake lamps

ESP

(Electronic Stability Program)

EBD (electronic brake force distribution)

STEER CONTROL

Important safety notes

WARNING

The risk of an accident is significantly

increased by driving too fast. This is particu-

larly the case when cornering as well as on

wet or slippery roads or when driving too close

to the vehicle in front.

The driving safety systems described in this

section can neither reduce this risk nor over-

ride the laws of physics.

For this reason, always adapt your driving

style to the prevailing road and weather con-

ditions. Maintain sufficient distance from

other road users and objects on the road.

If you fail to adapt your driving style, the driv-

ing safety systems can neither reduce the risk

of accident nor override the laws of physics.

Driving safety systems are merely aids

designed to assist driving. You are responsi-

ble for the distance to the vehicle in front, for

vehicle speed and for braking in good time.

Always adapt your driving style to suit the

prevailing road and weather conditions as

well as the traffic conditions, and maintain a

safe distance from the vehicle in front. Drive

carefully.

Please note that the driving safety sys-

tems described only work as effectively as

possible when there is adequate contact

between the tyres and the road surface.

Pay particular attention to the information

regarding tyres, recommended minimum

tyre tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and

tyres" section (Y page 292).

In wintry driving conditions, always use

winter tyres (M+S tyres) and if necessary,

snow chains. Only in this way will the driv-

ing safety systems described in this section

work as effectively as possible.

Driving safety systems

Safety

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Important safety notes

WARNING

If ABSis faulty, the wheels could lock when

braking. This limits the steerability of the vehi-

cle when braking and the braking distance

may increase.

If ABS is deactivated due to a malfunction,

then BAS and ESP are also deactivated. There

is an increased risk of your vehicle skidding in

certain situations.

You should always adaptyour driving style to

suit the prevailing road and weather condi-

tions.

ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way

that the wheels do not lock when you brake.

This allows you to continue steering the vehi-

cle when braking.

ABS works from a speed of about 8 km/h

upwards, regardless of road-surface condi-

tions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, even

when you only brake gently.

The yellow ! ABS warning lamp in the

instrument cluster lights up when the ignition

is switched on. It goes out when the engine is

running.

Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-

tion (Y page 62).

Brakes

WARNING

Do not depress the brake pedal several times

in quick succession (pumping). Pumping the

brake pedal reduces the braking effect.You

might otherwise not be able to stop the vehi-

cle in time and could cause an accident.

Depress the brake pedal firmly and smoothly.

If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the

brake pedal with force until the braking sit-

uation is over.

To make a full brake application:

depress the brake pedal with full force.

If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel

a pulsing in the brake pedal.

The pulsating brake pedal can be an indica-

tion of hazardous road conditions and func-

tions as a reminder to take extra care while

driving.

BAS (Brake Assist)

WARNING

If BAS has malfunctioned, the braking system

remains available with full brake boosting

effect. However, braking force is not auto-

matically increased in emergency braking sit-

uations and the stopping distance may

increase.

Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until

the emergency braking situation is over.

ABS prevents the wheels from locking.

BAS operates in emergency braking situa-

tions. If you depress the brake pedal quickly,

BAS automatically boosts the braking force,

thus shortening the stopping distance.

The brakes will function as usual once you

release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.

Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-

tion (Y page 62).

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST

General notes

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST consists of

the BAS PLUS system and the distance warn-

ing signal, which are described in the follow-

ing.

Distance warning

WARNING

The distance warning signal cannot always

clearly identify objects and complex traffic

situations.

Driving safety systems

Safety

In such cases, the distance warning signal

may:

give an unnecessary warning

not give a warning

There is a risk of an accident. Always pay par-

ticularattention to the trafficsituation and be

ready to brake, especially if the distance

warning signal alerts you.

WARNING

The distance warning signal does not react:

to people or animals

to oncoming vehicles

to crossing traffic

when cornering

Thus, the distance warning signal cannot pro-

vide a warning in all critical situations.There

is a risk of an accident. Always pay careful

attention to the traffic situation and be ready

to brake.

To activate/deactivate: activate or deac-

tivate the distance warning signal in the on-

board computer (Y page 199).

When the distance warning signal is activa-

ted, the multifunction display shows the

Ä symbol as long as the HOLD function is

not activated (Y page 162). On vehicles with

Active Parking Assist, the Ä symbol is dis-

played when position P is engaged or you are

driving faster than 35 km/h.

The distance warning signal can help you to

minimise the risk of a front-end collision with

a vehicle ahead or reduce the effects of such

a collision. If the distance warning signal

detects that there is a risk of a collision, you

will be warned visually and acoustically.The

distance warning signal cannot prevent a col-

lision without your intervention.

The distance warning signal will issue a warn-

ing at speeds of around 30 km/h or more if:

the distance to the vehicle in front is too

short for the speed you are driving at for

several seconds. The · distance warn-

ing lamp then lights up in the instrument

cluster.

you are rapidly approaching the vehicle in

front. An intermittent warning tone will

then sound and the · distance warning

lamp will light up in the instrumentcluster.

Brake immediately in order to increase the

distance from the vehicle in front.

Take evasive action provided it is safe to do

so.

For the distance warningsignal to assist you

when driving, the function must be activated

in the on-board computer (Y page 199) and

be operational.

Due to the nature of the system, particularly

complicated driving conditions may cause the

system to display an unnecessary warning.

With the help of the radar sensor system, the

distance warning signal can detect obstacles

that are in the path of your vehicle for an

extended period of time.

At speeds up to approximately 70 km/h, the

distance warning signal may also detect sta-

tionary obstacles, for example, stopped or

parked vehicles.

If you approach an obstacle and the distance

warning signal detects a risk of a collision, the

system will initially alert you both visually and

acoustically.

In particular, the detection of obstacles can

be impaired if there is:

dirt on the sensors or anything else cover-

ing the sensors

snow or heavy rain

interference by other radar sources

the possibility of strong radar reflections,

for example, in multi-storey car parks

a narrow vehicle travelling in front, e.g. a

motorbike

a vehicle travelling in front on a different

line

Following damage to the front end of the vehi-

cle, have the configuration and operation of

Driving safety systems

Safety

the radarsensor checked at a qualified spe-

cialist workshop. This also applies to colli-

sions at slow speeds where there is no visible

damage to the frontofthe vehicle.

Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-

tion (Y page 62).

BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus)

WARNING

BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify

objects and complex traffic situations. BAS

PLUS cannot intervene in these cases.

There is a risk of an accident. Always pay

careful attention to the traffic situation and be

ready to brake.

WARNING

BAS PLUS does not react:

to people or animals

to oncoming vehicles

to crossing traffic

to stationary obstacles

when cornering

As a result, BAS PLUS may not intervene in

critical situations. There is a risk of an acci-

dent. Always pay careful attention to the traf-

fic situation and be ready to brake.

BAS PLUS assists you in braking during haz-

ardous situations at speeds above 30 km/h

and uses the radar sensor system to evaluate

the traffic situation.

With the help of the radar sensor system, BAS

PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the

path of your vehicle for an extended period of

time.

Should you approach an obstacle and BAS

PLUS has detected a risk of collision, BAS

PLUS calculates the braking force necessary

to avoid a rear-end collision. Should you apply

the brakes forcefully, BAS PLUS will automat-

ically increase the braking force to a level

suitable for the traffic conditions.

Keep the brake pedal depressed until the

emergency braking situation is over.

ABS prevents the wheels from locking.

The brakes will work normally again if:

you release the brake pedal.

there is no longer any danger of a rear-end

collision.

no obstacle is detected in front of your

vehicle.

BAS PLUS is then deactivated.

Vehicles with PRE-SAFE

: if BAS PLUS

requires particularly high brake pressure, pre-

ventative passenger protection measures

(PRE-SAFE

) are deployed simultaneously.

Up to vehicle speeds of around 250 km/h,

BAS PLUS is capable of reacting to moving

objects that have already been recognised as

such at least once over the period of obser-

vation. BAS PLUS does not react to stationary

obstacles.

If BAS PLUS is not available due to a malfunc-

tion in the radar sensor system, the brake

system remains available with full brake

boosting effect and BAS.

In particular, the detection of obstacles can

be impaired if there is:

dirt on the sensors or anything else cover-

ing the sensors

snow or heavy rain

interference by other radar sources

the possibility of strong radar reflections,

for example, in multi-storey car parks

a narrow vehicle travelling in front, e.g. a

motorbike

a vehicle travelling in front on a different

line

Following damage to the front end of the vehi-

cle, have the configuration and operation of

the radar sensor checked at a qualified spe-

cialist workshop. This also applies to colli-

sions at slow speeds where there is no visible

damage to the front of the vehicle.

Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-

tion (Y page 62).

Driving safety systems

Safety

Adaptive brake lamps

If you brake sharply from a speed of more

than 50 km/h or if braking is assisted by BAS

or BASPLUS, the brake lamps flash rapidly.

In this way, traffic travelling behind you is

warned in an even more noticeable manner.

If you brake sharply from a speed of more

than 70 km/h to a standstill, the hazard warn-

ing lamps are activated automatically. If the

brakes are applied again, the brake lamps

lightup continuously. The hazard warning

lamps switch off automatically if you travel

faster than 10 km/h. You can also switch off

the hazard warning lamps using the hazard

warning switch button (Y page 99).

Adaptive brake lamps are only available in

certain countries.

ESP

(Electronic Stability Program)

Important safety notes

WARNING

If the ÷ warning lamp in the instrument

cluster flashes, proceed as follows:

do not deactivate ESP

under any circum-

stances.

only depress the accelerator pedal as far as

necessary when pulling away.

adapt your driving style to suit the prevail-

ing road and weatherconditions.

Otherwise, the vehicle could go into a skid.

ESP

cannot reduce the risk of an accident if

you drive too fast. ESP

cannot override the

laws of physics.

Switch the ignition off when:

the electric parking brake is being tested

using a brake dynamometer.

the vehicle is being towed with the front/

rear axle raised.

Application of the brakes by ESP

may oth-

erwise destroy the brake system.

If ESP

detects that the vehicle is deviating

from the direction desired by the driver, one

or more wheels are braked to stabilise the

vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also

modified to keep the vehicle on the desired

course within physical limits. ESP

assists

the driver when pulling away on wet or slip-

pery roads. ESP

can also stabilise the vehi-

cle during braking.

If ESP

intervenes, the ÷ ESP

warning

lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.

Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-

tion (Y page 62).

Only use wheels with the recommended

tyre sizes. Only then will ESP

function

properly.

Traction control

Traction control is part of ESP

Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-

vidually if they spin. This enables you to pull

away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for

example if the road surface is slippery on one

side.

Traction control remains active if you deacti-

vate ESP

Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-

tion (Y page 62).

Deactivating/activating ESP

WARNING

ESP

is deactivated if the å warning lamp

in the instrument cluster lights up continu-

ously when the engine is running.

If the ÷ warning lamp and å warning

lamp are lit continuously, ESP

is not availa-

ble due to a malfunction.

There is an increased risk of your vehicle skid-

ding in certain situations.

You should always adapt your driving style to

suit the prevailing road and weather condi-

tions.

Driving safety systems

Safety

ESP

is activated automaticallywhen the

engine is started.

If ESP

is deactivated and one or more wheels

start to spin, the ÷ ESP

warning lamp in

the instrumentcluster flashes.Insuch situa-

tions, ESP

will notstabilise the vehicle.

To deactivate:(Y page 198).

The å ESP

OFF warning lamp in the

instrument clusterlights up.

To activate:(Y page 198).

The å ESP

OFF warning lamp in the

instrumentcluster goes out.

It may be best to deactivate ESP

in the fol-

lowing situations:

when using snow chains

in deep snow

on sand or gravel

WARNING

Activate ESP

as soon as the situations

described above no longer apply. ESP

will

otherwise not be able to stabilise the vehicle

if the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel starts

to spin.

If you deactivate ESP

ESP

no longer improves driving stability.

the engine's torque is no longer limited, and

the drive wheels can spin.The spinning of

the wheels results in a cutting action, which

provides better grip.

traction control is still activated.

ESP

still provides support when you

brake.

Vehicles with ECO start/stop function:

the ECO start/stop function switches the

engine off automatically when the vehicle

comes to a stop. When pulling away again,

the engine starts automatically.ESP

remains in its previously selected status.

Example: if ESP

was deactivated before

the engine was switched off, ESP

remains

deactivated when the engine is switched on

again.

Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-

tion (Y page 62).

ESP

trailer stabilisation

WARNING

If road and weather conditions are poor,

trailerstabilisation will not be able to prevent

the trailer fromswerving and will thus be

unable to reduce the risk of an accident. Trail-

ers with a high centre of gravity can tip over

before ESP

can detect this.

If your vehicle/trailer combination begins to

lurch, you can only stabilise the vehicle/

trailer combination by depressing the brake

firmly.

In this situation, ESP

assists you and can

detect if the vehicle/trailer combination

begins to lurch. ESP

slows the vehicle down

by braking and limiting the engine output until

the vehicle/trailer combination has stabi-

lised.

Trailer stabilisation is active above speeds of

about 65 km/h.

Trailer stabilisation does not work if ESP

deactivated or disabled because of a mal-

function.

EBD (electronic brake force distribu-

tion)

WARNING

If EBDhas malfunctioned, the braking system

remains available with full brake boosting

effect.However, the rear wheels can still lock,

e.g. under full braking. This could cause you

to lose control of your vehicle and cause an

accident.You should therefore adapt your

driving style to the different handling charac-

teristics.

Driving safety systems

Safety

EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-

sure on the rearwheels to improve driving

stability while braking.

Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-

tion (Y page 62).

ADAPTIVE BRAKE

ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety

and offers increased braking comfort.Inaddi-

tion to the brakingfunction,ADAPTIVE BRAKE

also has the HOLD function(Ypage 162)and

hill start assist (Y page 129). For further

information, see Driving tips (Y page 146).

STEER CONTROL

WARNING

If there is an ESP

malfunction, you will not

receive any steering assistance from the

STEER CONTROL. The steering continues to

functionwith power assistance.

STEER CONTROL helps you by transmitting a

noticeable steering force to the steering

wheel in the direction required for vehicle

stabilisation.

This steering assistance is provided in partic-

ular if:

both right wheels or both left wheels are on

a wet or slippery road surface when you

brake.

the vehicle starts to skid.

You have control over the steering at all

times.

Anti-theft systems

Immobiliser

To activate: remove the key fromthe igni-

tion lock.

To deactivate: switch on the ignition.

The immobiliser prevents your vehicle from

being started without the correct key.

The immobiliser is always deactivated

when you start the engine.

ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)

To prime: lock the vehicle with the key.

Indicator lamp : flashes. The alarm sys-

tem is primed after approximately

15 seconds.

To deactivate: unlock the vehicle with the

key.

To stop the alarm: insert the key into the

ignition lock.

The alarm is switched off.

Press the % or & button on the key.

The alarm is switched off.

Avisual and audible alarm is triggered if the

alarm system is primed and you open:

a door

the vehicle with the emergency key ele-

ment

the tailgate

the bonnet

The alarm is not switched off, even if you

close the open door that has triggered it, for

example.

Anti-theft systems

Safety

Safety -> Driving safety systems for Your Mercedes B Class SUV First Generation (2005-2010)

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