2007-2013 Mercedes C Class 4 Door Safety -> Occupant safety User Manual
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Safety -> Occupant safety for Your Mercedes C Class 4 Door Second Generation (2007-2013)

Useful information
i
This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i
Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 25).
Panic alarm
X
To activate: press ! button : for
approximately one second.
An alarm sounds and the exterior lighting
flashes.
X
To deactivate: press ! button :
again.
or
X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
X
Press the KEYLESS-GO Start/Stop button.
The KEYLESS-GO key must be in the
vehicle.
Occupant safety
Overview of occupant safety
In this section, you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
components of the vehicle.
The restraint system consists of:
R
seat belts
R
child restraint systems
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LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat anchors
Additional protection is provided by:
R
SRS (Supplemental RestraintSystem)
R
NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO
luxury head restraints
R
air bag system components with:
-
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp
-
front-passengerseat with Occupant
Classification System (OCS)
The differentair bag systems work
independently of each other. The protective
functions of the system work in conjunction
with each other. Not all air bags are always
deployed in an accident.
G
WARNING
Modifications to or work improperly
conducted on restraint system components
or their wiring, as well as tampering with
interconnected electronic systems, can lead
to the restraint systems no longer functioning
as intended.
Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices
(ETDs), for example, could deploy
inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents
although the deceleration threshold for air
bag deploymentis exceeded. Therefore,
never modify the restraint systems. Do not
tamper with electronic components or their
software.
i
For information on infants and children
traveling with you in the vehicle restraint
systems for infants and children, see
"Children in the vehicle" (Y page 58).
40
Occupant safety
Safety
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Introduction
SRS consists of:
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The 6 SRS warning lamp
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Air bags
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Air bag control unit (with crash sensors)
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Emergency Tensioning Devices
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Belt force limiters
SRS reduces the risk of occupants coming
into contact with the vehicle's interior in the
event of an accident. It can also reduce the
effect of the forces to which occupants are
subjected during an accident.
SRS warning lamp
SRS functions are checked regularly when
you switch on the ignition and when the
engine is running. Therefore, malfunctions
can be detected in good time.
The 6 SRS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out no later than a few seconds
after the engine is started.
The SRS components are in operational
readiness when the 6 SRS warning lamp
goes out while the engine is running.
G
WARNING
The SRS self-checkhas detected a
malfunction if the 6 SRS indicator lamp:
R
does notlight up at all
R
does not go out after approximately four
seconds after the engine is started
R
comes on after the engine was started or
while driving.
For your safety, Mercedes-Benzstrongly
recommends thatyou have the system
checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. SRS may otherwise
fail to activate when it is needed in the event
of an accident, which could lead to serious or
fatal injuries. SRS might also be activated
unexpectedly and unnecessarily, which could
also result in injury.
In addition, work carried out improperly on
SRS may render SRS inoperative or cause
unintended air bag deployment. Work on the
SRS system should only be carried out by
qualified specialist personnel. Consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is necessary to modify an air bag system
to accommodate a person with disabilities,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for details. USA only: for further information
contact our Customer Assistance center at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372).
Safety guidelines for seat belts,
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
and air bags
G
WARNING
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Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident
must be replaced. Their anchoring points
must also be checked. Only use seat belts
installed or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R
Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain
perchlorate material, which may require
special handling and regard for the
environment.Check your national disposal
guidelines. California residents, see
Perchlorate/.
R
Air bags and ETDs are designed to function
on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD
that has deployed must be replaced.
R
Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
R
Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat belts.
R
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
R
No modifications of any kind may be made
to any components or wiring of the SRS.
Occupant safety
41
Safety
Z
R
Do not change or remove any component
or part of the SRS.
R
Do not install additional trim material, seat
covers, badges, etc. overthe steering
wheel hub, front-passenger front air bag
cover, outer sides of the seat backrests,
door trim panels, or door frame trims.
R
Do not install additional electrical/
electronic equipment on or near SRS
components and wiring.
R
Keep area between air bags and occupants
free of objects (e.g. packages, purses,
umbrellas, etc.).
R
Do not hang items such as coat hangers
from the coat hooks or handles over the
door. These items may be thrown around in
the vehicle and cause head and other
injuries when the window curtain air bag is
deployed.
R
Air bag system components will be hot after
an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.
R
Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
R
Improper repair work on the SRS creates a
risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment.
Work on the SRS must therefore only be
performed by qualified technicians.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R
For your protection and the protection of
others, when scrapping the air bag unit or
ETD, our safety instructions must be
followed. These instructions are available
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R
Given the considerable deployment speed,
required inflation volume, and the material
of the air bags, there is the possibility of
abrasions or other, potentially more serious
injuries resulting from air bag deployment.
If you sell your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz
strongly recommends that you inform the
subsequent owner that the vehicle is
equipped with SRS. Also, refer them to the
applicable section in the Operator's Manual.
Air bags
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Air bags are designed to reduce the incidence
of injuries and fatalities in certain situations:
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frontal impacts (driver's and front-
passenger front air bags and driver's knee
bag)
R
side impacts (side impact air bags, window
curtain air bags and pelvis air bags)
However, no system available today can
completely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
When the air bags are deployed, a small
amount of powder is released. The powder
generally does not constitute a health hazard
and does not indicate that there is a fire in the
vehicle. In order to prevent potential
breathing difficulties, you should leave the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you
have any breathing difficulty but cannot get
out of the vehicle after the air bag inflates,
then get fresh air by opening a window or
door.
G
WARNING
In order to reduce the potential danger of
injuries caused during the deployment of the
front air bags, the driver and front passenger
must always be correctly seated and wear
their seat belts.
For maximum protection in the event of a
collision, you must always be in the normal
seat position with your back against the
backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure
that it is correctly positioned on your body.
42
Occupant safety
Safety
As the airbag inflates with considerable
speed and force, a proper seating position
and correct positioning of the hands on the
steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe
distance from the air bag. Occupants who are
notwearing their seat belt, are not seated
properly or are too close to the air bag can be
seriously injured or killed by an air bag, as it
inflates with great force instantaneously:
R
sit with the seat belt fastened correctly and
in a position that is as upright as possible
with your back against the backrest.
R
move the driver's seat as far back as
possible, still permitting proper operation
of vehicle controls. The distance from the
center of the driver's chest to the center of
the air bag cover on the steering wheel
must be at least 10 inches (25 cm). You
should be able to accomplish this by
adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If
you have any difficulties, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
R
do not lean your head or chest close to the
steering wheel or dashboard.
R
only hold the steering wheel on the outside.
Placing hands and arms inside the rim can
increase the risk and potential severity of
hand/arm injury if the driver front air bag
inflates.
R
adjust the front-passenger seat as far back
as possible from the dashboard when the
seat is occupied.
R
occupants, especially children, should
never place their bodies or lean their heads
in the area of the door where the side
impact air bag inflates.This could result in
serious or fatal injuries should the side
impact air bag be deployed. Always sit as
upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized
infant restraint, toddler restraint or booster
seat recommended for the size and weight
of the child.
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injuries to you or other occupants.
If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you
make the buyer aware of this safety
information. Be sure to give the buyer this
Operator's Manual.
G
WARNING
Accident research shows that the safest place
for children in an automobile is in a rear seat.
Aside impact air bag related injury may occur
if occupants, especially children, are not
properly seated or restrainedwhen next to a
side impact air bag which needs to deploy
rapidly in a side impact in order to do its job.
To help avoid the possibility of injury, please
follow these guidelines:
(1) Always sit as upright as possible
and use the seat belts properly.
Make sure that children 12 years
old and under use an appropriately
sized child restraint, infant
restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and
weight of the child.
(2) Always wear seat belts properly.
The air bags are only deployed if the air bag
control unit detects the need for deployment.
Only in the event of such a situation, will the
air bags provide their supplemental
protection.
If the driver and front passenger do not wear
their seat belts, it is not possible for the air
bags to provide their supplemental
protection.
In the event of other types of impacts and
impacts below air bag deployment
thresholds, the air bags will not deploy.The
driver and passenger will then be protected
to the extentpossible by a properly fastened
seat belt. Aproperly fastened seat beltis also
needed to provide the best possible
protection if the vehicle rolls over.
Air bags are not a substitute for seat belts.
Always wear your seat belt, regardless of
whether or not your vehicle is equipped with
air bags.
Occupant safety
43
Safety
Z
It is important to yoursafety and that of your
passenger to have deployed air bags replaced
and to have any malfunctioning air bags
repaired. This will help to make sure the air
bags will continue to provide supplemental
crash protection for occupants .
Front air bags
The frontair bags increase protection for the
driver's and front-passenger's head and
chest.
Driver's air bag : deploys in front of the
steering wheel; front-passenger front air
bag ; deploys in front of and above the glove
box.
They are deployed:
R
in the event of certain frontal impacts
R
if the system determines that air bag
deploymentcan offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
R
if the seat belt is fastened
R
independently of other air bags in the
vehicle
Your vehicle has adaptive, two-stage frontair
bags. In the eventofacollision, the airbag
control unit evaluates the vehicle
deceleration. In the first deploymentstage,
the front airbag is filled with enough
propellantgas to reduce therisk of injuries.
The front air bag is fully deployed if a second
deploymentthreshold is exceeded within a
few milliseconds.
The deployment of the front-passenger front
air bag is also influenced by the weight
category of the front passenger, which is
determined by the Occupant Classification
System (OCS) (Y page 47).
The lighter the passenger-side occupant, the
higher the vehicle deceleration rate required
(predicted at the start of the impact) for
second stage inflation of the front-passenger
front air bag. In the second stage, the front
air bags are inflated with the maximum
amount of propellant gas available.
The front air bags are not deployed in
situations where a low impact severity is
predicted. You will then be protected by the
fastened seat belt.
The front-passenger front air bag will only be
deployed if:
R
the system, based on the OCS weight
sensor readings, detects that the front-
passenger seat is occupied
R
the 45 indicator lamp on the center
console is not lit (Y page 47)
R
the air bag control unit predicts a high-
impact severity.
Driver's knee bag
Driver's knee bag : increases the driver's
protection against:
R
knee injuries
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thigh injuries
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lower leg injuries
Driver's knee bag : deploys under the
steering column. If, during a frontal collision,
the system determines that air bag
deployment can offer additional protection to
44
Occupant safety
Safety
thatprovided by the seat belt, driver's knee
bag : is deployed along with the driver's air
bag.Driver's knee bag : operates best in
conjunction with correctly positioned and
fastened seat belts.
Side impact air bags
G
WARNING
The pressure sensors for side impact air bag
control are located in the doors. Do not
modify any components of the doors or door
trim panels including, for example, the
addition of door speakers.
Improper repair work on the doors or the
modification or addition of components to the
doors create a risk of rendering the side
impact air bags inoperative or causing
unintended air bag deployment. Work on the
doors must therefore only be performed by
qualified technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
G
WARNING
Only use seat covers which have been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle model.Using seat covers or other seat
coverings can cause a malfunction of the side
impact air bags and/or the pelvis air bags.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for availability.
When deployed, the side impact air bags offer
additional protection for the thorax of the
vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle
on which the impact occurs. However, they
do not protect the:
R
head
R
neck
R
arms
Front side impact air bags : and rear side
impact air bags ; deploy next to the outer
seat cushions.
The side impact air bags are deployed:
R
on the side on which an impact occurs
R
at the start of an accident with a high rate
of lateral vehicle deceleration or
acceleration, e.g. in aside impact
R
independently of the use of the seat belt
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independently of the front air bags
R
independently of the ETDs
Side impactair bags will not deploy in side
impacts which do not exceed the system's
presetdeployment thresholds for lateral
acceleration/deceleration.You will then be
protected by the fastened seat belt.
The side impact air bag on the front-
passenger side is not deployed in the
following situations:
R
OCS has detected that the front-passenger
seat is unoccupied.
R
the front-passenger seat belt is not
fastened.
The side impact air bag on the front-
passenger side will deploy if the front-
passenger seat belt is fastened, regardless of
whether the front-passenger seat is occupied
or not.
Pelvis air bags
Pelvis air bags are not available for AMG
vehicles.
Occupant safety
45
Safety
Z
G
WARNING
Only use seat covers which have been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle model.Using seat covers or other seat
coverings can cause a malfunction of the side
impact air bags and/or the pelvis air bags.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for availability.
Pelvis air bag deployment enhances the level
of protection of the vehicle occupants on the
side of the vehicle on which the impact
occurs.
Pelvis air bags : deploy next to and below
the outer seat cushions. They are deployed:
R
on the side on which an impact occurs
R
at the start of an accident with a high rate
of lateral vehicle deceleration or
acceleration, e.g. in aside impact
R
independently of the use of the seat belt
R
independently of the front air bags
R
independently of the ETDs
Pelvis air bags : will not deploy in side
impacts which do not exceed the system's
presetdeployment thresholds for lateral
acceleration/deceleration.You will then be
protected by the fastened seat belt.
The pelvis air bag on the front-passenger side
is not deployed in the following situations:
R
OCS has detected that the front-passenger
seat is unoccupied.
R
the front-passenger seat belt is not
fastened.
The pelvis air bag on the front-passenger side
will deploy if the front-passenger seat belt is
fastened, regardless of whether the front-
passenger seat is occupied or not.
Window curtain air bags
The window curtain air bags enhance the level
of protection for the head, but not chest or
arms, of the vehicle occupants on the side of
the vehicle on which the impact occurs.
The window curtain air bags are integrated
into the side of the roof frame and deploy in
the area from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.
Window curtain air bags : are deployed:
R
on the side on which an impact occurs
R
at the start of an accident with a high rate
of lateral vehicle deceleration or
acceleration, e.g. in aside impact
R
regardless of whether the front-passenger
seat is occupied
R
independently of the use of the seat belt
R
independently of the front air bags
Window curtain air bags : will not deploy in
the eventofimpacts which do not exceed the
system's preset deployment thresholds for
vehicle acceleration/deceleration. You will
then be protected by the fastened seat belt.
46
Occupant safety
Safety
Occupant Classification System
(OCS)
How the Occupant Classification
System works
The Occupant Classification System (OCS)
categorizes the occupant on the front-
passenger seat by means of a weight sensor.
The front-passenger frontair bag is
deactivated automatically for certain weight
categories. The 45 indicator lamp
shows you the current status. If the
45 indicator lamp lights up, the front-
passenger air bag is disabled.
The system does not deactivate:
R
the side impactair bag
R
the pelvis air bag
R
the window curtain air bag
R
the Emergency Tensioning Devices
To be classified correctly, the front passenger
must sit:
R
with the seat belt fastened correctly
R
in a position that is as upright as possible
with their back against the seat backrest
R
with their feet on the floor
If the front-passenger's weight is transferred
to another object in the vehicle (e.g.by
leaning on armrests), OCS may not be able to
approximate the occupant's weight category.
If the front-passenger seat, the seat cover or
the seat cushionare damaged, have the
necessary repair work carried out at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use seat
accessories that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Both the driverand the front passenger
should always observe the 45
indicator lamp to determine whetherornot
the front passenger is positioned correctly.
G
WARNING
If the 45 indicator lamp illuminates
when an adult or someone larger than a small
individual is in the front passenger seat, have
the front passenger reposition himself or
herself in the seat until the 45
indicator lamp goes out.
In the event of a collision, the air bag control
unit will not allow front passenger front air bag
deployment when the OCS has classified the
front passenger seat occupant as weighing as
much as or less than a typical 12-month-old
child in a standard child restraint or if the front
passenger seat is classified as being empty.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being up to or less than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint, the 45 indicator lamp will
illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated. This indicates that the
front passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat is classified as being empty,
the 45 indicator lamp will illuminate
when the engine is started and remain
illuminated. This indicates that the front
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being heavier than the weight of a typical 12-
month-old child seated in astandard child
restraint or as being a small individual (such
as a young teenager or asmall adult), the
45 indicator lamp will illuminate for
approximately 6seconds when the engine is
started. Depending on occupant weight
sensor readings from the seat, it will then
remain illuminated or go out. With the
45 indicator lamp illuminated, the
frontpassenger frontair bag is deactivated.
With the 45 indicator lamp out, the
front passenger front air bag is activated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as an
adult or someone larger than a small
individual, the 45 indicator lamp will
illuminate for approximately six seconds
when the engine is started and thengo out.
Occupant safety
47
Safety
Z
This indicates that the front passenger front
air bag is activated.
If the 45 indicator lamp is illuminated,
the front passenger front air bag is
deactivated and will not be deployed.
If the 45 indicator lamp is not
illuminated, the front passenger front air bag
is activated and will be deployed
R
in the event of certain frontal impacts
R
if the impact exceeds a predetermined
triggering threshold
R
independent of the side impact air bag or
pelvis air bag
If the front passenger front air bag is
deployed, the rate of inflation will be
influenced by
R
the rate of vehicle deceleration as assessed
by the air bag control unit
R
the front passenger's weight category as
identified by the OCS
For further information, see "Air bag display
messages" (Y page 223).
G
WARNING
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained on the rear
seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus,
we strongly recommend that children be
placed in the rear seats whenever possible.
Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and
properly secured in an appropriate infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
The infant or child restraint must be properly
secured with the vehicle's seat belt, the seat
belt and Top Tether strap, or lower anchors
and Top Tether strap, fully in accordance with
the child seat manufacturer's instructions.
Occupants, especially children, should always
sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
Children can be killed or seriously injured by
an inflating air bag. Note the following
important information when circumstances
require you to place a child in the front-
passenger seat:
R
Your vehicle is equipped with air bag
technology designed to deactivate the
front-passenger front air bag in your vehicle
when the system senses the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child or less along
with the weight of a standard appropriate
child restraint on the front-passenger seat.
R
Achild in a rear-facing child restraint on the
front-passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front-passenger
front air bag inflates in a collision which
could occur under some circumstances,
even with the air bag technology installed
in your vehicle. The only means to eliminate
this risk completely is never to place a child
in a rear-facing child restraint in the front-
passenger seat. We therefore strongly
recommend that you always place a child
in a rear-facing child restraint on the rear
seat.
R
If you install a rear-facing child restraint on
the front-passenger seat, make sure the
45 indicator lamp is illuminated,
indicating that the front-passenger front air
bag is deactivated. Should the 45
indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while
the restraint is installed, please check
installation. Periodically check the
45 indicator lamp while driving to
make sure that the 45 indicator
lamp is illuminated. If the 45
indicator lamp goes out or remains out, do
not transport a child on the front-passenger
seat until the system has been repaired.
Achild in a rear-facing child restraint on the
front-passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front-passenger
front air bag inflates.
48
Occupant safety
Safety
R
If you place a child in a forward-facing child
restraint on the front-passenger seat:
-
move the seat as far back as possible
-
use the proper child restraint
recommended for the age, size and
weight of the child
-
secure child restraint with the vehicle's
seat belt according to the child seat
manufacturer's instructions
R
For children larger than the typical 12-
month-old child, the front-passenger front
air bag may or may not be activated.
If the driver's air bag deploys, this does not
mean that the front-passenger front air bag
will also deploy.
The OCS may have detected that the seat:
R
is either empty or occupiedby a person
with a weight up to that of a typical twelve-
month-old child seated in astandard child
restraint
R
is occupied by a small individual, such as a
young teenager or a small adult
R
is occupied by a child in a child restraint
system, whose weight is greaterthan that
of a typical twelve-month-old child.
These are examples of when the OCS
deactivates the front-passenger front air bag.
Deactivation takes place although the
collision fulfills the criteria for deploying the
driver's air bag.
If the SmartKey has been removed from the
ignition lock or is in position 0, the
45 indicator lamp : does not light
up.
G
WARNING
If the red 6 SRS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and the 45
indicator lamp light up simultaneously, the
OCS is malfunctioning. The front passenger
front air bag will be deactivated in this case.
Have the system checked by qualified
technicians as soon as possible. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-BenzCenter.
Only have the seat repaired or replaced at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
In order to ensure proper operation of the air
bag system and OCS:
R
Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in a
position that is as upright as possible with
your back against the seat backrest.
R
When seated, a passenger should not
position him/herself in such a way as to
cause the passenger's weight to be lifted
from the seat cushion as this may result in
the OCS being unable to correctly
approximate the passenger's weight
category.
R
Read and observe all warnings in this
chapter.
System self-test
The 45 indicator lamp lights up if you:
R
turn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock
R
on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button once or twice
When an adult is sitting correctly on the front-
passenger seat and is categorized by the OCS
system as an adult, the 45 indicator
lamp lights up and goes off again after
approximately six seconds.
If the passenger seat is not occupied and the
OCS system detects this, the 45
indicator lamp remains lit and does not go off.
Occupant safety
49
Safety
Z
G
WARNING
If the 45indicator lamp does not
illuminate, the system is not functioning. You
must contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center before seating any child on the front
passenger seat.
For further information, see "Problems with
the Occupant Classification System"
(Y page 51).
G
WARNING
Never place anything betweenseat cushion
and child seat (e.g. a pillow), since it reduces
the effectiveness of the OCS. The underside
and rear side child restraint system must be
placed entirely on the seat cushion and the
backrest of the front-passenger seat
backrest.
If necessary, adjust the tilt of the passenger
seat backrest.
An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause
injuries to the child in case of an accident,
instead of increasing protection for the child.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for
installation of child restraint systems.
50
Occupant safety
Safety
Problems with the Occupant Classification System
Problem Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions
The 45
indicator lamp lights up
and stays on.
The person on the
front-passenger seat:
R
has the weight of a
typical adult
R
has been determined
by the system not to
be a child
The OCS is malfunctioning.
X
Have the OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display (Y page 223).
G
WARNING
If the 45 indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated when the weight of a typical
adult or someone larger than a small individual has been detected on the passenger seat, do not
allow any occupant to use the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
Problem Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions
The 45
indicator lamp does not
light up and/or does
not stay on.
The front-passenger
seat is:
R
unoccupied
R
occupied with a
weight up to that of a
typical twelve-
month-old child in a
standard child
restraint system
The OCS is malfunctioning.
X
Make sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the
child seat.
X
Check the installation of the child restraint system.
X
Make sure that no objectsare applying additional weight onto
the seat.
X
If the 45 indicator lamp remains off, have the OCS
system checked as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. Do not transport a child on the front-passenger
seat as long as the OCS is not functioning.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display (Y page 223).
G
WARNING
If the 45 indicator lamp does not illuminate or remains out with the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or less, or is unoccupied, on the front-passenger
seat, do not transport achild on the front-passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
Occupant safety
51
Safety
Z
PRE-SAFE
®
(anticipatory occupant
protection system)
G
WARNING
The PRE-SAFE
®
system reduces the impact of
an accident on vehicle occupants, as long as
their seat belts have been fastened correctly.
Although your vehicle is equipped with a PRE-
SAFE
®
system, the possibility of injury in the
event of an accident cannot be ruled out. You
should therefore always drive carefully and
adapt your driving style to the prevailing road,
weather and traffic conditions.
PRE-SAFE
®
takes preemptive measures to
protect occupants in certain hazardous
situations.
PRE-SAFE
®
intervenes:
R
if BAS PLUS intervenes powerfully on
vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS
R
if, on vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS, the
radar sensor system detectsanimminent
dangerofcollision in certain situations
R
in critical driving situations, e.g. when
physical limits are exceeded and the
vehicle understeers or oversteers severely
PRE-SAFE
®
takes the following measures
depending on the hazardous situation
detected:
R
the front seat belts are pre-tensioned.
R
on vehicles with memory function for the
front-passenger seat: the front-passenger
seat is adjusted if it is in an unfavorable
position.
R
if the vehicle skids, the sliding sunroof,
panorama roof with power tilt/sliding
panel and the side windows are closed so
that only a small gap remains.
If the hazardous situation passes without
resulting in an accident, PRE-SAFE
®
slackens
the belt pre-tensioning. All settings made by
PRE-SAFE
®
can then be reversed.
If the seat belts are not released:
X
When the vehicle is stationary, move the
backrest or seat back slightly.
The seat belt pre-tensioning is reduced and
the locking mechanism is released.
G
WARNING
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
as you adjust the seat.
!
Make sure that there are no objects in the
footwell or behind the seats when resetting
the seats. There is a risk that the seats
and/or the objects could be damaged.
More information about seat belt adjustment,
a convenience function integrated into PRE-
SAFE
®
, can be found in the "Seat belt
adjustment" section (Y page 56).
NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-
PRO luxury head restraints (except
AMG vehicles)
NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury
head restraints increase protection of the
driver's and front-passenger's head and
neck. In the event of a rear collision of a
certain severity, the NECK-PRO head
restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
on the driver's and the front-passenger seats
are moved forwards and upwards. This
provides better head support.
G
WARNING
Do not attach any objects (e.g. a coat hanger)
to the NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO
luxury head restraints. Otherwise, the NECK-
PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head
restraints may not function properly and in
the event of a rear-end collision may not offer
the protection they are designed to provide.
G
WARNING
Seat or head restraint covers can cause a
malfunction when the NECK-PRO head
restraints/NECK PRO luxury head restraints
are activated or when the side impact air bags
52
Occupant safety
Safety
or pelvis air bags are deployed, or they can
prevent this completely. The NECK-PRO head
restraints/NECK PRO luxury head restraints
or side impact air bags/pelvis air bags can
therefore not provide the intended protection.
Do not use any seat or head restraint covers.
If the NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO
luxury head restraints have been triggered in
an accident, reset the NECK-PRO head
restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
on the driver's and front-passenger seats
(Y page 53). Otherwise, the additional
protection will not be available in the event of
another rear-end collision. NECK-PRO head
restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
that have been triggered are moved forwards
and can no longer be adjusted.
G
WARNING
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close
to the head as possible and the center of the
head restraint supports the back of the head
at eye level. This will reduce the potential for
injury to the head and neck in the event of an
accident or similar situation.
Resetting triggered NECK-PRO head
restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head
restraints
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
For reasons of safety, have the NECK-PRO
head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head
restraints checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center after a rear-end
collision.
G
WARNING
When pushing back the NECK-PRO head
restraint cushion, make sure your fingers do
not become caught between the head
restraint cushion and the cover. Failure to
observe this could result in injuries.
NECK-PRO head restraints
i
Resetting the NECK-PRO head restraints
requires a lot of strength. If you have
difficulty resetting the NECK-PRO head
restraints, have this work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
X
Tilt the top of the NECK-PRO head restraint
cushion forwards in the direction of
arrow :.
X
Push the NECK-PRO head restraint cushion
down in the direction of arrow ; as far as
it will go.
X
Firmly push the NECK-PRO head restraint
cushion back in the direction of arrow =
until the cushion engages.
X
Repeat this procedure for the second
NECK-PRO head restraint.
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
i
If you have difficulty resetting the NECK-
PRO luxury head restraints, have this work
carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Occupant safety
53
Safety
Z
X
Remove resetting tool : from the vehicle
documentwallet.
X
Slide resetting tool : into guide ;
between the NECK-PRO luxury head
restraint and the rear cover of the head
restraint.
X
Push resetting tool : downwards until you
hear the head restraint deployment
mechanism engage.
X
Pull out resetting tool :.
X
Firmly press the NECK-PRO luxury head
restraint cushion back = until it engages.
X
Repeat this procedure for the second
NECK-PRO luxury head restraint.
X
Put resetting tool : back into the vehicle
documentwallet.
Seat belts
Important safety notes
The use of infant or child restraints is required
by law in all 50 states, the District of
Columbia, all U.S. territories and all Canadian
provinces.
Even where this is notthe case, all vehicle
occupants should have their seat belts
fastened when the vehicle is in motion.
i
See "Children in the vehicle"
(Y page 58) for further information on
infants and children traveling in the vehicle
as well as on child restraint systems.
G
WARNING
Always fasten your seat belt before driving off.
Always make sure all of your passengers are
properly restrained. You and your passengers
should always wear seat belts.
Failure to wear and properly fasten and
position your seat belt greatly increases your
risk of injuries and their likely severity in an
accident.
If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can
be considerably more severe without your
seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat
belt buckled, you are much more likely to hit
the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from
it. You can be seriously injured or killed.
In the same crash, the possibility of injury or
death is lessened if you are properly wearing
your seat belt. The air bags can only protect
as intended if the occupants are properly
wearing their seat belts.
G
WARNING
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide under
the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under
it, the seat belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck.That could cause serious
or even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and
seat belt provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a position that is as upright as
possible and the seat belt is properly
positioned on the body.
G
WARNING
Never let more people ride in the vehicle than
there are seat belts available. Make sure
everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly
restrained with a separate seat belt. Never
use a seat belt for more than one person at a
time.
G
WARNING
Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident must
54
Occupant safety
Safety
be replaced and their anchoring points must
also be checked.
Only use seat belts which have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz.
Do not make any modifications to the seat
belts. This can lead to unintended activation
of the ETDs or to their failure to activate when
necessary.
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Have all work carried out only by qualified
technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Correct use of the seat belts
G
WARNING
USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY
R
Seat belts can only work when used
properly. Never wear seat belts in any other
way than as described in this section, as
that could result in serious injuries in the
event of an accident.
R
Each occupant should wear their seat belt
at all times, because seat belts help reduce
the likelihood of and potential severity of
injuries in accidents, including rollovers.
The integrated restraint system includes
SRS (driver frontair bag, driver's side knee
bag, front-passengerfront air bag, side
impact air bags, pelvis air bags, window
curtain air bags for the side windows),
Emergency Tensioning Devices, seat belt
force limiters, and front seat knee bolsters.
The system is designed to enhance the
protection offered to properly belted
occupants in certain frontal (front air bags,
driver's side knee bag, and ETDs) and side
(side impact air bags, pelvisair bags,
window curtain air bags, and ETDs) impacts
which exceed presetdeployment
thresholds.
R
Never wear the shoulder belt under your
arm, across your neck or off your shoulder.
In a frontal crash, your body would move
too far forward. That would increase the
chance of head and neck injuries. The seat
belt would also apply too much force to the
ribs or abdomen, which could severely
injure internal organs such as your liver or
spleen.
Adjust the seat belt so that the shoulder
section is located as close as possible to
the middle of the shoulder. It should not
touch the neck.Never pass the shoulder
portion of the seat belt under your arm.
R
Position the lap belt as low as possible on
your hips and not across the abdomen. If
the lap belt is positioned across your
abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in
a crash.
R
Never wear seat belts over rigid or
breakable objects in or on your clothing,
such as eyeglasses, pens, keys etc., as
these might cause injuries.
R
Make sure the seat belt is always fitted
snugly. Take special care of this when
wearing loose clothing.
R
Never use a seat belt for more than one
person at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt
around a person and another person or
other objects at the same time.
R
Seat belts should not be worn twisted. In a
crash, you would not have the full width of
the seat belt to distributeimpact forces.
The twisted seat belt against yourbody
could cause injuries.
R
Pregnant women should also always use a
lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt portion
should be positioned as low as possible on
the hips to avoid any possible pressure on
the abdomen.
R
Place the seat backrest in a position that is
as upright as possible.
R
Check your seat belt during travel to make
sure it is properly positioned.
R
Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always
Occupant safety
55
Safety
Z
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
R
Whenusing a seat belt to secure infant
restraints, toddler restraints, or children in
booster seats, always follow the child seat
manufacturer's instructions.
G
WARNING
Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges. They
could tear.
Do not allow the seat belt to get caught in the
door or in the seat adjustment mechanism.
This could damage the seat belt.
Never attempt to make modifications to seat
belts. This could impair the effectiveness of
the seat belts.
Fastening seat belts
G
WARNING
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained on the rear
seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus,
we strongly recommend that children be
placed in the rear seat whenever possible.
Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and
properly secured in an appropriately sized
child restraint system or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child. For additional information, see the
"Children in the vehicle" section.
Achild's risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
X
Adjust the seat and move the backrest to
an almost vertical position (Y page 94).
X
Pull the seat belt smoothly through belt
sash guide :.
X
Without twisting it, guide the shoulder
section of the seat belt across the middle
of your shoulder and the lap section across
your pelvis.
X
Engage belt tongue ; in buckle =.
X
If necessary, adjust the seat belt to the
appropriate height (Y page 57).
X
If necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder
section of the seat belt to tighten the belt
across your body.
All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are
equipped with a special seat belt retractor to
securely fasten child restraint systems in the
vehicle. For further information on special
seat belt retractors, see (Y page 61).
For more information about releasing the seat
belt with release button ?, see "Releasing
seat belts" (Y page 57).
Seat belt adjustment
The seat-belt adjustment function adjusts the
driver's and front-passenger seat belt to the
upper body of the occupants.
56
Occupant safety
Safety
The belt strap is tightened slightly when:
R
you engage the belt tongue in the belt
buckle and you then turn the SmartKey to
position 2 in the ignition lock.
The seat-belt adjustmentisanintegral part of
the PRE-SAFE
®
convenience function. More
information about PRE-SAFE
®
can be found
in the "PRE-SAFE
®
(anticipatory occupant
protection system)" section(Ypage 52).
Belt height adjustment
You can adjust the seat belt height on the
driver's seat and the front-passenger seat.
Adjust the height so that the upper part of the
seat belt is routed across the center of your
shoulder.
X
To raise: slide the belt sash guide upwards.
The belt sash guide engages in various
positions.
X
To lower: press and hold belt sash guide
release :.
X
Slide the belt sash guide downwards.
X
Release belt sash guide release : and
make sure that the belt sash guide has
engaged.
Releasing seat belts
X
Press release button ?(Y page 56) and
guide belt tongue ; back towards belt
sash guide :.
!
Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled
up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue
will be trapped in the door or in the seat
mechanism. This could damage the door,
the door trim panel and the seat belt.
Damaged seat belts can no longer fulfill
their protective function and must be
replaced. Visit a qualified specialist
workshop.
Belt warning for the driver and front
passenger
Regardless of whether the driver's and front-
passenger seat belts have already been
fastened, the 7 seat belt warning lamp
lights up for six seconds each time the engine
is started. It then goes out if the driver and
the frontpassenger have already fastened
their seat belts.
If the driver's seat belt is notfastened when
the engine is started, an additional warning
tone will sound. This warning tone stops after
a maximum of six seconds or once the
driver's seat belt is fastened.
If after six seconds the driver or front
passenger have notfastened their seat belts
and the doors are closed, the 7 seat belt
warning lamp lights up:
R
until the driver's or frontpassenger's seat
belt is fastened
R
if a vehicle speed of 15 mph (25 km/h) is
exceeded, a warning tone also sounds with
increasing intensity for a maximum of
60 seconds or until the driver or front-
passenger seat belt has been fastened.
If the driver/front passenger unfasten their
seat belt while the vehicle is in motion, the
7 seat belt warning lamp lights up and a
warning tone sounds again.
The warning tone ceases evenifthe driver or
front-passenger seat belt has still not been
fastened after 60 seconds. The 7 seat belt
warning lamp stops flashing but remains
illuminated.
After the vehicle comes to a standstill, the
warning tone is reactivated and the 7 seat
Occupant safety
57
Safety
Z

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Useful information Panic alarm Children in the vehicle Driving safety systems Theft deterrent locking system

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