Get Driving and parking Guide for Mercedes CLA 4 Door First Generation (2013-2018)

Running-in notes

Important safety notes

In certain driving and driving safety systems, the

sensors adjust automatically while a certain dis-

tance is being driven after the vehicle has been

delivered or after repairs. Full system effective-

ness is not reached until the end of this teach-in

process.

Brake pads/linings and discs that are either new

or have been replaced only achieve optimum

braking effect after several hundred kilometres

of driving. Compensate for the reduced braking

effect by applying greater force to the brake

pedal.

The first 1500 km

The more you treat the engine with sufficient

care at the start, the more satisfied you will be

with the engine performance later on.

Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine

speeds for the first 1500 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 (kickdown).

Additional notes on running in Mercedes-AMG

vehicles:

for the first 1,500 km do not drive at speeds

above 140 km/h.

only allow the engine to reach a maximum

engine speed of 4,500 rpm briefly.

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.

Always observe the maximum permissible

speed.

Driving

Important safety notes

WARNING

Objects in the driver's footwell may restrict

the clearance around the pedals or block a

depressed pedal. This jeopardises the oper-

ating and road safety of the vehicle. There is a

risk of an accident.

Stow all objects securely in the vehicle so that

they do not get into the driver's footwell.

Always fit the floormats securely and as pre-

scribed in order to ensure that there is always

sufficient room for the pedals. Do not use

loose floormats and do not place several floor-

mats on top of one another.

WARNING

Unsuitable footwear can hinder correct usage

of the pedals, e.g.:

shoes with thick soles

shoes with high heels

slippers

There is a risk of an accident.

Wear suitable footwear to ensure correct

usage of the pedals.

WARNING

If you switch off the ignition while driving,

safety-relevant functions are only available

with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,

for example, the power steering and the brake

boosting effect. You will require considerably

more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk

of an accident.

Do not switch off the ignition while driving.

WARNING

If the parking brake has not been fully

released when driving, the parking brake can:

overheat and cause a fire

lose its hold function.

There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release

the parking brake fully before driving off.

132

Driving

Driving and parking

If you lock the vehicle centrally using the button

on the front door (Y page 84), you can continue

to start the engine with the Start/Stop button.

You can switch off the engine while the vehicle is

in motion by pressing and holding the Start/

Stop button for around three seconds. This func-

tion operates independently of the ECO start/

stop automatic engine switch-off function.

Key positions with the Start/Stop button

Start/Stop button

;

Ignition lock

When you switch on the ignition, all of the indi-

cator lamps in the instrument cluster light up.

For further information on situations in which an

indicator lamp either fails to go out after the

engine is started or lights up while driving,

please refer to "Warning and indicator lamps in

the instrument cluster" (Y page 249).

If Start/Stop button : has not yet been

pressed, this corresponds to the key being

removed from the ignition.

To switch on the power supply: press

Start/Stop button : once.

The power supply is switched on. You can now

activate the windscreen wipers, for example.

The power supply is switched off again if:

the driver's door is opened and

you press Start/Stop button : twice when in

this position

To switch on the ignition: press Start/Stop

button : twice.

The ignition is switched on.

If you press Start/Stop button : once when

in this position, the ignition is deactivated

again.

Removing the Start/Stop button

You can remove the Start/Stop button from the

ignition lock and start the vehicle as normal

using the key.

You can only switch between Start/Stop button

mode and key operation when the vehicle is sta-

tionary.

You must also engage park position P (vehicles

with automatic transmission).

Remove Start/Stop button : from ignition

lock ;.

You do not have to remove the Start/Stop but-

ton from the ignition lock when you leave the

vehicle. You should, however, always take the

key with you when leaving the vehicle. As long as

the key is in the vehicle:

the vehicle can be started using the Start/

Stop button

the electrically powered equipment can be

operated

Starting the vehicle

Important safety notes

WARNING

If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,

they could:

open doors, thereby endangering other per-

sons or road users

get out and be struck by oncoming traffic

operate vehicle equipment and become

trapped, for example

In addition, the children could also set the

vehicle in motion, for example, if they:

release the parking brake

shift the automatic transmission out of park

position P or shift manual transmission into

neutral

start the engine

There is a risk of an accident and injury.

When leaving the vehicle, always take the key

with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave

children and animals unattended in the vehi-

cle. Keep the keys out of the reach of children.

134

Driving

Driving and parking

WARNING

Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust

gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling

these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There

is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave

the engine running in enclosed spaces with-

out sufficient ventilation.

WARNING

Flammable materials introduced through

environmental influence or by animals can

ignite if in contact with the exhaust system or

parts of the engine that heat up. There is a risk

of fire.

Carry out regular checks to make sure that

there are no flammable foreign materials in

the engine compartment or in the exhaust

system.

General notes

Vehicles with a petrol engine: the engine runs

at a higher engine speed during the cold start

procedure so that the catalytic converter can

reach operating temperature more quickly. The

sound of the engine may change as a result.

Manual transmission

You can only start the engine when the clutch

pedal is fully depressed.

Depress the brake pedal and keep it

depressed.

Depress the clutch pedal fully.

Shift to neutral N.

Automatic transmission

Shift the transmission to position

P (Y page 144).

The transmission position indicator in the

multifunction display shows P (Y page 144).

You can start the engine in transmission

position P and N.

Starting procedure using the key

To start the engine using the key instead of the

Start/Stop button, pull the Start/Stop button

out of the ignition lock.

To start a diesel engine: turn the key to

position 2 in the ignition lock (Y page 133).

The % preglow indicator lamp in the instru-

ment cluster lights up.

Turn the key to position 3 (Y page 133) in the

ignition lock and release it as soon as the

engine is running.

Starting procedure using the Start/

Stop button

The Start/Stop button can be used to start the

vehicle manually without inserting the key in the

ignition lock. The key must be in the vehicle and

the Start/Stop button must be inserted in the

ignition lock. This mode for starting the engine

manually operates independently of the ECO

start/stop automatic engine start function.

You can start the engine if a valid key is in the

vehicle. Switch off the engine and always take

the key with you when leaving the vehicle, even

if you only leave it for a short time. Pay attention

to the important safety notes.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

depress the brake pedal and keep it

depressed.

Vehicles with manual transmission:

depress the clutch pedal and keep it

depressed.

Press the Start/Stop button once

(Y page 133).

Vehicles with a petrol engine: the engine

starts.

Vehicles with a diesel engine: preglow is

activated and the engine starts.

Pulling away

General notes

WARNING

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

If the engine speed is above the engine idling

speed and you then engage transmission

Driving

135

Driving and parking

position D or R, the vehicle may accelerate

suddenly. There is a risk of an accident.

When engaging transmission position D or R,

always keep the brake pedal firmly depressed

and do not depress the accelerator pedal at

the same time.

Vehicles with manual transmission:

change gear in good time and avoid spinning

the wheels. You could otherwise damage the

vehicle.

Depress the accelerator carefully when pulling

away.

The vehicle automatically 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 door

locking system (Y page 211).

Vehicles with automatic transmission: it is

only possible to shift the transmission from posi-

tion P to the desired position if you depress the

brake pedal. Only then can the parking lock be

deactivated.

All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-

cles): if you do not depress the brake pedal, the

DIRECT SELECT lever can still be moved but the

parking lock remains engaged.

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: if you do not depress

the brake pedal, the selector lever can still be

moved but the parking lock remains engaged.

Vehicles with automatic transmission: at

transmission fluid temperatures below Ò20 †,

you can only shift out of position P into another

transmission position when the engine is run-

ning.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

upshifts take place at higher engine speeds

after a cold start. This helps the catalytic con-

verter to reach its operating temperature

more quickly.

Vehicles with automatic transmission: infor-

mation on automatically releasing the electric

parking brake (Y page 158).

Pulling away with a trailer

To ensure that you do not roll backwards when

pulling away on an uphill slope, apply the electric

parking brake.

Press and hold handle :.

The electric parking brake continues to brake

and prevents the vehicle from rolling back-

wards.

The red ! indicator lamp in the instrument

cluster remains lit.

Depress the accelerator pedal.

As soon as the vehicle/trailer combination is

held by the driving force of the engine, release

handle :.

The electric parking brake is released

The red ! indicator lamp in the instrument

cluster goes out.

Further information on the electric parking

brake (Y page 157).

Hill start assist

Hill start assist helps you when pulling away for-

wards 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.

WARNING

After a while, hill start assist no longer holds

the vehicle and it may roll away. There is a risk

of an accident and injury.

Therefore, quickly move your foot from the

brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. Never

leave the vehicle when it is held by hill start

assist.

136

Driving

Driving and parking

Hill start assist is not active 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

Further information on holding the vehicle sta-

tionary on uphill gradients (Y page 148).

ECO start/stop function

Introduction

The ECO start/stop function switches the

engine off automatically if the vehicle is stopped

under certain conditions.

When pulling away again, the engine starts auto-

matically. The ECO start/stop function thereby

helps you to reduce the fuel consumption and

emissions of your vehicle.

Important safety notes

WARNING

If the engine is switched off automatically and

you exit the vehicle, the engine is restarted

automatically. The vehicle may begin moving.

There is a risk of accident and injury.

If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off

the ignition and secure the vehicle against

rolling away.

General notes

ECO start/stop display

The ECO start/stop function is activated when-

ever you start the engine using the key or the

Start/Stop button.

If the è symbol is shown on the multifunction

display, the ECO start/stop function switches

the engine off automatically if the vehicle stops

moving.

If the ECO start/stop function has been man-

ually deactivated (Y page 138) or a malfunction

has caused the system to be deactivated, the

è or ç ECO symbol is not displayed.

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the ECO start/stop

function is only available in drive program C.

Automatic engine switch-off

General notes

The ECO start/stop function is operational and

the è ECO symbol is displayed on the mul-

tifunction display if:

the indicator lamp in the ECO button is lit

green

the outside temperature is within the range

that is suitable for the system

the engine is at normal operating temperature

the set temperature for the vehicle interior

has been reached

the battery is sufficiently charged

the system does not detect moisture on the

windscreen when the air-conditioning system

is switched on

the bonnet is closed

the driver's door is closed and the driver's

seat belt is fastened

If all conditions for automatic engine switch-off

are not fulfilled, the ç ECO symbol is shown.

All the vehicle's systems remain active when the

engine is switched off automatically.

The engine can be switched off automatically a

maximum of four times (initial stop, then three

subsequent stops) in succession. The ç ECO

symbol is shown on the multifunction display

after the engine has been started automatically

for the fourth time. When the è ECO symbol

is shown on the multifunction display, automatic

engine switch-off is possible again.

Vehicles with manual transmission

Driving

137

Driving and parking

The ECO start/stop function switches off the

engine automatically at low speeds.

Brake the vehicle.

Shift to neutral N (Y page 142), (follow gear-

shift instructions : to shift into neutral N, if

necessary).

Release the clutch pedal.

The engine is switched off automatically.

Vehicles with automatic transmission

If the vehicle is braked to a standstill with the

transmission in D or N, the ECO start/stop func-

tion switches off the engine automatically.

The HOLD function can be activated if the

engine has been switched off automatically. It is

then not 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.

Automatic engine start

General notes

The engine is started automatically if:

you deactivate the ECO start/stop function

by pressing the ECO button

you engage reverse gear R

you unfasten your seat belt or open the driv-

er's door

the vehicle starts to roll

the brake system requires this

the temperature in the vehicle interior devi-

ates from the set range

the system detects moisture on the wind-

screen when the air-conditioning system is

switched on

the battery's charge status is too low

Vehicles with manual transmission

Only engage gear when the clutch pedal is

depressed.

The engine is started automatically if you:

depress the clutch pedal fully

depress the accelerator pedal

Vehicles with automatic transmission

The engine is started automatically if you:

release the brake pedal in transmission posi-

tion D or N when the HOLD function is not

active

depress the accelerator pedal

move the transmission out of position P

Shifting the transmission to position P does not

start the engine.

If you shift the transmission from R to D, the

ECO start/stop function is available again as

soon as the è symbol reappears on the mul-

tifunction display.

Switching the ECO start/stop function

off/on

To deactivate: press ECO button :.

Indicator lamp ; and the è or ç ECO

symbol on the multifunction display go out.

To activate: press ECO button :.

Indicator lamp ; lights up.

If all conditions for the automatic engine

switch-off (Y page 137) are fulfilled, the è

ECO symbol is shown in the multifunction dis-

play.

If all conditions for the automatic engine

switch-off (Y page 137) are not fulfilled, the

ç ECO symbol is shown in the multifunc-

tion display. If this 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 vehi-

cle stops.

138

Driving

Driving and parking

AMG performance exhaust system

(Mercedes-AMG vehicles)

You can choose between different AMG Per-

formance exhaust system volumes using the

position of the exhaust flap.

If the ignition is switched off for less than four

hours, the previously selected setting is activa-

ted when the engine is next started. If the igni-

tion is switched off for more than four hours, the

quietest setting is activated when the engine is

next started.

Setting the volume:

Press button :.

If you select the loudest setting, indicator

lamp ; lights up.

Problems with the engine

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and MM Solutions

The engine does not

start.

The HOLD function or Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is activated.

Deactivate the HOLD function (Y page 172) or Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC (Y page 171).

Try to start the engine again.

The engine does not

start. The starter motor

is turning audibly.

The engine electronics are malfunctioning.

The fuel supply is malfunctioning.

Before attempting to start the engine again:

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

Press the Start/Stop button repeatedly until all indicator lamps on

the instrument cluster go out.

Start the engine again (Y page 134). 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.

Driving

139

Driving and parking

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and MM Solutions

The engine does not

start. The starter motor

is turning audibly. 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. The starter motor

is not turning audibly.

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

discharged.

Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 301).

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

Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

The starter motor was exposed to excessively high thermal load.

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.

Vehicles with a petrol

engine:

The engine is not running

smoothly and is misfir-

ing.

The engine electronics or a mechanical component of the engine

management system are/is malfunctioning.

Depress the accelerator pedal only slightly.

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

and damage it.

Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist work-

shop.

The coolant temperature

display is showing more

than 120 †. The coolant

warning lamp may also

be on and a warning tone

may sound.

The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine is not

being cooled sufficiently.

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

cool down.

Check the coolant level (Y page 283). 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 not being cooled sufficiently.

If the coolant temperature is below 120 †, you can continue driving

to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.

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

tainous terrain and stop-start traffic.

140

Driving

Driving and parking

DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehicles

except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)

Use the DYNAMIC SELECT button to change the

drive program. Depending on the drive program

selected, the following vehicle characteristics

will change:

The drive (engine and transmission manage-

ment)

the suspension (vehicles with adjustable

damping or AMG RIDE CONTROL)

the steering

the availability of the ECO start/stop function

the climate control

If the ignition is switched off for less than four

hours, the previously selected drive program is

activated when the engine is next started. If the

ignition is switched off for more than four hours,

drive program C is activated when the engine is

next started.

Press DYNAMIC SELECT controller : as

many times as necessary until the desired

drive program is selected.

The selected drive program appears in the

multifunction display. After five seconds the

display goes out and the status icon of the

selected drive program appears.

In addition, the current drive program settings

are shown briefly on the display of the multi-

media system.

In a few countries, the ECO start/stop func-

tion is deactivated at the factory due to the

quality of the available fuel. In this case, the

ECO start/stop function is not available in any

drive program, regardless of what is shown on

the multimedia system display.

Available drive programs:

C Comfort Comfortable and economi-

cal driving characteristics

S Sport Sporty driving characteris-

tics

I Individual Individual settings

E Economy Particularly economical

driving characteristics

Additional information on drive programs

(Y page 148).

You can also change gear yourself using the

steering wheel gearshift paddles. Further infor-

mation on manual gearshifting (Y page 150).

DYNAMIC SELECT controller

(Mercedes-AMG vehicles)

Use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to change

the drive program. Depending on the drive pro-

gram selected, the following vehicle character-

istics will change:

the drive

the transmission management

ESP

the suspension (vehicles with AMG RIDE

CONTROL)

the availability of the ECO start/stop function

the availability of gliding mode

If the ignition is switched off for less than four

hours, the previously selected drive program is

activated when the engine is next started. If the

ignition is switched off for more than four hours,

drive program C is activated when the engine is

next started.

DYNAMIC SELECT controller (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)

141

Driving and parking

Turn DYNAMIC SELECT controller : as many

times as necessary until the desired drive

program is selected.

The selected drive program appears in the

multifunction display. After five seconds the

display goes out and the status icon of the

selected drive program appears.

The drive program indicator on DYNAMIC

SELECT controller : lights up in red.

Available drive programs:

I Individual Individual settings

C Comfort Comfort-orientated, engine

and transmission settings

optimised for economy

S Sport Sporty engine and trans-

mission settings

S+ Sport Plus Particularly sporty trans-

mission settings

RACE

Maximum sportiness and

engine and transmission

settings suitable for the

racetrack

Additional information on drive programs

(Y page 148).

You can also change gear yourself using the

steering wheel gearshift paddles. Further infor-

mation on manual gearshifting (Y page 150).

Manual transmission

Gear lever

Only engage gear when the clutch pedal is

depressed.

When shifting to 5th and 6th gear, you must

press the shift lever to the right. Otherwise,

you could shift unintentionally into 3rd or 4th

gear and damage the engine or 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.

On long and steep downhill gradients, espe-

cially if the vehicle is laden or towing 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 overheating and

wearing too quickly.

Reverse gear

1 - 6

Forward gears

Shifting to neutral N

Depress the clutch pedal fully.

Shift the gear lever to position N :.

Engaging reverse gear

Only shift into reverse gear R when the vehi-

cle is stationary. Otherwise, you could dam-

age the transmission.

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

then pull it back.

The ECO start/stop function is not available

when reverse gear is engaged. For further infor-

mation on the ECO start/stop function, see

(Y page 137).

142

Manual transmission

Driving and parking

Gearshift recommendation

The gearshift recommendation assists you in

adopting a fuel-efficient driving style. The rec-

ommended gear is shown on the multifunction

display.

Shift gear according to gearshift recommen-

dation : when shown in the multifunction

display of the instrument cluster.

Drive programs

Drive program C (Comfort)

Drive program C is characterised by the follow-

ing:

the vehicle exhibits comfortable, economical

driving characteristics.

the vehicle has improved driving stability, e.g.

on slippery road surfaces.

Drive program S (Sport)

Drive program S is characterised by the follow-

ing:

sporty engine settings.

Drive program I (Individual)

In drive program I, the following properties of

the drive program can be selected:

the drive (engine and transmission manage-

ment)

the suspension (vehicles with adjustable

damping)

the steering

the availability of the ECO start/stop function

the climate control

Information on configuring drive program I with

the multimedia system can be found in the Dig-

ital Owner's Manual.

Drive program E (Economy)

Drive program E is characterised by the follow-

ing:

the vehicle exhibits particularly economical

driving characteristics.

the vehicle has improved driving stability, e.g.

on slippery road surfaces.

the performance of the air-conditioning and

heating systems is reduced.

Automatic transmission

Important safety notes

WARNING

If the engine speed is above the idling speed

and you engage transmission position D or R,

the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is

a risk of an accident.

When engaging transmission position D or R,

always firmly depress the brake pedal and do

not simultaneously accelerate.

WARNING

The automatic transmission switches to neu-

tral position N when you switch off the engine.

The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an

accident.

After switching off the engine, always switch

to parking position P. Prevent the parked vehi-

cle from rolling away by applying the parking

brake.

Automatic transmission

143

Driving and parking

DIRECT SELECT lever

Overview of transmission positions

Park position with parking lock

Reverse gear

Neutral

Drive

All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-

cles): the DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of

the steering column.

For information on the selector lever in

Mercedes-AMG vehicles (Y page 146).

The DIRECT SELECT lever always returns to its

original position. The current transmission posi-

tion P, R, N or D appears on the transmission

position readout on the multifunction display

(Y page 144).

Transmission position and drive pro-

gram display

The current transmission position and drive pro-

gram appear on the multifunction display.

Transmission position

;

Gear

Drive program display

The arrows in the transmission position display

show how and into which transmission positions

you can shift using the DIRECT SELECT lever.

If the transmission position display on the mul-

tifunction display is not working, you should pull

away carefully to check whether the desired

transmission position is engaged. Ideally, you

should select transmission position D and drive

program E or S.

Engaging park position P

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. Otherwise, the

automatic transmission could be damaged.

Push the DIRECT SELECT lever in the direction

of arrow P.

Transmission position display P is shown in

the multifunction display.

When you have engaged 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.

Depressing the brake and pushing the DIRECT

SELECT lever up or down disengages the park-

ing lock. The transmission is in neutral N.

At transmission fluid temperatures below

Ò20 †, you can only shift out of park position P

into another transmission position when the

engine is running.

In order to shift from park position P directly into

R or D:

depress the brake pedal and

push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down

past the first point of resistance

Engaging park position P automatically

Park position P is automatically engaged if:

you switch off the engine using the key and

remove the key

you switch off the engine using the key or

using the Start/Stop button and open the

driver's door or front-passenger door

you open the driver's door when the vehicle is

stationary or when driving at a very low speed

and the transmission is in position D or R

Under certain conditions, the automatic trans-

mission shifts automatically to transmission

position P if the HOLD function or Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC is activated. Observe the informa-

tion on the HOLD function (Y page 173) and on

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC (Y page 170).

144

Automatic transmission

Driving and parking

Engaging reverse gear R

Only shift the automatic transmission to R

when the vehicle is stationary.

Depress the brake pedal and keep it

depressed.

Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the

first point of resistance.

The ECO start/stop function is not available

when reverse gear is engaged. Further informa-

tion on the ECO start/stop function

(Y page 137).

Shifting to neutral N

WARNING

If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,

they can:

open doors and endanger other persons or

road users

climb out and be injured by the traffic

operate vehicle equipment and, for exam-

ple, trap themselves.

Children could also set the vehicle in motion,

for example by:

releasing the parking brake

shifting the automatic transmission out of

park position P

starting the engine.

There is a risk of an accident and injury.

When leaving the vehicle, always take the key

with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave

children unattended in the vehicle. Always

keep the key out of reach of children.

If the transmission is in position D or R: push

the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the

first point of resistance.

If the transmission is in position P: depress

the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT

lever up or down to the first point of resist-

ance.

If you switch the engine off with the transmis-

sion in position R or D, the automatic transmis-

sion shifts to N automatically.

With the key: if you then open the driver's door

or the front-passenger door or remove the key

from the ignition, the automatic transmission

shifts to P automatically.

With the Start/Stop button: if you then open

the driver's door or the front-passenger door,

the automatic transmission shifts to P automat-

ically.

If you want the automatic transmission to

remain in neutral N, e.g. when having the vehicle

cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing

system:

Vehicles with the Start-Stop button:

remove the Start-Stop button from the igni-

tion lock.

Insert the key into the ignition lock.

All vehicles: switch the ignition on.

Depress the brake pedal and keep it

depressed.

Engage neutral N.

Release the brake pedal.

Release the electric parking brake.

Switch off the ignition and leave the key in the

ignition lock.

Engaging drive position D

If the transmission is in position R or N: push

the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the first

point of resistance.

If the transmission is in position P: depress

the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT

lever down past the first point of resistance.

Automatic transmission

145

Driving and parking

Selector lever (Mercedes-AMG vehi-

cles)

Overview of transmission positions

Park position with parking lock

Reverse gear

Neutral

Drive

Transmission position and drive pro-

gram display

The current transmission position and drive pro-

gram appear on the multifunction display.

Transmission position display

;

Drive program display

If the transmission position display on the mul-

tifunction display is not working, you should pull

away carefully to check whether the desired

transmission position is engaged. Ideally, you

should select transmission position D and drive

program C or S.

Engaging park position P

When the vehicle is stationary, press but-

ton :.

Engaging reverse gear R

Only shift the automatic transmission to R

when the vehicle is stationary.

Depress the brake pedal and keep it

depressed.

Push the selector lever forwards past the first

point of resistance.

146

Automatic transmission

Driving and parking

Transmission positions

Park position

This safeguards the vehicle against

rolling away when stopped.

Only shift the transmission into posi-

tion P when the vehicle is stationary.

The parking lock should not be used

as a brake when parking. In order to

secure the vehicle, always apply the

electric parking brake in addition to

the parking lock.

In the event of a malfunction of the

vehicle's electronics, the transmis-

sion may lock in position P. Have the

vehicle electronics checked immedi-

ately at a qualified specialist work-

shop.

Park position P is automatically

engaged if:

you switch off the engine using the

key and remove the key

you switch off the engine using the

key or using the Start/Stop button

and open the driver's door or front-

passenger door

you open the driver's door when

the vehicle is stationary or when

driving at a very low speed and the

transmission is in position D or R

Reverse gear

Only shift the transmission into posi-

tion R when the vehicle is stationary.

Neutral

Do not shift the transmission to N

while driving. Otherwise, the auto-

matic transmission could be dam-

aged.

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: shift

the transmission to position N if the

vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g.

on icy roads.

If you switch the engine off with the

transmission in position R or D, the

automatic transmission shifts to N

automatically.

Rolling in neutral N can lead to

damage to the transmission.

Drive

The automatic transmission changes

gear automatically. All forward gears

are available.

Driving tips

Changing gear

The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-

vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-

mission position D. Gearshifting is determined

by:

the selected drive program

the position of the accelerator pedal

the road speed

Accelerator pedal position

Your driving style influences how the automatic

transmission shifts gear:

little throttle: early upshifts

more throttle: late upshifts

Automatic transmission

147

Driving and parking

Holding the vehicle stationary on uphill

gradients

WARNING

If the clutch overheats, the electronic man-

agement system is automatically deactivated.

This interrupts the power transmission. The

vehicle may, for example, roll backwards on

gradients. There is a risk of an accident.

Never hold the vehicle stationary on uphill

gradients by depressing the accelerator.

The clutch may overheat if you hold the vehicle

stationary on uphill gradients by depressing the

accelerator pedal. If the clutch overheats, a

warning tone sounds.

All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-

cles): the StopStop vehiclevehicle ShiftShift toto PP LeaveLeave

engine running

engine running display message appears in

the multifunction display. You will only be able to

continue your journey once the clutch has

cooled down and the display message in the

multifunction display has disappeared.

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the Trans. oilTrans. oil

overheated Drive on with care

overheated Drive on with care display

message appears in the multifunction display.

Do not hold the vehicle stationary on uphill gra-

dients by depressing the accelerator pedal.

Instead, only ever hold the vehicle stationary on

uphill gradients by:

depressing the brake pedal

activating the HOLD function

applying the electric parking brake

Kickdown

Use kickdown for maximum acceleration:

Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the

pressure point.

The automatic 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.

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: it is only possible to

use kickdown in the automatic drive programs

and in temporary manual drive program M.

When manual drive program M is selected per-

manently, kickdown is not possible.

For further information on kickdown in manual

drive program M (Y page 152).

Towing a trailer

Towing a trailer is not possible with all models.

For further information, see (Y page 196).

Drive in the middle of the engine speed range

on uphill gradients.

Depending on the uphill or downhill gradient,

select a lower gear (Y page 160), even if

cruise control, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC or

the speed limiter are activated.

Drive programs

All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG

vehicles)

Drive program C (Comfort)

Drive program C is characterised by the follow-

ing:

the vehicle exhibits comfortable, economical

driving characteristics.

the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward

and reverse gears unless the accelerator

pedal is depressed fully.

the vehicle has improved driving stability, e.g.

on slippery road surfaces.

optimal fuel consumption resulting from the

automatic transmission shifting up sooner.

The vehicle is driven in the low engine speed

range and the wheels are less likely to spin.

Drive program S (Sport)

Drive program S is characterised by the follow-

ing:

sporty engine settings.

the automatic transmission shifts up later.

Fuel consumption may be higher as a result of

the later automatic transmission shift points.

Drive program I (Individual)

In drive program I, the following properties of

the drive program can be selected:

the drive (engine and transmission manage-

ment)

the suspension (vehicles with adjustable

damping or AMG RIDE CONTROL)

the steering

148

Automatic transmission

Driving and parking

the availability of the ECO start/stop function

the climate control

Information on configuring drive program I with

the multimedia system can be found in the Dig-

ital Owner's Manual.

To permanently shift the gears manually in

drive program I using the steering wheel gear-

shift paddles, select the M (Manual) setting

for the drive.

Drive program E (Economy)

Drive program E is characterised by the follow-

ing:

comfort-oriented engine settings.

optimal fuel consumption resulting from the

automatic transmission shifting up sooner.

the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward

and reverse gears unless the accelerator

pedal is depressed fully.

the vehicle has improved driving stability, e.g.

on slippery road surfaces.

the automatic transmission shifts up sooner.

This results in the vehicle being driven at

lower engine speeds and the wheels being

less likely to spin.

gliding mode is activated automatically when

engine-internal conditions are fulfilled and

the accelerator is not depressed. At the same

time the transmission’s clutch opens and the

vehicle rolls freely using its kinetic energy. As

a result great distances can be completed

without the engine brake and fuel consump-

tion reduced.

i The availability of gliding mode depends on

various factors, including the following:

the engine and transmission temperature

the downhill gradient

the vehicle speed

performing regular adaptation functions

When you depress the brake pedal, gliding

mode is deactivated, depending on pedal

pressure.

When you activate cruise control or Distance

Pilot DISTRONIC, gliding mode is not availa-

ble.

Mercedes-AMG vehicles

Drive program I (Individual)

In drive program I, the following properties of

the drive program can be selected:

the drive (engine management)

the transmission management

the suspension (vehicles with AMG RIDE

CONTROL)

ESP

Information on configuring drive program I with

the multimedia system can be found in the Dig-

ital Owner's Manual.

Drive program C (Comfort)

Drive program C is characterised by the follow-

ing:

the vehicle exhibits comfortable, economical

driving characteristics.

the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward

and reverse gears unless the accelerator

pedal is depressed fully.

the vehicle has improved driving stability, e.g.

on slippery road surfaces.

optimal fuel consumption resulting from the

automatic transmission shifting up sooner.

The vehicle is driven in the low engine speed

range and the wheels are less likely to spin.

gliding mode is available.

the ECO start/stop function is available.

Drive program S (Sport)

Drive program S is characterised by the follow-

ing:

the vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-

istics.

the automatic transmission shifts up later.

Fuel consumption may be higher as a result of

the later automatic transmission shift points.

the suspension exhibits stiff springing and

damping settings (vehicles with AIR RIDE

CONTROL).

gliding mode is not available.

the ECO start/stop function is not available.

Automatic transmission

149

Driving and parking

Drive program S+ (Sport Plus)

Drive program S+ is characterised by the fol-

lowing:

the vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving

characteristics.

the automatic transmission shifts up later.

fuel consumption may be higher as a result of

the later automatic transmission shift points.

the suspension exhibits particularly stiff

springing and damping settings (vehicles with

AIR RIDE CONTROL).

gliding mode is not available.

the ECO start/stop function is not available.

Drive program RACE (vehicles with AMG

RIDE CONTROL)

Drive program RACE is characterised by the fol-

lowing:

the vehicle exhibits driving characteristics

suitable for the racetrack.

all vehicle systems are set for maximum

sportiness.

the automatic transmission shifts up later.

fuel consumption may be higher as a result of

the later automatic transmission shift points.

the suspension exhibits particularly rigid

springing and damping settings.

gliding mode is not available.

the ECO start/stop function is not available.

Manual gearshifting

General notes

You can shift gears yourself using the steering

wheel gearshift paddles. The transmission must

be in position D to do this.

Depending on which steering wheel gearshift

paddle is pulled, the automatic transmission

immediately shifts into the next gear up or

down, if permitted.

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: to use manual shift-

ing, you have two options:

temporary setting

permanent setting

If you activate manual gearshifting, the multi-

function display will show the current gear

instead of transmission position D.

If manual gearshifting is deactivated, the gears

will be selected automatically.

Temporary setting

To activate: shift the DIRECT SELECT lever to

position D.

Pull steering wheel gearshift paddle : or ;.

The temporary setting will remain active for a

certain amount of time. Under certain condi-

tions, the minimum amount of time is extended,

e.g. in the case of lateral acceleration, during an

overrun phase or when driving on steep terrain.

To deactivate: pull steering wheel gearshift

paddle ; and hold it in place.

Use the DIRECT SELECT lever to shift the

transmission position.

All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):

use the DYNAMIC SELECT button to change

the drive program.

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: use the DYNAMIC

SELECT controller to change the drive pro-

gram.

150

Automatic transmission

Driving and parking

Permanent setting (Mercedes-AMG

vehicles)

To activate: shift the selector lever to posi-

tion D.

Press button :.

To deactivate: press button :.

If position D (automatic transmission) is

selected for the transmission in drive pro-

gram I: shift to drive program I with the

DYNAMIC SELECT controller.

Shifting gears

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the automatic

transmission does not shift up automatically

even when the engine limiting speed for the

current gear is reached. When the engine lim-

iting speed is reached, the fuel supply is cut to

prevent the engine from overrevving. Always

make sure that the engine speed does not

reach the red area of the rev counter. There is

otherwise a risk of engine damage.

To shift up: pull steering wheel gearshift pad-

dle ;.

The automatic transmission shifts up to the

next gear.

All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-

cles): if the maximum engine speed in the

currently engaged gear is reached and you

continue to accelerate, the automatic trans-

mission automatically shifts up in order to

prevent engine damage.

To shift down: pull steering wheel gearshift

paddle :.

The automatic transmission shifts down to

the next gear.

Automatic downshifting occurs when coast-

ing.

If the engine exceeds the maximum engine

speed when shifting down, the automatic

transmission protects against engine damage

by not shifting down.

Gearshift recommendation

The gearshift recommendation assists you in

adopting a fuel-efficient driving style. The rec-

ommended gear is shown on the multifunction

display.

Shift to recommended gear ; according to

gearshift recommendation : when shown in

the multifunction display.

Upshifting (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)

The automatic transmission does not shift

up automatically even when the engine limit-

ing speed for the current gear is reached.

When the engine limiting speed is reached,

the fuel supply is cut to prevent the engine

from overrevving. Always make sure that the

engine speed does not reach the red area of

the rev counter. There is otherwise a risk of

engine damage.

Automatic transmission

151

Driving and parking

Before the engine speed reaches the red area,

an upshift indicator will be shown on the multi-

function display.

Shift to recommended gear : when mes-

sage ; is shown in the multifunction display.

Kickdown

For maximum acceleration, depress the

accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point.

The automatic 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 trans-

mission shifts up to the next gear when the

maximum engine speed is reached. This pre-

vents the engine from overrevving.

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: it is only possible to

use kickdown in temporary manual drive pro-

gram M. When manual drive program M is selec-

ted permanently, kickdown is not possible.

Problems with the transmission

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and MM Solutions

The transmission has

problems shifting gear.

The transmission is losing oil.

Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop

immediately.

The acceleration ability

is deteriorating.

The transmission no lon-

ger shifts into all of the

gears.

Reverse gear can no lon-

ger be engaged.

The transmission is in emergency mode.

Stop.

Shift the transmission to position P.

Switch off the engine.

Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.

Shift the transmission to position D.

Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop

immediately.

Refuelling

Important safety notes

WARNING

Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel

incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-

sion.

You must avoid fire, naked flames, creating

sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine

and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before

refuelling.

WARNING

Fuels are poisonous and hazardous to health.

There is a danger of injury.

152

Refuelling

Driving and parking

Do not swallow fuel or let it come into contact

with skin, eyes or clothing. Do not inhale fuel

vapours. Keep fuels out of the reach of chil-

dren.

If you or others come into contact with fuel,

observe the following:

Wash the fuel off any affected areas of skin

with water and soap immediately.

If you get fuel in your eyes, rinse them thor-

oughly with clean water immediately. Seek

immediate medical attention.

If fuel is swallowed, seek immediate medi-

cal attention. Do not induce vomiting.

Change any clothing that has come into

contact with fuel immediately.

WARNING

Electrostatic charge can cause sparks and

thereby ignite fuel vapours. There is a risk of

fire and explosion.

Always touch the vehicle body before opening

the fuel filler flap or touching the fuel pump

nozzle. This discharges any electrostatic

charge that may have built up.

WARNING

Vehicles with a diesel engine:

If you mix diesel fuel with petrol, the flash

point of this fuel mixture is lower than that of

pure diesel fuel. When the engine is running,

components in the exhaust system may over-

heat unnoticed. There is a risk of fire.

Never refuel with petrol. Never add petrol to

diesel fuel.

Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a

petrol engine. Do not switch on the ignition if

you accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.

Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel system.

Even small amounts of the wrong fuel can

result in damage to the fuel system and the

engine. Notify a qualified specialist workshop

and have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained

completely.

Do not use petrol to refuel vehicles with a

diesel engine. Do not switch on the ignition if

you accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.

Otherwise, fuel can enter the fuel system.

Even small amounts of the wrong fuel could

result in damage to the fuel system and the

engine. The repair costs are high. Notify a

qualified specialist workshop and have the

fuel tank and fuel lines drained completely.

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 fuel injection system

could otherwise be blocked by particles from

the fuel can.

Do not get back into the vehicle during the refu-

elling process; Otherwise, electrostatic charge

could build up again.

If you overfill the fuel tank, some fuel may spray

out when you remove the fuel pump nozzle.

Further information on fuel and fuel quality

(Y page 327).

Refuelling

General notes

Observe the important safety notes

(Y page 152).

The fuel filler flap is unlocked/locked automat-

ically when you unlock/lock 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 vehi-

cle.

Refuelling

153

Driving and parking

Opening the fuel filler flap

To open the fuel filler flap

;

Tyre pressure table

To insert the fuel filler cap

Instruction label on the fuel type to be refu-

elled

Switch off the engine.

Remove the key from the ignition lock.

or, on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start function

or KEYLESS‑GO:

Open the driver's door.

The vehicle electronics now have status 0.

This is the same as the key having been

removed.

Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of

arrow :.

The fuel filler flap swings open.

Turn the fuel filler cap anti-clockwise and

remove it.

Insert the fuel filler cap into the holder on the

inside of fuel filler flap ;.

Completely insert the filler neck of the fuel

pump nozzle into the tank, hook in place and

refuel.

Only fill the tank until the pump nozzle

switches off.

Vehicles with a diesel engine: the filler neck is

designed for refuelling at diesel filling pumps.

Do not add any more fuel after the pump stops

filling for the first time. Otherwise, fuel may leak

out.

Closing the fuel filler flap

Replace the cap on the filler neck and turn

clockwise until it engages audibly.

Close the fuel filler flap.

Close the fuel filler flap before locking the vehi-

cle.

154

Refuelling

Driving and parking

Problems with the fuel and fuel tank

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and MM Solutions

Fuel is leaking from the

vehicle.

The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.

WARNING

There is a risk of fire or explosion.

Apply the electric parking brake.

Switch off the engine.

Remove the key from the ignition lock.

or, on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start function or KEYLESS‑GO:

Open the driver's door.

The vehicle electronics now have status 0. This is the same as the

key having been removed.

Do not restart the engine under any circumstances.

Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

The engine does not

start.

The fuel tank of a vehicle with a diesel engine has been run completely

dry.

Refuel the vehicle with at least 5 litres of diesel.

Turn the ignition on for approximately ten seconds (Y page 133).

Start the engine continuously for a maximum of ten seconds until it

runs smoothly.

If the engine does not start:

Turn the ignition on again for a maximum of ten seconds

(Y page 133).

Start the engine again continuously for a maximum of ten seconds

until it runs smoothly.

If the engine does not start after three attempts:

Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

The fuel filler flap cannot

be opened.

The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.

Unlock the vehicle (Y page 76).

The key battery is weak or discharged.

Unlock the vehicle using the emergency key element (Y page 78).

The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is jammed.

Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

Parking

Important safety notes

WARNING

Flammable material such as leaves, grass or

twigs may ignite if they come into contact with

hot parts of the exhaust system or exhaust

gas flow. There is a risk of fire.

Park the vehicle so that no flammable mate-

rial can come into contact with hot vehicle

components. In particular, do not park on dry

grassland or harvested grain fields.

Parking

155

Driving and parking

WARNING

If you leave children unattended in the vehi-

cle, they may be able to set the vehicle in

motion if, for example, they:

release the parking brake

shift the automatic transmission out of park

position P or shift manual transmission into

neutral

start the engine

In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-

ment and become trapped. There is a risk of

an accident and injury.

When leaving the vehicle, always take the key

with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave

children unattended in the vehicle.

Always secure the vehicle correctly against

rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle or its driv-

etrain could be damaged.

To ensure that the vehicle is safeguarded

against rolling away unintentionally:

the electric parking brake must be applied

on vehicles with manual transmission, engage

1st 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, the front

wheels must be turned towards the kerb.

Switching off the engine

Important safety notes

WARNING

The automatic transmission switches to neu-

tral position N when you switch off the engine.

The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an

accident.

After switching off the engine, always switch

to parking position P. Prevent the parked vehi-

cle from rolling away by applying the parking

brake.

Manual transmission

Shift to either 1st gear or reverse gear R.

With the key: turn the key to position 0 in the

ignition lock and remove it.

The immobiliser is activated.

With the Start/Stop button: press the

Start/Stop button (Y page 133).

The engine stops and all the indicator lamps

on the instrument cluster go out.

When the driver's door is closed, this corre-

sponds to key position 1. When the driver's

door is open, this corresponds to key position

0: "key removed".

Apply the electric parking brake.

Automatic transmission

Apply the electric parking brake.

All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-

cles): shift the transmission to position P.

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: press button :.

With the key: turn the key to position 0 in the

ignition lock and remove it.

The immobiliser is activated.

With the Start/Stop button: press the

Start/Stop button (Y page 133).

The engine stops and all the indicator lamps

on the instrument cluster go out.

When the driver's door is closed, this corre-

sponds to key position 1. When the driver's

door is open, this corresponds to key position

0: "key removed".

If you switch the engine off with the transmis-

sion in position R or D, the automatic transmis-

sion shifts to N automatically.

With the key: if you then open the driver's door

or the front-passenger door or remove the key

156

Parking

Driving and parking

from the ignition, the automatic transmission

shifts to P automatically.

With the Start/Stop button: if you then open

the driver's door or the front-passenger door,

the automatic transmission shifts to P automat-

ically.

If you want the automatic transmission to

remain in neutral N, e.g. when having the vehicle

cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing

system:

Vehicles with the Start-Stop button:

remove the Start-Stop button from the igni-

tion lock.

Insert the key into the ignition lock.

All vehicles: switch the ignition on.

Depress the brake pedal and keep it

depressed.

Shift to neutral N.

Release the brake pedal.

Release the electric parking brake.

Switch off the ignition and leave the key in the

ignition lock.

Electric parking brake

General notes

WARNING

If you leave children unattended in the vehi-

cle, they may be able to set the vehicle in

motion if, for example, they:

release the parking brake

shift the automatic transmission out of park

position P or shift manual transmission into

neutral

start the engine

In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-

ment and become trapped. There is a risk of

an accident and injury.

When leaving the vehicle, always take the key

with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave

children unattended in the vehicle.

The function of the electric parking brake is

dependent on the on-board voltage. If the on-

board voltage is low or if there is a malfunction

in the system, it may not be possible to apply the

released parking brake.

If this is the case, park the vehicle only on

level ground and secure it to prevent it from

rolling away.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

shift the automatic transmission to position

Vehicles with manual transmission:

engage first gear.

It may not be possible to release an applied

parking brake if the on-board voltage is low or if

there is a malfunction in the system. Contact a

qualified specialist workshop.

The electric parking brake carries out a function

check at regular intervals when the engine is

switched off. Noises that occur are normal.

Applying or releasing manually

To apply: push handle :.

When the electric parking brake is applied,

the red ! indicator lamp lights up in the

instrument cluster.

The electric parking brake can also be applied

when the key is removed.

To release: pull handle :.

The red ! indicator lamp in the instrument

cluster goes out.

The electric parking brake can be released

only:

when the key is in position 1 or 2 in the

ignition lock (Y page 133) or

if the ignition was switched on using the

Start/Stop button

Parking

157

Driving and parking

Applying automatically (vehicles with

automatic transmission)

The electric parking brake is automatically

applied when the transmission is in position P

and:

the engine is switched off or

the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the

driver's door is opened

To prevent the electric parking brake from being

applied automatically, pull handle :.

The electric parking brake is also applied auto-

matically if:

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC brings the vehicle

to a standstill or

the HOLD function is keeping the vehicle sta-

tionary

Parking Pilot is keeping the vehicle stationary

In addition, at least one of the following condi-

tions must be fulfilled:

the engine is switched off

the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the

driver's door is opened

there is a system malfunction

the power supply is insufficient

the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy period

The red ! indicator lamp on the instrument

cluster lights up.

The electric parking brake is not automatically

applied if the engine is switched off by the ECO

start/stop function.

Applying automatically (vehicles with

manual transmission)

The electric parking brake is applied automati-

cally when the vehicle is being kept stationary by

the HOLD function.

In addition, at least one of the following condi-

tions must be fulfilled:

the engine is switched off

the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the

driver's door is open

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 automatically

applied 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 trans-

mission.

The electric parking brake of your vehicle is

released automatically when all the following

conditions are fulfilled:

the engine is running

the transmission is in position D or R

the seat belt is fastened

you depress the accelerator pedal

If the transmission is in position R, the boot lid

must be closed.

If your seat belt is not fastened, the following

conditions must be fulfilled for the electric park-

ing brake to be released automatically:

the driver's door is closed

you have shifted out of transmission position

P or you have previously driven faster than

3 km/h

Ensure that you do not depress the accelerator

pedal unintentionally. Otherwise, the parking

brake will be released and the vehicle will start

to move.

Emergency braking

The vehicle can also be braked during an emer-

gency by using the electric parking brake.

While driving, press handle : of the electric

parking brake (Y page 157).

The vehicle is braked as long as you keep

handle : of the electric parking brake

pressed. The longer the electric parking brake

handle : is depressed, the greater the brak-

ing force.

During braking:

a warning tone sounds

the

Release parking brakeRelease parking brake message

appears

the red ! indicator lamp in the instrument

cluster flashes

When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-

still, the electric parking brake is applied.

158

Parking

Driving and parking

Parking up the vehicle

If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer than

four weeks, the battery may be damaged by

exhaustive discharging.

If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer than

six weeks, it may suffer from lack of use.

Contact a qualified specialist workshop and

seek advice.

You can obtain information on trickle charg-

ers from a qualified specialist workshop.

Driving tips

General notes

Important safety notes

WARNING

If you switch off the ignition while driving,

safety-relevant functions are only available

with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,

for example, the power steering and the brake

boosting effect. You will require considerably

more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk

of an accident.

Do not switch off the ignition while driving.

Drive sensibly – save fuel

Observe the following tips to save fuel:

The tyres should always be inflated to the rec-

ommended tyre pressure.

Remove unnecessary loads.

Remove roof racks when they are not needed.

Warm up the engine at low engine speeds.

Avoid frequent acceleration or braking.

Have all maintenance work carried out as

indicated by the service intervals in the Ser-

vice Booklet or by the service interval display.

Fuel consumption also increases when driving in

cold weather, in stop-start traffic, on short jour-

neys and in hilly terrain.

ECO display

The ECO display shows you how economical

your driving style is. The ECO display assists you

in achieving the most economical driving style

for the selected settings and prevailing condi-

tions. Consumption can be significantly influ-

enced by your driving style.

Acceleration

;

Coasting

Constant

Additional range achieved

Range ? is shown under

Bonus from startBonus from start

and represents the additional range achieved

since the beginning of the journey as a result of

an adapted driving style.

If the fuel level has dropped into the reserve

range, the

Reserve fuel levelReserve fuel level message is

shown in the multifunction display instead of

range ?. In addition, the 8 warning lamp in

the instrument cluster lights up (Y page 255).

Driving tips

159

Driving and parking

The ECO display consists of three sections, with

an inner and outer area. The sections corre-

spond to the following three categories:

Acceleration (evaluation of the

acceleration processes):

the outer area fills up and the inner

area lights up green: moderate

acceleration, especially at higher

speeds

the outer area empties and the

inner area is grey: sporty acceler-

ation

;

Coasting (evaluation of all decelera-

tion processes):

the outer area fills up and the inner

area lights up green: anticipatory

driving, keeping your distance and

early release of the accelerator.

The vehicle can coast without use

of the brakes.

the outer area empties and the

inner area is grey: frequent heavy

braking

Constant (continuous evaluation

over the entire journey):

the outer area fills up and the inner

area lights up green: constant

speed and avoidance of unneces-

sary acceleration and deceleration

the outer area empties and the

inner area is grey: fluctuations in

speed

The three inner areas display the current driving

style and light up green as a result of a particu-

larly economical driving style. Depending on the

driving situation, up to two areas may light up

simultaneously.

At the beginning of the journey, the three outer

areas are empty and fill up as a result of eco-

nomical driving. A higher level indicates a more

economical driving style. If the three outer areas

are completely filled at the same time, the driver

has adopted the most economical driving style

for the selected settings and prevailing condi-

tions. The ECO display border lights up.

The ECO display does not indicate the actual fuel

consumption. The additionally achieved range

displayed under

Bonus from startBonus from start does not

indicate a fixed consumption reduction.

In addition to driving style, the actual consump-

tion is affected by other factors, such as:

load

tyre pressure

cold start

choice of route

the use of electrical consumers

These factors are not included in the ECO dis-

play.

An economical driving style involves driving at a

moderate engine speed.

To achieve a higher value in the categories

"Acceleration" and "Constant":

observe the gearshift recommendation.

drive the vehicle in drive program C or E

(vehicles with DYNAMIC SELECT button).

On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the

motorway, only the outer area for "Constant"

will change.

The ECO display summarises the driving style

from the start of the journey to its completion.

Therefore, there are more marked changes in

the outer areas at the start of a journey. During

a prolonged driving time, these changes are

smaller. For more marked changes, perform a

manual reset (Y page 204).

Further information on the ECO display

(Y page 204).

Brakes

Important safety notes

WARNING

If you shift down on a slippery road surface in

an attempt to increase the engine's braking

effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.

This increases the risk of skidding and having

an accident.

Do not shift down for additional engine brak-

ing on a slippery road surface.

Downhill gradients

Change into a lower gear in good time on long

and steep downhill gradients. For vehicles with

automatic transmission, you need to activate

manual gearshifting beforehand (Y page 150).

160

Driving tips

Driving and parking

Take particular note of this when driving a laden

vehicle and when towing a trailer.

This also applies if you have activated cruise

control, the speed limiter or Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC.

This will use the braking effect of the engine, so

less braking will be required to maintain the

vehicle speed. This relieves the load on the

brake system and prevents the brakes from

overheating and wearing too quickly.

Briefly depressing the accelerator pedal on

downhill gradients while the manual drive pro-

gram M is temporarily activated (vehicles with

automatic transmission): the automatic trans-

mission may switch back to the last active auto-

matic 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

The braking system can overheat if you leave

your foot on the brake pedal while driving.

This increases the braking distance and could

even cause the braking system to fail. There is

a risk of an accident.

Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do

not simultaneously depress both the brake

pedal and the accelerator pedal while driving.

Depressing the brake pedal constantly

results in excessive and premature wear to

the brake pads.

If heavy demands are made on the brakes, do

not park the vehicle immediately. Drive on for a

short while. This allows the airflow to cool the

brakes more quickly.

If the brakes have been used only moderately,

you should occasionally test their effectiveness.

To do this, brake more firmly from a higher

speed, paying attention to traffic conditions.

This improves the grip of the brakes.

Wet road surfaces

If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain

without braking, there may be a delayed reac-

tion from the brakes when braking for the first

time. This may also occur after a car wash or

after driving through deep water.

You will have to depress the brake pedal more

firmly. Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle

in front.

After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle

washed, brake firmly while paying attention to

the traffic conditions. This will warm up the

brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly

and protecting them against corrosion.

Limited braking performance on salt-

treated roads

If you drive on salt-treated roads, a layer of salt

may form on the brake discs and pads. This can

increase the braking distance considerably.

In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the

brakes occasionally while paying attention to

the traffic conditions.

Carefully depress the brake pedal at the end

of the journey and when starting the next

journey.

Maintain a much greater distance to the vehi-

cle in front.

New brake pads/linings

Brake pads/linings and discs that are either new

or have been replaced only achieve optimum

braking effect after several hundred kilometres

of driving. Compensate for the reduced braking

effect by applying greater force to the brake

pedal.

For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-

mends that you only have brake pads/linings

fitted to your vehicle which have been approved

for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which corre-

spond to an equivalent quality standard. Brake

pads/linings which have not been approved for

Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not of an

equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's

operating safety.

Driving on wet roads

Aquaplaning

If water has accumulated to a certain depth on

the road surface, there is a danger of aquaplan-

ing occurring, even if:

you are driving at low speeds

the tyres have adequate tread depth

Driving tips

161

Driving and parking

For this reason, drive in the following manner in

the event of heavy rain or in conditions in which

aquaplaning can occur:

lower your speed

avoid tyre ruts

avoid sudden steering movements

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 permissible water

depth to be exceeded.

These notes must be observed under all cir-

cumstances. You could otherwise damage

the engine, the electronics or the transmis-

sion.

If you must drive on stretches of road on which

water has collected, please bear in mind that:

in the case of standing water, the water level

must be no higher than the lower edge of the

vehicle body

you should drive no faster than walking pace

Winter driving

WARNING

If you shift down on a slippery road surface in

an attempt to increase the engine's braking

effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.

This increases the risk of skidding and having

an accident.

Do not shift down for additional engine brak-

ing on a slippery road surface.

DANGER

If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate

ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases

such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the

vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle

becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of

fatal injury.

If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating

running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area

around the vehicle are clear of snow. To

ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a

window on the side of the vehicle that is not

facing into the wind.

Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified

specialist workshop at the onset of winter.

You should drive particularly carefully on slip-

pery road surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration,

steering and braking manoeuvres. Do not use

cruise control or Distance Pilot DISTRONIC.

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.

The outside temperature indicator is not

designed to serve as an ice-warning device and

is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.

Changes in the outside temperature are dis-

played after a short delay.

Indicated temperatures just above freezing

point do not guarantee that the road surface is

free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in

wooded areas or on bridges.

You should pay special attention to road condi-

tions when temperatures are around freezing

point.

Further information on driving with snow chains

(Y page 313).

Further information on driving with summer

tyres (Y page 312).

Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" sec-

tion (Y page 312).

Driving systems

Cruise control

General notes

Cruise control maintains a constant road speed

for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid

exceeding the set speed. You must select a

lower gear in good time on long and steep down-

hill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden or

towing a trailer. On vehicles with automatic

transmission, you need to have selected the

manual drive program M (Y page 150). By doing

so, you will make use of the braking effect of the

162

Driving systems

Driving and parking

engine. This relieves the load on the brake sys-

tem and prevents the brakes from overheating

and wearing too quickly.

When the engine is running, you can use the

cruise control lever to limit the speed to any

speed between 30 km/h and the technically

permitted maximum speed of the vehicle. If the

set value of the permanent limiter is lower, then

this value applies (Y page 166).

Use cruise control only if road and traffic con-

ditions are appropriate for maintaining a steady

speed for a prolonged period.

The speed indicated in the speedometer may

differ slightly from the speed stored.

Important safety notes

If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise con-

trol can neither reduce the risk of an accident

nor override the laws of physics. Cruise control

cannot take into account road, weather or traffic

conditions. Cruise control is only an aid. You are

responsible for the distance to the vehicle in

front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time

and for staying in lane.

Do not use cruise control:

in road and traffic conditions which do not

allow you to maintain a constant speed, e.g. in

heavy traffic or on winding roads.

on smooth or slippery roads. Braking or accel-

erating can cause the drive wheels to lose

traction and the vehicle could then skid.

in poor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy rain or

snow.

If a new driver takes over, advise the new driver

of the speed stored.

Cruise control lever

To activate or increase speed

;

LIM indicator lamp

To activate at the current speed/last stored

speed

To activate or reduce speed

To switch between cruise control and the

variable speed limiter

To deactivate cruise control

You can operate cruise control and the variable

speed limiter with the cruise control lever.

The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control

lever indicates which system you have selected:

LIM indicator lamp off: cruise control is

selected

LIM indicator lamp on: variable limiter is

selected.

When you activate cruise control, the stored

speed is shown in the multifunction display for

five seconds.

Selecting cruise control

To select cruise control:check whether LIM

indicator lamp ; is on or 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.

Activation conditions

To activate cruise control, all of the following

activation conditions must be fulfilled:

the electric parking brake must be released.

you are driving faster than 30 km/h.

ESP

must be switched on, but not interven-

ing.

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.

Storing, maintaining and calling up a

speed

Storing and maintaining the current

speed

You can store the current speed if you are driv-

ing faster than 30 km/h.

Driving systems

163

Driving and parking

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 auto-

matically 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 control maintains the

stored speed on downhill gradients by auto-

matically braking the vehicle.

i Vehicles with manual transmission:

Always drive at adequate, but not exces-

sive, engine speeds.

Change gear in good time.

If possible, do not change down several

gears at a time.

Storing the current speed or calling up the

last stored speed

WARNING

If you call up a stored speed and this is dif-

ferent from the current speed, the vehicle

accelerates or brakes. If you do not know

what the stored speed is, the vehicle may

accelerate or brake unexpectedly. There is a

risk of an accident.

Take the traffic conditions into account

before calling up the stored speed. If you do

not know what the stored speed is, store the

desired speed again.

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 a speed

Bear in mind that it may take a brief moment

until the vehicle has accelerated or braked to

the set speed.

To adjust the set speed in10 km/hincre-

ments:briefly press cruise control lever : up

beyond 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 cruise control lever up : for a

higher speed or down ? for a lower speed.

To adjust the set speed in1 km/hincre-

ments:briefly press 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 cruise control lever up : for a higher

speed or down ? for a lower speed.

Cruise control is not deactivated if you

depress the accelerator pedal. For example, if

you accelerate briefly to overtake, cruise con-

trol adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last

speed stored after you have finished overtak-

ing.

Deactivating cruise control

There are several ways to deactivate cruise con-

trol:

Briefly press the cruise control lever forwards

Brake.

Briefly press the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow A.

The variable limiter is selected. LIM indicator

lamp ; in the cruise control lever lights up.

Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:

the vehicle is secured with the electric park-

ing brake

you are driving at less than 30 km/h

ESP

engages or you deactivate ESP

while driving a vehicle with manual transmis-

sion, you shift into neutral or depress the

clutch pedal for longer than six seconds

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 to position N while driving

164

Driving systems

Driving and parking

If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear a

warning tone. You will see the

Cruise con‐Cruise con‐

trol off

trol off message in the multifunction display

for approximately five seconds.

The last speed stored is cleared when you

switch off the engine.

Speed limiter

General notes

The limiter restricts the speed of the vehicle. The

limiter brakes automatically in order to adjust

the vehicle's speed to the stored speed.

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. On vehi-

cles with automatic transmission, you need to

have selected the manual drive program

M (Y page 150). 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.

You can set a variable or permanent limit speed:

Variable for maximum permissible speeds,

e.g. in built-up areas

Permanent for a technically permitted max-

imum vehicle speed, e.g. when driving with

winter tyres fitted (Y page 166)

The speed indicated in the speedometer

may differ slightly from the stored maximum

permissible speed.

Important safety notes

If you fail to adapt your driving style, the speed

limiter can neither reduce the risk of an accident

nor override the laws of physics. The limiter can-

not take into account road, weather or traffic

conditions. The limiter is only an aid. You are

responsible for the distance to the vehicle in

front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time

and for staying in lane.

If a new driver takes over, advise the new driver

of the speed stored.

Variable speed limiter

General notes

Activates or increases speed

;

LIM indicator lamp

Activates at the current speed/last stored

speed

Activates or reduces speed

Switches between cruise control and the

variable speed limiter

Switches off the speed limiter

With the cruise control lever, you can operate

cruise control or Distance Pilot DISTRONIC and

the variable speed limiter.

The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control

lever indicates which system you have selected:

LIM indicator lamp off: cruise control or Dis-

tance Pilot DISTRONIC is selected.

LIM indicator lamp on: variable speed lim-

iter is selected.

When the engine is running, you can use the

cruise control lever to limit the speed to any

speed between 30 km/h and the maximum

design speed of the vehicle. If the set value of

the permanent limiter is lower then this value

applies (Y page 166).

Selecting the variable speed limiter

Check whether LIM indicator lamp ; is on.

If it is on, the variable speed limiter 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. The variable limiter is selected.

Driving systems

165

Driving and parking

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 and shown in the

multifunction display.

Storing or calling up the speed

WARNING

If you call up the stored speed and it is lower

than the current speed, the vehicle deceler-

ates. If you do not know the stored speed, the

vehicle could decelerate unexpectedly. There

is a risk of an accident.

Pay attention to the road and traffic condi-

tions before calling up the stored speed. If you

do not know the stored speed, store the

desired speed again.

Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you =.

Setting a speed

To adjust the set speed in10 km/hincre-

ments:briefly press the cruise control lever

up : beyond 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.

To adjust the set speed in1 km/hincre-

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.

Switching the speed limiter to passive

If you depress the accelerator pedal beyond the

pressure point (kickdown), the limiter is

switched to passive mode. The

Limiter pas‐Limiter pas‐

sive

sive message appears in the multifunction dis-

play.

You can then exceed the stored speed. The lim-

iter is activated again if, without kickdown, you:

drive more slowly than the stored speed

set a new speed or

call up the last speed stored again

The

Limiter passiveLimiter passive message in the multi-

function display disappears.

Switching off the variable speed limiter

You cannot switch the variable speed limiter off

by braking.

There are several ways to deactivate the varia-

ble speed limiter:

Briefly press the cruise control lever forwards

Briefly press the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow A.

LIM indicator lamp ; in the cruise control

lever goes out. The variable speed limiter is

switched off.

Cruise control or Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is

selected.

Vehicles with manual transmission: the lim-

iter switches off 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.

Permanent limiter

If you wish to restrict the maximum speed of the

vehicle for an extended period (e.g. when driving

with winter tyres), the desired maximum speed

can be set with the permanent limiter.

You can use the on-board computer to limit the

speed to a value between 160 km/h and

240 km/h (Y page 211).

Shortly before the stored speed is reached, it

appears in the multifunction display. When you

confirm the message with a or %, the

display is suppressed until you next switch off

the engine. The speed will only be displayed

again once the engine has been restarted.

The permanent limiter remains active even if the

variable limiter is deactivated. The driven speed

will remain below the stored speed even in the

event of kickdown.

166

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

General notes

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC regulates the speed

and automatically helps you maintain the dis-

tance to the vehicle detected in front. The sys-

tem detects vehicles using the radar sensor sys-

tem. Distance Pilot DISTRONIC brakes automat-

ically to avoid exceeding the set speed or to

maintain the designated distance from the vehi-

cle in front.

If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC detects that there is

a risk of a collision, you will be warned visually

and acoustically. Without your intervention, Dis-

tance Pilot DISTRONIC cannot prevent a colli-

sion. An intermittent warning tone will then

sound and the distance warning lamp will light

up in the instrument cluster. Brake immediately

to increase the distance to the vehicle in front,

or take evasive action, provided it is safe to do

so.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC operates in the range

between 0 km/h and 200 km/h.

Shift into a lower gear in good time on long and

steep downhill gradients. Take particular note of

this when driving a laden vehicle. By doing so,

you will make use of the braking effect of the

engine. This relieves the load on the brake sys-

tem and prevents the brakes from overheating

and wearing too quickly.

Do not use Distance Pilot DISTRONIC on roads

with steep gradients.

For Distance Pilot DISTRONIC to assist you

when driving, the radar sensor system must be

operational.

Important safety notes

WARNING

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC does not recognise

people or animals

stationary objects on the road, e.g. stopped

or parked vehicles

oncoming vehicles or crossing traffic

As a result, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC may

neither give warnings nor intervene in such

situations. There is a risk of an accident.

Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-

uation and be ready to brake.

WARNING

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC cannot always

clearly identify other road users and complex

traffic situations.

In such cases, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC may:

give an unnecessary warning and then

brake the vehicle

neither give a warning nor intervene

accelerate or brake unexpectedly

There is a risk of an accident.

Continue to drive carefully and be ready to

brake, especially if Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

warns you.

WARNING

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC brakes your vehicle

with up to 50% of the maximum possible

deceleration. If this deceleration is not suffi-

cient, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC alerts you

with a visual and acoustic warning. There is a

risk of an accident.

Apply the brakes yourself in these situations

and try to take evasive action.

When Distance Pilot DISTRONIC or the

HOLD function is activated, the vehicle

brakes automatically in certain situations.

To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC and the HOLD

function in the following or similar situations:

when towing away

in a car wash

If you fail to adapt your driving style, Distance

Pilot DISTRONIC can neither reduce the risk of

an accident nor override the laws of physics.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC cannot take into

account road, weather or traffic conditions. Dis-

tance Pilot DISTRONIC is only an aid. You are

responsible for the distance to the vehicle in

front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time

and for staying in lane.

Driving systems

167

Driving and parking

Do not use Distance Pilot DISTRONIC:

in road and traffic conditions that do not allow

you to maintain a constant speed, e.g. in

heavy traffic or on winding roads.

on smooth or slippery roads. Braking or accel-

erating can cause the drive wheels to lose

traction and the vehicle could then skid.

in poor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy rain or

snow.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC may not detect nar-

row vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or

vehicles driving on a different line.

In particular, the detection of obstacles can be

impaired in the following situations:

dirt on the sensors or obscured sensors

snow or heavy rain

interference by other radar sources

strong radar reflections, e.g. in multi-storey

car parks

If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC no longer detects a

vehicle in front, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC may

unexpectedly accelerate to the speed stored.

This speed can:

be too high for a filter lane or a slip road

be so high on the right lane that you pass

vehicles driving in the left lane

be so high in the left lane that you pass vehi-

cles driving in the right lane

If a new driver takes over, advise the new driver

of the speed stored.

Cruise control lever

To store the current speed or a higher 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 Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC and the variable limiter

To deactivate Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

With the cruise control lever, you can operate

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC and the variable lim-

iter.

LIM indicator lamp = on the cruise control lever

indicates which system you have selected:

LIM indicator lamp=

=off: distance Pilot

DISTRONIC is selected.

LIM indicator lamp=

=on: variable limiter is

selected.

Selecting Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

Check whether LIM indicator lamp = is off.

If it is off, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is already

selected.

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. Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is

selected.

Activating Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

Activation conditions

When Distance Pilot DISTRONIC or the

HOLD function is activated, the vehicle

brakes automatically in certain situations.

To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC and the HOLD

function in the following or similar situations:

when towing away

in a car wash

To activate Distance Pilot DISTRONIC, the fol-

lowing conditions must be fulfilled:

The engine must be running. It may take up to

two minutes of driving before Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC is ready for use.

The electric parking brake must be released.

ESP

must be switched on, but not interven-

ing.

Parking Pilot must not be activated.

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.

168

Driving systems

Driving and parking

The front-passenger door must be closed.

The vehicle must not be skidding.

Switching on

Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?, up : or down A.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is activated.

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

Distance Pilot passiveDistance Pilot passive mes-

sage appears in the multifunction display. The

set distance to a slower-moving vehicle in

front will then not be maintained. The position

of the accelerator pedal will determine the

speed.

You can also activate Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

when stationary. The lowest speed that can be

set is 30 km/h.

Driving with Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

Activating at the current speed/last

stored speed

WARNING

If you call up a stored speed and this is dif-

ferent from the current speed, the vehicle

accelerates or brakes. If you do not know

what the stored speed is, the vehicle may

accelerate or brake unexpectedly. There is a

risk of an accident.

Take the traffic conditions into account

before calling up the stored speed. If you do

not know what the stored speed is, store the

desired speed again.

Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?.

Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.

The first time Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is

activated, it stores the current speed or reg-

ulates the speed of the vehicle to the previ-

ously stored speed.

Pulling away and driving

If you want to pull away with Distance

Pilot DISTRONIC: remove your foot from the

brake pedal.

Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?.

If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is activated:

accelerate briefly.

Your vehicle pulls away and adapts its speed

to that of the vehicle in front. If no vehicle is

detected in front, your vehicle accelerates to

the set speed.

The vehicle can also pull away when it is facing

an unidentified obstacle or is driving on a differ-

ent line from another vehicle. The vehicle then

brakes automatically. Be ready to brake at all

times.

If there is no vehicle in front, Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC operates in the same way as cruise

control.

If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC detects a slower-

moving vehicle in front, it brakes your vehicle. In

this way, the distance you have selected is main-

tained.

If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC detects a faster-

moving vehicle in front, it increases the driving

speed. However, the vehicle is only accelerated

up to the speed you have stored.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is deactivated

when you depress the brake, except when the

vehicle is stationary.

Selecting the drive program

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC supports a sporty

driving style when you select the S+ drive pro-

gram (Mercedes-AMG vehicles only), S

(Y page 148) or the manual drive program

(Y page 150). Acceleration behind the vehicle in

front or to the set speed is then noticeably more

dynamic. If you have selected the E (C in

Mercedes-AMG vehicles:) drive program, the

vehicle accelerates more gently. This setting is

recommended in stop-start traffic.

Changing lanes

If you want to change to the overtaking lane on

multi-lane roads, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC sup-

ports you if:

you are driving faster than 70 km/h

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is maintaining the

distance to a vehicle in front

Driving systems

169

Driving and parking

You switch on the respective turn signal

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC does not currently

detect a danger of collision

If these conditions are met, your vehicle accel-

erates. Acceleration will be interrupted if chang-

ing lanes takes too long or if the distance

between your vehicle and the vehicle in front

becomes too small.

Stopping

If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC detects that the

vehicle in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle

until it is stationary.

Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains sta-

tionary and you do not need to depress the

brake.

After a short period, the vehicle is secured

by the electric parking brake, thus relieving

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.

When Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is activated,

the transmission is shifted automatically to

position P if:

the driver's seat belt is not fastened and the

driver's door is open

the engine is switched off, unless it is auto-

matically switched off by the ECO start/stop

function

The electric parking brake is applied automati-

cally if Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is active when

the vehicle is stationary and:

a system fault occurs

the power supply is insufficient

If a fault occurs, the transmission may also shift

to position P automatically.

Setting a speed

Bear in mind that it may take a brief moment

until the vehicle has accelerated or braked to

the set speed.

Press the cruise control lever up : for a

higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.

Keep the cruise control lever pressed until the

desired speed is reached or press the cruise

control lever repeatedly until the desired

speed is reached.

Release the cruise control lever.

The new speed is stored. Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC is activated and adjusts the vehi-

cle's speed to the new speed stored.

To adjust the set speed in1 km/hincre-

ments: briefly press the cruise control lever

up : or down A to the pressure point.

The last stored speed increases or decreases

in 1 km/h increments.

To adjust the set speed in10 km/hincre-

ments: press the cruise control lever briefly

up : or down A beyond the pressure point.

The last stored speed increases or decreases

in 10 km/h increments.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is not deactivated

if you depress the accelerator pedal. If you

accelerate to overtake, Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC 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

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC by varying the time

span between one and two seconds. With this

function, you can set the minimum distance that

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC maintains to the vehi-

cle in front, dependent on the vehicle speed. You

can see this distance in the multifunction dis-

play (Y page 171).

The specified minimum distance can be

changed while Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is

switched on or off.

Make sure that you maintain the minimum

distance to the vehicle in front as required by

law. Adjust the distance to the vehicle in front

if necessary.

170

Driving systems

Driving and parking

To increase: turn control = in direction ;.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC then maintains a

greater distance between your vehicle and

the vehicle in front.

To decrease: turn control = in direction :.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC then maintains a

shorter distance between your vehicle and

the vehicle in front.

Deactivating Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

There are several ways to deactivate Distance

Pilot DISTRONIC:

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 =.

The variable limiter is selected. LIM indicator

lamp ; in the cruise control lever lights up.

When you deactivate Distance Pilot DISTRONIC,

the

Distance Pilot offDistance Pilot off message appears in

the multifunction display for approximately five

seconds.

The last speed stored remains stored until

you switch off the engine. Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC is not deactivated if you depress

the accelerator pedal.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is automatically deac-

tivated if:

You apply the electric parking brake or if the

vehicle is automatically secured with the elec-

tric parking brake

ESP

engages or 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 is skidding

You activate Parking Pilot

If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is deactivated auto-

matically, you will hear a warning tone. The

Distance Pilot offDistance Pilot off message will appear in

the multifunction display for approximately five

seconds.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is automatically deac-

tivated if you activate DSR. The Ã DSR sym-

bol appears in the multifunction display.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC displays in

the instrument cluster

Displays in the speedometer

When Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is activated and

there are no vehicles detected in front, one or

two segments ; in the speed range set light up.

If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC detects a vehicle in

front, segments ; between speed of the vehi-

cle in front = and stored speed : light up.

For design reasons, the speed displayed in

the speedometer may differ slightly from the

speed set for Distance Pilot DISTRONIC.

Display when Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is

deactivated

In the Assistance menu (Y page 208) of the on-

board computer, you can select the assistance

graphic display.

Driving systems

171

Driving and parking

Assistance graphic

Vehicle in front, if detected

;

Distance indicator: current distance to the

vehicle in front

Specified minimum distance to the vehicle

in front; adjustable

Own vehicle

Select the

Assistance graphicAssistance graphic function

using the on-board computer (Y page 208).

Display when Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is

activated

You will initially see the stored speed for about

five seconds when you activate Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC.

Assistance graphic

Vehicle in front, if detected

;

Specified minimum distance to the vehicle

in front; adjustable

Own vehicle

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC active (text only

appears when the cruise control lever is

actuated

Select the

Assistance graphicAssistance graphic function

using the on-board computer (Y page 208).

Tips for driving with Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC

General notes

Pay particular attention in the following traffic

situations:

Cornering, entering and exiting a bend: the

ability of Distance Pilot DISTRONIC to detect

vehicles when cornering is limited. Your vehi-

cle may brake unexpectedly or late.

Driving on a different line: Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC may not detect vehicles driving in

a different lane. The distance to the vehicle in

front will be too short.

Other vehicles changing lane: Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC has not detected the vehicle cut-

ting in yet. The distance to this vehicle will be

too short.

Narrow vehicles: Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

does not detect the vehicle in front on the

edge of the carriageway because of its narrow

width. The distance to the vehicle in front will

be too short.

Obstacles and stationary vehicles: Distance

Pilot DISTRONIC does not brake for obstacles

or stationary vehicles. If, for example, the

detected vehicle turns a corner and an obsta-

cle or stationary vehicle is revealed, Distance

Pilot DISTRONIC will not brake for them.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC may mistakenly

detect vehicles that are crossing your lane. If

you activate Distance Pilot DISTRONIC under

the following conditions, the vehicle could

pull away unintentionally:

at traffic lights with crossing traffic, for

example

if there is a vehicle in front after a crossing

with the HOLD function activated

In such situations, brake if necessary. Distance

Pilot DISTRONIC is then switched off.

HOLD function

General notes

The HOLD function can assist the driver in the

following situations:

when pulling away, especially on steep slopes

when manoeuvring on steep slopes

when waiting in traffic

172

Driving systems

Driving and parking

The vehicle is kept stationary without the driver

having to depress the brake pedal.

The braking effect is cancelled and the HOLD

function deactivated when you depress the

accelerator pedal to pull away.

Important safety notes

WARNING

When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll away

despite being braked by the HOLD function if:

there is a malfunction in the system or in

the voltage supply

the HOLD function is deactivated by the

accelerator pedal being depressed, e.g. by

a vehicle occupant

the electrical system in the engine com-

partment, the battery or the fuses are tam-

pered with

the battery is disconnected

There is a risk of an accident.

Before leaving the vehicle, always deactivate

the HOLD function and secure the vehicle

from rolling away.

When Distance Pilot DISTRONIC or the

HOLD function is activated, the vehicle

brakes automatically in certain situations.

To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC and the HOLD

function in the following or similar situations:

when towing away

in a car wash

Deactivating the HOLD function (Y page 173).

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

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is deactivated

the transmission is in position D, R or N on

vehicles with automatic transmission

Activating the HOLD function

Make sure that the activation conditions are

met.

Depress the brake pedal.

Quickly depress the brake pedal further

until : appears in the multifunction display.

The HOLD function is activated. You can

release the brake pedal.

If depressing the brake pedal the first time

does not activate the HOLD function, wait

briefly and then try again.

Deactivating the HOLD function

The HOLD function is deactivated automatically

if:

you accelerate. On vehicles with automatic

transmission: only when the transmission is in

position D or R.

the transmission is in position P on vehicles

with automatic transmission.

you depress the brake pedal again with a cer-

tain amount of pressure until : disappears

from the multifunction display.

you activate Distance Pilot DISTRONIC.

you secure the vehicle using the electric park-

ing brake.

After a short period, the vehicle is secured

by the electric parking brake, thus relieving

the service brake.

Vehicles with automatic transmission

When the HOLD function is activated, the trans-

mission is shifted automatically to position P if:

the driver's seat belt is not fastened and the

driver's door is open

the engine is switched off, unless it is auto-

matically switched off by the ECO start/stop

function

Driving systems

173

Driving and parking

The electric parking brake secures the vehicle

automatically if the HOLD function is activated,

the vehicle is stationary and:

a system fault occurs

the power supply is insufficient

Vehicles with manual transmission

The electric parking brake secures the vehicle

automatically if the HOLD function is activated

and:

the driver's seat belt is not fastened and the

driver's door is open

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 insufficient

The

Brake immediatelyBrake immediately message may also

appear on the multifunction display.

Immediately depress the brake pedal firmly

until the warning message on the multifunc-

tion display goes out.

The HOLD function is deactivated.

A horn will sound at regular intervals if you turn

off the engine, take off your seat belt or open the

driver's door when the HOLD function is activa-

ted. The horn alerts you to the fact that the

HOLD function is still activated. If you attempt to

lock the vehicle, the tone becomes louder. The

vehicle cannot be locked until you have deacti-

vated the HOLD function.

Once you have switched off the engine, you

cannot restart it until you have deactivated

the HOLD function.

Start-off assist (except Mercedes-

AMG vehicles)

Important safety notes

WARNING

If you use start-off assist, individual wheels

may start to spin and the vehicle may skid. If

ESP

is deactivated, there is a greater danger

of skidding and having an accident. Make sure

that no persons or obstacles are in the area

around the vehicle.

Start-off assist enables optimum acceleration

from a standstill. For this, a suitably high-grip

road surface is required; the tyres and vehicle

must also be in good condition.

Do not activate start-off assist on public roads.

Observe the safety notes on driving safety sys-

tems (Y page 66).

Be sure to read the safety notes and information

on ESP

(Y page 69).

Activating start-off assist

Deactivate ESP

(Y page 209).

Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead

position.

Depress the brake pedal hard with your left

foot and keep it depressed.

Shift the transmission to position D.

Use the DYNAMIC SELECT button to select

the S drive program (Y page 141).

Quickly depress the accelerator pedal fully.

Take your foot off the brake, but keep the

accelerator pedal depressed.

The vehicle pulls away at maximum acceler-

ation.

Activate ESP

as soon as the acceleration

process has ended. ESP

will otherwise not

be able to stabilise the vehicle if the vehicle

starts to skid or a wheel starts to spin.

Cancelling start-off assist

Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.

Reactivate ESP

RACE START (Mercedes-AMG vehi-

cles)

Important safety notes

RACE START must not be used on normal

roads. RACE START must be activated and

used only on dedicated race circuits, not on

public roads.

RACE START is only available in

Mercedes‑AMG vehicles.

WARNING

If you use RACE START, individual tyres may

get into a spin and the vehicle could skid.

Depending on the selected ESP

mode, there

174

Driving systems

Driving and parking

is an increased risk of skidding and having an

accident. Make sure that no persons, animals

or obstacles are within range of the vehicle.

RACE START enables optimum acceleration

from a standing start. For this, a suitably high-

grip road surface is required; the tyres and vehi-

cle must also be in good condition.

Observe the safety notes on driving safety

systems (Y page 66).

Be sure to read the safety notes and informa-

tion on ESP

(Y page 69).

Activation conditions

You can activate RACE START if:

the doors, the bonnet and the boot lid are

closed

the engine is running and the transmission,

traction control and engine are at operating

temperature

the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead

position

the vehicle is stationary and the brake pedal is

depressed (left foot)

the transmission is in position D

one of the drive programs S, S+ or RACE is

selected (Y page 141)

Activating RACE START

Depress the brake pedal with your left foot

and keep it depressed.

Pull and hold both steering wheel gearshift

paddles.

The

RACE START Confirm: Paddle UPRACE START Confirm: Paddle UP

Cancel: Paddle DOWN

Cancel: Paddle DOWN message appears in

the multifunction display.

Release both steering wheel gearshift pad-

dles.

If the activation conditions are no longer ful-

filled, RACE START is cancelled. The

RACERACE

START not possible See Owner's Man‐

ualual message appears in the multifunction

display.

To cancel: pull the left steering wheel shift

paddle (Y page 150).

To confirm: pull the right steering wheel shift

paddle (Y page 150).

The

RACE START available DepressRACE START available Depress

accelerator

accelerator message appears in the multi-

function display.

If you do not depress the accelerator pedal

within a few seconds, RACE START is cancel-

led. The multifunction display shows the

RACE START cancelledRACE START cancelled message.

Fully depress the accelerator pedal.

The engine speed increases.

The

RACERACE STARTSTART ReleaseRelease brakebrake toto startstart

message appears in the multifunction display.

If the brake pedal is not released after a

short while, RACE START is cancelled. The

multifunction display shows the

RACERACE STARTSTART

cancelled

cancelled message.

Take your foot off the brake, but keep the

accelerator pedal depressed.

The vehicle pulls away at maximum acceler-

ation.

The

RACERACE STARTSTART activeactive message appears in

the multifunction display.

RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle

reaches a speed of approximately 50 km/h.

RACE START is deactivated immediately if you

release the accelerator pedal during RACE

START or if any of the activation conditions are

no longer fulfilled. The

RACE START not pos‐RACE START not pos‐

sible

sible or RACE START cancelledRACE START cancelled message

appears in the multifunction display.

After using it several times in short succes-

sion, RACE START will be unavailable until a

certain distance has been driven.

AMG RIDE CONTROL

General notes

The electronically controlled damping system

works continuously. This improves driving

safety and ride comfort.

Driving systems

175

Driving and parking

The damping is adjusted individually to each

wheel and depends on:

your driving style, e.g. sporty

the road surface condition, e.g. bumps

your individual selection of "Sport" or "Com-

fort"

The suspension setting is adjusted using the

corresponding button on the centre console.

The mode can also be set using the AMG

DYNAMIC SELECT controller (Y page 141).

If the ignition is switched off for less than four

hours, the previously selected drive program is

activated when the engine is next started. If the

ignition is switched off for more than four hours,

Comfort mode is activated when the engine is

next started.

Sport mode

The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in

Sport mode ensures even better contact with

the road. Select this mode when employing a

sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country

roads.

Press button : once.

Indicator lamp ; lights up. You have selected

Sport mode.

The

AMG Ride Control SPORTAMG Ride Control SPORT message

appears in the multifunction display.

Comfort mode

In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics of

your vehicle are more comfortable. Select this

mode if you prefer a more comfortable driving

style, but also when driving at speed on straight

roads, e.g. motorways.

Press button : again to switch off indicator

lamp ;.

You have selected Comfort mode.

The

AMG Ride Control COMFORTAMG Ride Control COMFORT message

appears in the multifunction display.

4MATIC

Never tow the vehicle with one axle raised.

This may damage the differential. Damage of

this sort is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz

implied warranty. All wheels must remain

either on the ground or be fully raised.

Observe the instructions for towing the vehi-

cle with all wheels in full contact with the

ground.

4MATIC, together with ESP

, improves the trac-

tion of your vehicle whenever a drive wheel

spins due to insufficient grip.

If you fail to adapt your driving style, 4MATIC can

neither reduce the risk of an accident nor over-

ride the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot take

account of road, weather and traffic conditions.

4MATIC is only an aid. You are responsible for

the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle

speed, for braking in good time and for staying in

lane.

If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip:

when pulling away, only depress the acceler-

ator pedal as far as is necessary.

accelerate less when driving.

In wintry driving conditions, the maximum

effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if you

use winter tyres (M+S tyres), with snow

chains if necessary.

Chassis with adaptive adjustable

damping

General notes

Suspension with the Adaptive Damping System

provides improved driving comfort and contin-

uously controls the calibration of the dampers.

The damping characteristics adapt to the cur-

rent operating and driving situation.

176

Driving systems

Driving and parking

The damping is tuned individually to each wheel

and depends on:

your driving style, e.g. sporty

the road surface conditions

the drive program selected

The drive program can be set using the

DYNAMIC SELECT button (Y page 141).

Selecting Comfort mode

In the Comfort drive program, the driving char-

acteristics of your vehicle are more comforta-

ble. Select this drive program if you prefer a

more comfortable driving style. Also select the

Comfort drive program when driving fast on

straight roads, e.g. on straight stretches of

motorway.

Press DYNAMIC SELECT button (Y page 141)

as many times as necessary until the Com-

fort drive program is selected.

Selecting Sport mode

The firmer suspension setting in the Sport drive

program ensures even better contact with the

road. Select this drive program when employing

a sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country

roads.

Press DYNAMIC SELECT button (Y page 141)

as many times as necessary until the Sport

drive program is selected.

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC

Important safety notes

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is an electronic

parking aid with ultrasound. It monitors the area

around your vehicle using six sensors in the

front bumper and six sensors in the rear

bumper. Parking Assist PARKTRONIC shows you

the distance between your vehicle and an obsta-

cle visually and audibly.

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is

not a substitute for your attention to the imme-

diate surroundings. The responsibility for safe

manoeuvring and parking remains with you.

Make sure that there are no persons, animals or

objects in range while manoeuvring and parking.

When parking, pay particular attention to

objects above or below the sensors, such as

flower pots or trailer drawbars. Parking Assist

PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects

when they are in the immediate vicinity of the

vehicle. You could damage the vehicle or the

objects.

The sensors may not detect snow and other

objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.

Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic car

wash, the compressed-air brakes of a lorry or

a pneumatic drill could cause Parking Assist

PARKTRONIC to malfunction.

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC may not function

correctly on uneven terrain.

Fold in the ball coupling if the trailer tow

hitch is not required. Parking Assist

PARKTRONIC measures the minimum detec-

tion range to an obstacle from the bumper,

not the ball coupling.

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is activated auto-

matically when you:

switch on the ignition

shift the transmission to position D, R or N on

vehicles with automatic transmission

release the electric parking brake

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is deactivated at

speeds above 18 km/h. It is reactivated at lower

speeds.

Vehicles with a trailer tow hitch: Parking

Assist PARKTRONIC is deactivated for the rear

area when you establish the electrical connec-

tion between your vehicle and a trailer.

Range of the sensors

General notes

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC does not take into

account obstacles located:

below the detection range, e.g. persons, ani-

mals or objects

above the detection range, e.g. overhanging

loads, tail sections or loading ramps of goods

vehicles

Driving systems

177

Driving and parking

Sensors in the front bumper, left-hand side

(example)

The sensors must be free of dirt, ice and slush.

Otherwise, they may not function correctly.

Clean the sensors regularly, taking care not to

scratch or damage them (Y page 289).

Range

Front sensors detection range

;

Rear sensors detection range

Front sensors

Centre Approx. 100 cm

Corners Approx. 60 cm

Rear sensors

Centre Approx. 120 cm

Corners Approx. 80 cm

Minimum distance

Centre Approx. 20 cm

Corners Approx. 20 cm

If there is an obstacle within this range, the rel-

evant warning displays light up and a warning

tone sounds. If the distance falls below the min-

imum, the distance may no longer be shown.

Warning displays

Segments on the left-hand side of the vehi-

cle

;

Segments on the right-hand side of the vehi-

cle

Segments showing operational readiness

The warning displays show the distance

between the sensors and the obstacle. The

warning display for the front area is located on

the dashboard above the centre air vents. The

warning display for the rear area is located on

the roof lining in the rear compartment.

The warning display for each side of the vehicle

is divided into five yellow and two red segments.

If yellow segments = showing operational read-

iness light up, Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is

operational.

The gear lever position or the transmission posi-

tion of the automatic transmission and the

direction in which the vehicle is rolling deter-

mine which warning display is active when the

engine is running.

178

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Manual transmission:

Gear lever position Warning display

Forward gear

Neutral

Front area activated

Reverse gear or the

vehicle is rolling

backwards

Rear and front areas

activated

Automatic transmission:

Transmission posi-

tion

Warning display

Front area activated

R, N or the vehicle is

rolling backwards

Rear and front areas

activated

No areas activated

One or more segments light up as the vehicle

approaches an obstacle, depending on the vehi-

cle's distance from the obstacle.

From the:

sixth segment onwards, you will hear an inter-

mittent warning tone for approximately two

seconds.

seventh segment onwards, you will hear a

warning tone for approximately two seconds.

This indicates that you have now reached the

minimum distance.

Deactivating/activating Parking Assist

PARKTRONIC

Indicator lamp

;

Deactivates/activates Parking Assist

PARKTRONIC

If indicator lamp : lights up, Parking Assist

PARKTRONIC is deactivated.

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is automati-

cally activated when you turn the key to posi-

tion 2 in the ignition lock.

Driving systems

179

Driving and parking

Problems with Parking Assist PARKTRONIC

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and MM Solutions

Only the red segments in

the Parking Assist

PARKTRONIC warning

displays are lit. You also

hear a warning tone for

approximately two sec-

onds.

Parking Assist

PARKTRONIC is then

deactivated and the indi-

cator lamp on the

PARKTRONIC button

lights up.

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is malfunctioning and has been deacti-

vated.

If problems persist, have Parking Assist PARKTRONIC checked at a

qualified specialist workshop.

Only the red segments in

the Parking Assist

PARKTRONIC warning

displays are lit. Parking

Assist PARKTRONIC is

then deactivated.

The Parking Assist PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or malfunctioning.

Clean the Parking Assist PARKTRONIC sensors (Y page 289).

Switch the ignition back on.

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

sound waves.

Check to see if Parking Assist PARKTRONIC functions in a different

location.

Parking Pilot

General notes

Parking Pilot is an electronic parking aid with

ultrasound. It measures the road on both sides

of the vehicle. A parking symbol indicates a suit-

able parking space. Active steering intervention

and brake application can assist you during

parking and when exiting a parking space. Park-

ing Assist PARKTRONIC is also available

(Y page 177).

The active braking application is only avail-

able on vehicles with automatic transmission.

Important safety notes

Parking Pilot is only an aid. It is not a substitute

for your attention to the immediate surround-

ings. The responsibility for safe manoeuvring

and parking remains with you. Make sure that no

persons, animals or objects are in the manoeu-

vring range.

When Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is deactiva-

ted, Parking Pilot is also unavailable.

WARNING

While parking or pulling out of a parking

space, the vehicle swings out and can drive

onto areas of the oncoming lane. This could

cause you to collide with other road users.

There is a risk of an accident.

Pay attention to other road users. Stop the

vehicle if necessary or cancel the Parking Pilot

parking procedure.

If unavoidable, you should drive over obsta-

cles such as kerbs slowly and not at a sharp

angle. Otherwise, you may damage the

wheels or tyres.

Parking Pilot may also display spaces not suita-

ble for parking, e.g.:

in a zone where parking or stopping is pro-

hibited

in front of driveways or entrances and exits

on unsuitable surfaces

180

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Parking tips:

on narrow roads, drive as closely as possible

past the parking space

parking spaces that are littered or overgrown

might be identified or measured incorrectly

parking spaces that are partially occupied by

trailer drawbars might not be identified as

such or be measured incorrectly

snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking

space being measured inaccurately

pay attention to the Parking Assist

PARKTRONIC warning messages

(Y page 178) during the parking procedure

you can intervene in the steering procedure to

correct it at any time. Parking Pilot will then be

cancelled

when transporting a load that protrudes from

your vehicle, you should not use Parking Pilot

never use Parking Pilot when snow chains are

fitted

make sure that the tyre pressures are always

correct. This has a direct influence on the

parking characteristics of the vehicle

Use Parking Pilot for parking spaces that are:

parallel or at right angles to the direction of

travel

on straight roads, not bends

on the same level as the road, e.g. not on the

pavement

For vehicles with the trailer tow hitch folded out,

the minimum length for parking spaces is

slightly longer.

If you have attached a trailer to your vehicle, you

should not use Parking Pilot. Once the electrical

connection is established between your vehicle

and the trailer, Parking Pilot is no longer availa-

ble. Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is deactivated

for the rear area.

Detecting parking spaces

Objects located above the detection range of

Parking Pilot will not be detected when the park-

ing space is measured. These are not taken into

account when the parking procedure is calcula-

ted, e.g. overhanging loads, tail sections or load-

ing ramps of goods vehicles.

WARNING

If there are objects above the detection range:

Parking Pilot may steer in too early

the vehicle may not stop in front of these

objects

This could cause a collision. There is a risk of

an accident.

If objects are located above the detection

range, stop and deactivate Parking Pilot.

Further information on the detection range

(Y page 177).

Parking Pilot does not assist you parking in

spaces at right angles to the direction of travel if:

two parking spaces are located directly next

to one another

the parking space is directly next to a low

obstacle such as a low kerb

you forward-park

Parking Pilot does not assist you parking in

spaces parallel or at right angles to the direction

of travel if:

the parking space is on a kerb

the system reads the parking space as being

blocked, such as by foliage or grass paving

blocks

the area is too small for the vehicle to

manoeuvre into

the parking space is bordered by an obstacle,

e.g. a tree, a post or a trailer

Detected parking space on the left

;

Parking symbol

Detected parking space on the right

Parking Pilot is activated automatically when

driving forwards. The system is operational at

speeds of up to approximately 35 km/h. While

in operation, the system independently locates

and measures parking spaces on both sides of

the vehicle.

Driving systems

181

Driving and parking

Parking Pilot will detect only parking spaces

which are:

parallel or at right angles to the direction of

travel

that are parallel to the direction of travel and

are at least 1.5 m wide

that are parallel to the direction of travel and

at least 1.0 m longer than your vehicle

that are at right angles to the direction of

travel and at least 1.0 mwider than your vehi-

cle

Note that Parking Pilot cannot measure the

length of a parking space if it is at right angles

to the direction of travel. You will need to

judge whether your vehicle will fit in the park-

ing space.

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

see parking symbol ; as a status indicator in

the instrument cluster. When a parking space

has been detected, an arrow towards the right or

the left also appears. Parking Pilot displays only

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 activated. When parking on the

driver's side, this must remain activated until

you confirm the use of Parking Pilot by pressing

the a button on the multifunction steering

wheel. The system automatically determines

whether the parking space is parallel or at right

angles to the direction of travel.

A parking space is displayed while you are driv-

ing past it, and until you are approximately 15 m

away from it.

Parking

WARNING

If you leave the vehicle when it is only being

braked by Parking Pilot, it could roll away if:

there is a malfunction in the system or in

the voltage supply.

the electrical system in the engine com-

partment, the battery or the fuses are tam-

pered with.

the battery is disconnected

the vehicle is accelerated, e.g. by a vehicle

occupant.

There is a risk of an accident.

Before leaving the vehicle, always secure it

against rolling away.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

If Parking Assist PARKTRONIC detects obsta-

cles, Parking Pilot brakes automatically whilst

the vehicle is parking. You are responsible for

braking in good time.

Stop the vehicle when the parking symbol

shows the desired parking space in the instru-

ment cluster.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

shift the transmission to position R.

Vehicles with manual transmission: shift

to reverse gear.

The

Start Parking Pilot?Start Parking Pilot? Yes: OKYes: OK No:No:

% message appears in the multifunction

display.

To cancel the procedure:press the %

button on the multifunction steering wheel or

pull away.

To park using Parking Pilot: press the a

button on the multifunction steering wheel.

The

Parking Pilot active AccelerateParking Pilot active Accelerate

and brake

and brake Observe surroundingsObserve surroundings mes-

sage appears in the multifunction display.

Release the multifunction steering wheel.

Reverse the vehicle, being ready to brake at

all times. When reversing, drive at a speed

below 10 km/h. Otherwise Parking Pilot is

cancelled.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

Parking Pilot brakes the vehicle to a standstill

when the vehicle approaches the rear border

of the parking space.

Manoeuvring may be required in tight parking

spaces.

Vehicles with manual transmission: stop

when Parking Assist PARKTRONIC sounds the

continuous warning tone, if not before.

Manoeuvring may be required in tight parking

spaces.

Vehicles with automatic transmission: the

Parking Pilot active Select DParking Pilot active Select D ObserveObserve

surroundings

surroundings message appears in the multi-

function display.

Vehicles with manual transmission: the

Parking Pilot active Engage forwardParking Pilot active Engage forward

geargear Observe surroundingsObserve surroundings message

appears in the multifunction display.

182

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

select transmission position D while the vehi-

cle is stationary.

Vehicles with manual transmission: shift

to first gear while the vehicle is stationary.

Parking Pilot immediately steers in the other

direction.

The

Parking Pilot active AccelerateParking Pilot active Accelerate

and brake

and brake Observe surroundingsObserve surroundings mes-

sage appears in the multifunction display.

You will achieve the best results by waiting

for the steering procedure to complete before

pulling away.

Drive forwards and be ready to brake at all

times.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

Parking Pilot brakes the vehicle to a standstill

when the vehicle approaches the front border

of the parking space.

Manoeuvring may be required in tight parking

spaces.

Vehicles with manual transmission: stop

when Parking Assist PARKTRONIC sounds the

continuous warning tone, if not before.

Vehicles with automatic transmission: the

Parking Pilot active Select RParking Pilot active Select R ObserveObserve

surroundings

surroundings message appears in the multi-

function display.

Vehicles with manual transmission: the

Parking Pilot active Engage reverseParking Pilot active Engage reverse

gearObserve surroundingsgearObserve surroundings message

appears in the multifunction display.

As soon as the parking procedure is complete,

the

ParkingParking PilotPilot endedended message appears in

the multifunction display and a warning tone

sounds. The vehicle is now parked.

Vehicles with automatic transmission: the

vehicle is kept stationary without the driver hav-

ing to depress the brake pedal. The braking

effect is cancelled when you depress the accel-

erator pedal.

Parking Pilot no longer supports you with steer-

ing interventions and brake applications. When

Parking Pilot is ended, you must steer and brake

again yourself. Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is

still available.

Parking tips:

The way your vehicle is positioned in the park-

ing space after parking is dependent on vari-

ous factors. These include the position and

shape of the vehicles parked in front of and

behind it and the conditions of the location. It

may be the case that Parking Pilot guides 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 abort the parking procedure with Park-

ing Pilot.

You can also preselect transmission position

D. The vehicle redirects and does not drive as

far into the parking space. Should the trans-

mission change take place too early, the park-

ing procedure will be cancelled. A sensible

parking position can no longer be achieved

from this position.

Exiting a parking space

In order that Parking Pilot can support you when

exiting the parking space:

you need to have parked using Parking Pilot

the border of the parking space must be high

enough at the front and the rear. A kerb stone

is too small, for example.

the border of the parking space must not be

too wide, as the position of the vehicle must

not exceed an angle of 45° to the starting

position as it is manoeuvred into the parking

space.

a manoeuvring distance of at least 1.0 mmust

be available.

Parking Pilot can assist you with exiting a park-

ing space only if you have parked the vehicle

parallel to the direction of travel using the Park-

ing Pilot

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

If Parking Assist PARKTRONIC detects obsta-

cles, Parking Pilot brakes automatically whilst

the vehicle is exiting the parking space. You

are responsible for braking in good time.

Start the engine.

Release the electric parking brake.

Switch on the turn signal in the direction you

will drive out of the parking space.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

shift the transmission to position D or R.

Vehicles with manual transmission: shift

to forward or reverse gear.

The

Start Parking Pilot?Start Parking Pilot? Yes: OKYes: OK No:No:

% message appears in the multifunction

display.

Driving systems

183

Driving and parking

To cancel the procedure:press the %

button on the multifunction steering wheel or

pull away.

To exit a parking space using Parking

Pilot: press the a button on the multi-

function steering wheel.

The

Parking Pilot active AccelerateParking Pilot active Accelerate

and brake

and brake Observe surroundingsObserve surroundings mes-

sage appears in the multifunction display.

Release the multifunction steering wheel.

Pull away, being ready to brake at all times. Do

not exceed a maximum speed of approx-

imately 10 km/h when exiting a parking

space. Otherwise, Parking Pilot is cancelled.

Vehicles with manual transmission: stop,

when Parking Assist PARKTRONIC sounds the

continuous warning tone, if not before.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

depending on the message or as required,

shift the transmission to position D or R.

Vehicles with manual transmission:

depending on the message or as required,

engage forward or reverse gear.

Parking Pilot steers immediately in the other

direction. The Parking Pilot activeParking Pilot active

Accelerate and brake

Accelerate and brake Observe sur‐Observe sur‐

roundings

roundings message appears in the multi-

function display.

You will achieve the best results by waiting

for the steering procedure to complete before

pulling away.

If you reverse after activation, the steering

wheel is moved to the straight-ahead posi-

tion.

Drive forwards and reverse as prompted by

the Parking Assist PARKTRONIC warning dis-

plays, several times if necessary.

Once you have exited the parking space com-

pletely, the steering wheel is moved to the

straight-ahead position. You hear a tone and the

ParkingParking PilotPilot endedended message appears in the

multifunction display. You will then have to steer

and merge into traffic on your own. Parking

Assist PARKTRONIC is still available. You can

take over the steering before the vehicle has

exited the parking space completely. This is

useful, for example, when you recognise that it

is already possible to pull out of the parking

space.

Cancelling Parking Pilot

Stop the movement of the multifunction

steering wheel or steer yourself.

Parking Pilot is cancelled at once. The

Park‐Park‐

ing Pilot cancelled

ing Pilot cancelled message appears in

the multifunction display.

Press the PARKTRONIC button (Y page 179).

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is switched off

and Parking Pilot is immediately cancelled.

The

Parking Pilot cancelledParking Pilot cancelled message

appears in the multifunction display.

Parking Pilot is cancelled automatically when:

the electric parking brake is applied

transmission position P is selected in vehicles

with automatic transmission

parking with Parking Pilot is no longer possi-

ble

you are driving faster than 10 km/h

a wheel spins and ESP

intervenes or fails. In

such cases the ÷ warning lamp lights up in

the instrument cluster.

A warning tone sounds. The parking symbol dis-

appears and the multifunction display shows the

Parking Pilot cancelledParking Pilot cancelled message.

When Parking Pilot is cancelled, you must steer

and brake again yourself.

If a system malfunction occurs, the vehicle is

braked to a standstill. To drive on, depress the

accelerator pedal again.

Reversing camera

General notes

Reversing camera : is an optical parking and

manoeuvring aid. It shows the area behind your

184

Driving systems

Driving and parking

vehicle with guide lines in the multimedia sys-

tem display.

The area behind the vehicle is displayed as a

mirror image, as in the rear-view mirror.

The text shown in the multimedia system

display depends on the language setting. The

following are examples of reversing camera

messages in the multimedia system display.

See the notes on cleaning (Y page 289).

Important safety notes

The reversing camera is only an aid. It is not a

substitute for your attention to the immediate

surroundings. The responsibility for safe

manoeuvring and parking remains with you.

Make sure that there are no persons, animals or

objects in range while manoeuvring and parking.

The reversing camera will not function or will

function only in a limited manner:

If the boot lid 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 lamps or LED

lighting (the display may flicker)

If there is a sudden change in temperature,

e.g. when driving into a heated garage in win-

ter

If the camera lens is dirty or obstructed.

Observe the notes on cleaning

(Y page 289)

If the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this

case, have the camera position and setting

checked at a qualified specialist workshop

The field of vision and other functions of the

reversing camera may be restricted due to addi-

tional accessories on the rear of the vehicle (e.g.

licence plate holder, bicycle rack).

Activating/deactivating the reversing

camera

To activate: make sure that the key is in

position 2 in the ignition lock.

Make sure that the

Activation by R gearActivation by R gear

function is selected in the multimedia system;

see the Digital Owner's Manual.

Engage reverse gear.

The area behind the vehicle is shown with

guide lines in the multimedia system display.

The image from the reversing camera is avail-

able throughout the manoeuvring process.

To switch the function mode for vehicles

with trailer tow hitch:using the controller,

select symbol : for the "Reverse parking"

function or symbol ; for "Coupling up a

trailer".

The symbol of the selected function is high-

lighted.

To deactivate: the reversing camera deacti-

vates if you shift the transmission to P or after

driving forwards a short distance.

Messages in the multimedia system dis-

play

The reversing camera may show a distorted view

of obstacles, show them incorrectly or not at all.

Obstacles are not shown by the reversing cam-

era in the following locations:

Very close to the rear bumper

Under the rear bumper

In the area immediately above the recessed

handle on the boot lid

Objects not at ground level may appear to

be further away than they actually are, e.g.:

the bumper of a parked vehicle

the drawbar of a trailer

Driving systems

185

Driving and parking

the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch

the rear section of an HGV

a slanted post

Use the guidelines only for orientation.

Approach objects no further than the bottom-

most guideline.

Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 4.0 m from the rear of the vehicle

;

White guide line without turning the steering

wheel, vehicle width including the exterior

mirrors (static)

Yellow guide line for the vehicle width

including the exterior mirrors, for current

steering wheel angle (dynamic)

Yellow lane marking the course the tyres will

take at the current steering wheel angle

(dynamic)

Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 1.0 m from the rear of the vehicle

Vehicle centre axis (locating aid)

Bumper

Red guide line at a distance of approximately

0.30 m from the rear of the vehicle

Front warning displays

;

Additional measurement operational readi-

ness indicator of the Parking Assist

PARKTRONIC

Rear warning displays

When Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is opera-

tional (Y page 178), additional measurement

operational readiness indicator ; appears in

the multimedia system display. If the Parking

Assist PARKTRONIC warning displays are active

or light up, warning displays : and = are also

active or light up correspondingly in the multi-

media system display.

"Reverse parking" function

Reversing straight into a parking space

without turning the steering wheel

White guide line without turning the steering

wheel, vehicle width including the exterior

mirrors (static)

;

Yellow guide line for the vehicle width

including the exterior mirrors, for current

steering wheel angle (dynamic)

Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 1.0 m from the rear of the vehicle

Red guide line at a distance of approximately

0.30 m from the rear of the vehicle

186

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Make sure that the reversing camera is acti-

vated (Y page 185).

The lane and the guide lines are shown.

With the help of white guide line :, check

whether the vehicle will fit into the parking

space.

Using white guide line : 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 parallel

in the parking space.

Reverse perpendicular parking with the

steering wheel at an angle

Parking space marking

;

Yellow guide line for the vehicle width

including the exterior mirrors, for current

steering wheel angle (dynamic)

Drive past the parking space and bring the

vehicle to a standstill.

Make sure that the reversing camera is acti-

vated (Y page 185).

The lane and the guide lines are shown.

While the vehicle is stationary, turn the steer-

ing wheel in the direction of the parking space

until yellow guide line ; reaches parking

space marking :.

Keep the steering wheel in that position and

reverse carefully.

Yellow guide line for the vehicle width

including the exterior mirrors, for current

steering wheel angle (dynamic)

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 possible.

White guide line at current steering wheel

angle

;

Parking space marking

Turn the steering wheel to the centre position

while the vehicle is stationary.

Driving systems

187

Driving and parking

Red guide line at a distance of approximately

0.30 m from the rear of the vehicle

;

White guide line without turning the steering

wheel

End of parking space

Reverse carefully until you have reached the

end position.

Red guide line : is then at the end of parking

space =. The vehicle is almost parallel in the

parking space.

"Coupling up a trailer" function

Vehicle centre point on the yellow guide line

at a distance of approximately 1.0 m from

the rear of the vehicle

;

Trailer drawbar

This function is available only on vehicles with a

trailer tow hitch.

Before coupling up a trailer, set the height of

trailer drawbar ; so that it is slightly higher

than the ball coupling.

Position the vehicle centrally in front of trailer

drawbar ;.

Red guide line at a distance of approximately

0.30 m from the ball coupling

;

Trailer drawbar locating aid

Trailer drawbar

Symbol for the "Coupling up a trailer" func-

tion

Ball coupling

Select symbol ? using the controller.

The "Coupling up a trailer" function is selec-

ted. The distance specifications now only

apply to objects that are at the same level as

the ball coupling.

Reverse carefully, making sure that trailer

drawbar locating aid ; points approximately

in the direction of trailer drawbar =.

Reverse carefully until trailer drawbar = rea-

ches the red guide line.

The distance between the trailer drawbar and

the red guide line is now approximately

0.30 m.

Couple up the trailer (Y page 196).

Wide-angle function

Symbol for the wide-angle view function

;

Own vehicle

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC warning dis-

plays

188

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Select this view when you are driving out of an

exit and the view of crossing traffic is restricted,

for example.

ATTENTION ASSIST

General notes

ATTENTION ASSIST helps you during long,

monotonous journeys such as on motorways

and trunk roads. It is active in the 60 km/h to

200 km/h speed range. If ATTENTION ASSIST

detects typical indicators of fatigue or increas-

ing lapses in concentration on the part of the

driver, it suggests taking a break.

Important safety notes

ATTENTION ASSIST is only an aid. It may not

always detect fatigue or lapses in concentration

until too late, or may not detect them at all. The

system is not a substitute for a well-rested and

attentive driver.

The functionality of ATTENTION ASSIST is

restricted, and warnings may be delayed or not

occur at all in the following situations:

the length of the journey is less than approx-

imately 30 minutes

if the road condition is poor, e.g. if the surface

is uneven or contains potholes

in case of strong side winds

if you have adopted a sporty driving style with

high cornering speeds or high rates of accel-

eration

if you are predominantly driving at a speed

below 60 km/h or above 200 km/h

if the time has been set incorrectly

in active driving situations, such as when you

change lanes or change your speed

ATTENTION ASSIST is reset and starts assessing

your tiredness again when you continue your

journey if:

you switch off the engine

you take off your seat belt and open the driv-

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

take a break

Displaying the attention level

You can have current status information dis-

played in the Assistance menu (Y page 208) of

the on-board computer.

Select the assistance graphic display for

ATTENTION ASSIST using the on-board com-

puter (Y page 208).

The following information is displayed:

the length of the journey since the last break

the attention level determined by ATTENTION

ASSIST(

Attention levelAttention level), displayed in a

bar display in five levels from high to low

if ATTENTION ASSIST is unable to calculate

the attention level and cannot output a warn-

ing, the

System suspendedSystem suspended message

appears. The bar display then changes the

display, e.g. if you are driving at a speed below

60 km/h or above 200 km/h.

Activating ATTENTION ASSIST

Activate ATTENTION ASSIST using the on-

board computer (Y page 209).

The system determines the attention level of

the driver depending on the setting selected:

StandardStandard selected: the sensitivity with which

the system determines the attention level is set

to normal.

SensitiveSensitive selected: the sensitivity is set

higher. The attention level detected by ATTEN-

TION ASSIST is adapted accordingly and the

driver is warned earlier.

When ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated, the

é symbol appears in the multifunction dis-

play in the assistance graphic display.

When ATTENTION ASSIST has been deactivated,

it is automatically reactivated after the engine

has been switched off. The sensitivity selected

Driving systems

189

Driving and parking

corresponds to the last selection activated

(standard/sensitive).

Warning on the multifunction display

If fatigue or increasing lapses in concentration

are detected, a warning appears in the multi-

function display:

ATTENTION ASSISTATTENTION ASSIST Take aTake a

break!

In addition to the message shown on the multi-

function display, you will then hear a warning

tone.

If necessary, take a break.

Confirm the message by pressing the a

button on the steering wheel.

On long journeys, take regular breaks that allow

for adequate recuperation. If you do not take a

break and ATTENTION ASSIST still detects

increasing lapses in concentration, you will be

warned again after 15 minutes at the earliest.

This will happen only if ATTENTION ASSIST still

detects typical indicators of fatigue or increas-

ing lapses in concentration.

Vehicles with multimedia system COMAND

Online: if a warning is output in the multifunc-

tion display, a service station search is per-

formed in the multimedia system. You can

select a service station and you will then be

navigated to this service station. This function

can be activated and deactivated in the multi-

media system; see Digital Owner's Manual.

Traffic Sign Assist

General notes

Traffic Sign Assist displays the maximum speed

permitted and overtaking restrictions to the

driver in the instrument cluster. Driving onto a

section of road in the wrong direction triggers a

warning. Traffic Sign Assist detects traffic signs

with multifunction camera : attached at the

top of the windscreen. The data and general

traffic regulations stored in the navigation sys-

tem are also used to determine the current

speed limit.

If a traffic sign that is relevant to your vehicle is

passed, the display of the speed limits and over-

taking restrictions is updated.

The display can also be updated without a visible

traffic sign in the following situations:

The vehicle changes roads (e.g. motorway

exit or slip road)

A village or town boundary that is stored in the

digital map is passed

The last traffic sign detected by the camera

has not been repeated

If a sign indicating the end of a restriction (speed

limit or overtaking restriction) is passed, the

sign is displayed for five seconds. The currently

applicable traffic regulation continues to be

shown in the assistance graphic display

(Y page 208).

The camera also detects traffic signs with a

restriction indicated by an additional sign (e.g. in

wet conditions).

The traffic signs are only displayed with the

restriction if:

The regulation must be observed with the

restriction, or

Traffic Sign Assist is unable to determine

whether the restriction applies

If Traffic Sign Assist is unable to determine a

maximum permitted speed from any of the avail-

able sources, no speed limit is displayed in the

instrument cluster either.

Traffic Sign Assist is not available in all coun-

tries. In this case, display : is shown in the

multifunction display.

190

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Important safety notes

Traffic Sign Assist is only an aid and is not always

able to correctly display speed limits and over-

taking restrictions. Traffic signs always have pri-

ority over the Traffic Sign Assist display.

The system may be either functionally impaired

or temporarily unavailable in the following sit-

uations:

Visibility is poor, e.g. due to snow, rain, fog or

spray

Glare, e.g. from the sun being low in the sky

Dirt, ice or misting on the windscreen in the

vicinity of the camera

Traffic signs are hard to detect (dirt, ice,

snow)

The traffic signs are insufficiently lit at night

Signs are ambiguous (e.g. traffic signs on con-

struction sites or in adjacent lanes)

The information in the digital street map of the

navigation system is incorrect or out of date

Activating Traffic Sign Assist

If you have activated the Traffic Sign Assist dis-

play in the on-board computer, the traffic regu-

lations (speed limits and overtaking restrictions)

are displayed in the instrument cluster for five

seconds in each case. The wrong-way warning

and the traffic sign display for speed limits and

overtaking restrictions remain active in the

assistance graphic even when the display has

been deactivated.

Activate the Traffic Sign Assist display using

the on-board computer (Y page 208).

Instrument cluster display

Speed limit with unknown restriction

The following illustrations are examples of

vehicles with colour multifunction display.

The illustrations of vehicles with black and

white multifunction display differ from them.

The unit for the speed limit (km/h or mph)

depends on the country in which you are driv-

ing. It is generally neither shown on the traffic

sign nor on the instrument cluster but must be

taken into account on observance of the max-

imum permissible speed.

Maximum permissible speed

;

Maximum permitted speed for vehicles for

which the restriction in the additional sign is

relevant

Additional sign for unknown restriction

A maximum permissible speed of 80 km/h

(80 mph) and a speed limit of 60 km/h (60 mph)

with an unknown restriction apply.

No entry (wrong-way warning)

A warning message : is displayed in the instru-

ment cluster if Traffic Sign Assist detects that

you are passing a “no entry” sign and you are

driving in the wrong direction. You will then also

hear a warning tone. You should immediately

check your direction of travel in order to avoid

danger to yourself and other road users.

Lane Tracking package

General notes

The Lane Tracking package consists of Blind

Spot Assist (Y page 192) and Lane Keeping

Assist (Y page 193).

Driving systems

191

Driving and parking

Blind Spot Assist

General notes

Blind Spot Assist monitors the areas on either

side of the vehicle that are not visible to the

driver with two lateral, rear-facing radar sen-

sors. A warning display in the exterior mirrors

draws your attention to vehicles detected in the

monitored area. If you then switch on the cor-

responding turn signal to change lanes, you will

also receive a visual and audible warning.

Blind Spot Assist supports you from a speed of

approximately 30 km/h.

Important safety notes

WARNING

Blind Spot Assist does not react to vehicles:

overtaken too closely on the side, placing

them in the blind spot area

when the difference in the speed of

approach and overtaking is too great

As a result, Blind Spot Assist cannot warn

drivers in these situations. There is a risk of an

accident.

Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-

uation and maintain a safe distance at the side

of the vehicle.

Blind Spot Assist is only an aid. It may fail to

detect some vehicles and is not a substitute for

attentive driving. Always ensure that there is

sufficient distance to the side for other road

users and obstacles.

Radar sensors

The radar sensors for Blind Spot Assist are inte-

grated into the rear bumper. Make sure that the

bumpers are free from dirt, ice or slush. The

sensors must not be covered, e.g. by cycle racks

or overhanging loads. Following a severe impact

or in the event of damage to the bumpers, have

the function of the radar sensors checked at a

qualified specialist workshop. Blind Spot Assist

may no longer work properly in such cases.

Monitoring range of the sensors

In particular, the detection of obstacles can be

impaired in the following situations:

dirt on the sensors or obscured sensors

poor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy rain or

snow

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

motorcycle or a bicycle

very wide lanes

narrow lanes

vehicles not driving in the middle of their lane

barriers or other road boundaries

Vehicles in the monitoring range are then not

indicated.

Blind Spot Assist monitors an area up to 3.0 m

behind your vehicle and directly next to your

vehicle.

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 driv-

ing 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 driving

close to crash barriers or similar solid boun-

daries

warnings may be interrupted when you are

driving alongside particularly long vehicles,

for example lorries, for a prolonged time

Warning display

Blind Spot Assist is not active at speeds below

approximately 30 km/h. Vehicles in the moni-

toring range are then not indicated.

If Blind Spot Assist is activated, indicator

lamp : in the exterior mirrors lights up yellow

192

Driving systems

Driving and parking

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 correspond-

ing side lights up red. This warning always

occurs 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 deac-

tivated.

The brightness of the indicator/warning lamps

is adjusted automatically according to the ambi-

ent light.

Collision warning

If a vehicle is detected in the blind spot moni-

toring range and you switch on the correspond-

ing 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.

Activating Blind Spot Assist

Make sure that Blind Spot Assist is activated

in the on-board computer (Y page 209).

Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition lock.

Warning lamps : in the exterior mirrors light

up red for approximately 1.5 seconds and

then turn yellow.

Towing a trailer

If you couple up a trailer, make sure that you

have correctly established the electrical con-

nection. This can be accomplished by checking

the trailer lighting. Blind Spot Assist is then

deactivated. The indicator lamps in the exterior

mirrors light up yellow and the

Blind SpotBlind Spot

Assist not available when towing a

trailer See Owner's Manualtrailer See Owner's Manual message

appears in the multifunction display.

You can deactivate the indicator lamps in

the exterior mirrors.

To do so, you will need to deactivate 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

Lane Keeping Assist

General notes

Lane Keeping Assist monitors the area in front of

your vehicle by means of multifunction cam-

era : attached at the top of the windscreen.

Lane Keeping Assist detects lane markings on

the road and can warn you before you leave your

lane unintentionally.

This function is available in a speed range

between 60 km/h and 200 km/h.

A warning may be given if a front wheel passes

over a lane marking. It will warn you by means of

intermittent vibration through the steering

wheel for up to 1.5 seconds.

Important safety notes

WARNING

Lane Keeping Assist cannot always clearly

identify lane markings.

In these cases, Lane Keeping Assist may:

give an unnecessary warning

not give a warning

There is a risk of an accident.

Always pay particular attention to the traffic

situation and keep in lane, especially if Lane

Keeping Assist alerts you.

Driving systems

193

Driving and parking

WARNING

The Lane Keeping Assist warning does not

return the vehicle to the original lane. There is

a risk of an accident.

Always steer, apply the brakes or accelerate

the vehicle yourself, especially if Lane Keep-

ing Assist alerts you.

If you fail to adapt your driving style, Lane Keep-

ing Assist can neither reduce the risk of an acci-

dent nor override the laws of physics. Lane

Keeping Assist cannot take into account road,

weather or traffic conditions. Lane Keeping

Assist is only an aid. You are responsible for the

distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle

speed, for braking in good time and for staying in

lane.

Lane Keeping Assist does not keep your vehicle

in its lane.

The system may be impaired or may not function

in the following situations:

Poor visibility, e.g. due to insufficient illumi-

nation of the road, or due to snow, rain, fog or

spray

Glare, e.g. from oncoming traffic, the sun or

reflection from other vehicles (e.g. if the road

surface is wet)

The windscreen is dirty, misted up, damaged

or covered, for instance by a sticker, in the

vicinity of the camera

No or several, unclear lane markings are pres-

ent for one lane, e.g. in a construction area

The lane markings are worn away, dark or

covered up, e.g. by dirt or snow

The distance to the vehicle in front is so small

that the lane markings cannot be detected

The lane markings change quickly, e.g. lanes

branch off, cross one another or merge

The road is narrow and winding

There are highly variable shade conditions on

the roadway

Activating Lane Keeping Assist

Activate Lane Keeping Assist using the on-

board computer; to do so, select

StandardStandard or

AdaptiveAdaptive (Y page 209).

If you drive at speeds above 60 km/h and lane

markings are detected, the lane markings in

the assistance graphics display (Y page 208)

are shown in green.

If StandardStandard is selected, no warning vibration

occurs if:

You have switched on the turn signal. In this

event, the warnings are suppressed for a cer-

tain period of time.

A driving safety system such as ABS, BAS or

ESP

engages.

When

AdaptiveAdaptive is selected, no warning vibra-

tion occurs if:

You have switched on the turn signal. In this

case, the warnings are suppressed for a cer-

tain period of time

A driving safety system such as ABS, BAS or

ESP

engages

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

To ensure that you are warned only when nec-

essary and in good time if you cross the lane

marking, the system detects certain conditions

and warns you accordingly.

The warning vibration occurs earlier in the fol-

lowing situations:

You approach the outer lane marking on a

bend

The road has very wide lanes, e.g. a motorway

The system detects solid lane markings

The warning vibration occurs later in the follow-

ing situations:

The road has narrow lanes

You cut the corner on a bend

Towing a trailer

Important safety notes

WARNING

You could lose control of the vehicle/trailer

combination if it begins to swerve. The vehi-

cle/trailer combination could even overturn.

There is a risk of an accident.

On no account should you attempt to

straighten out the vehicle/trailer combina-

tion by increasing speed. Decrease your

speed and do not countersteer. Brake if nec-

essary.

194

Towing a trailer

Driving and parking

WARNING

If the maximum permissible load for a carrier

system is exceeded, the carrier could come

loose from the vehicle and endanger other

road users. There is a risk of an accident and

injury.

Never exceed the maximum permissible load

when using a carrier.

If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,

changes to the engine cooling system may be

necessary, depending on the vehicle type.

If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,

observe the anchorage points on the chassis.

Retrofitting a trailer tow hitch is only permissible

if a trailer load is specified in your vehicle docu-

ments. If this is not the case, then the vehicle is

not approved for towing a trailer.

For more information, please contact a qualified

specialist workshop.

Exceeding the maximum permissible nose-

weight of the trailer drawbar on the ball coupling

may cause damage to the following:

your vehicle

trailer

ball coupling

trailer tow hitch

The vehicle/trailer combination could become

unstable.

The vehicle/trailer combination could also

become unstable if the noseweight used is lower

than the minimum permissible noseweight.

To avoid hazardous situations:

make sure to check the noseweight before

each journey

the noseweight should be as close as possible

to the maximum noseweight

do not exceed the maximum permissible

noseweight

the noseweight must not be lower than the

minimum permissible noseweight

Make sure that the following values are not

exceeded:

the permissible 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

The applicable permissible values, which must

not be exceeded, can be found:

in your vehicle documents

on the identification plates of the trailer tow

hitch and the trailer

on the vehicle identification plate

If the values differ, the lowest value applies.

You will find the values approved by the manu-

facturer on the identification plates and for the

towing vehicle under "Technical data"

(Y page 334).

WARNING

If you release the ball coupling or it does not

engage correctly when folding in, it will swing

out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,

there is an increased risk of an accident and

injury.

Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting

range is unobstructed. Always make sure that

the ball coupling engages when folding in.

When reversing the towing vehicle, make sure

there is nobody between the trailer and the vehi-

cle.

Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If you

do not couple the trailer to the towing vehicle

correctly, the trailer could become detached.

When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling

characteristics will be different to when driving

without a trailer.

The vehicle/trailer combination:

is heavier

is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-

climbing capability

has an increased braking distance

is affected more by strong crosswinds

demands more sensitive steering

has a larger turning circle

This can impair the vehicle's handling charac-

teristics. Adapt your driving style accordingly.

Maintain a safe distance. Drive carefully.

When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed

to the current road and weather conditions. Do

Towing a trailer

195

Driving and parking

not exceed the maximum permissible speed for

your vehicle/trailer combination.

Notes on towing a trailer

General notes

Trailer towing is not possible on the following

models:

CLA 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY Edition

CLA 250 Sport

CLA 250 Sport 4MATIC

Mercedes‑AMG CLA 45 4MATIC

When towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure on

the rear axle of the towing vehicle for the max-

imum load. Further information on the tyre pres-

sure table in the fuel filler flap (Y page 313).

Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-

lowing driving systems have limited availability

or are not available at all.

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC (Y page 177)

Blind Spot Assist (Y page 192)

The height of the ball coupling changes with the

load of the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer

with a height-adjustable drawbar.

You will find fitting dimensions and loads under

"Technical data" (Y page 334).

Driving tips

Observe the notes on ESP

trailer stabilisation

(Y page 72).

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 maximum

permitted speed is. Observe the legally prescri-

bed maximum speed in the relevant country.

For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-

mum permissible rear axle load is increased

when towing a trailer. See 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 permissible maximum speed for

vehicle/trailer combinations is above

100 km/h.

When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling

characteristics will be different to when driving

without a trailer and the vehicle will consume

more fuel.

Shift into a lower gear in good time on long and

steep downhill gradients. For vehicles with auto-

matic transmission, you need to have selected

manual drive program M (Y page 150).

This also applies if you have activated cruise

control, SPEEDTRONIC or Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC.

This will use the braking effect of the engine, so

less braking will be required to maintain the

vehicle 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.

Briefly depressing the accelerator pedal on

downhill gradients while the manual drive pro-

gram M is temporarily activated (vehicles with

automatic transmission): the automatic trans-

mission may switch back to the last active auto-

matic drive program E or S. The automatic trans-

mission may shift to a higher gear. This can

reduce the engine's braking effect.

Driving tips

Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in

front than when driving without a trailer.

Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen-

tly at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,

increase the braking force rapidly.

The values given for gradient-climbing capa-

bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.

When driving in mountainous areas, note that

the power output of the engine, and conse-

quently the vehicle's gradient-climbing capa-

bility from a standstill, decrease with increas-

ing altitude.

If the trailer swings from side to side:

Do not accelerate under any circumstances

Do not countersteer

Brake, if necessary

196

Towing a trailer

Driving and parking

Folding out the ball coupling

WARNING

If the ball coupling is not correctly engaged,

the trailer can detach. There is a risk of an

accident.

Always engage the ball coupling as described.

WARNING

If you release the ball coupling or it does not

engage correctly when folding in, it will swing

out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,

there is an increased risk of an accident and

injury.

Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting

range is unobstructed. Always make sure that

the ball coupling engages when folding in.

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 luggage compart-

ment.

To open the cover: turn handle : anti-

clockwise, the fold down and remove

cover ;.

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.

The indicator lamp on the release wheel goes

out. The power socket folds down automati-

cally.

The multifunction display shows the

CheckCheck

trailer hitch lock

trailer hitch lock display message until

the ball coupling is engaged.

Remove the protective cap from the ball cou-

pling 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 instructions

for the trailer.

Folding in the ball coupling

WARNING

If you release the ball coupling or it does not

engage correctly when folding in, it will swing

out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,

Towing a trailer

197

Driving and parking

there is an increased risk of an accident and

injury.

Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting

range is unobstructed. Always make sure that

the ball coupling engages when folding in.

Fold the ball coupling in if you are not using

the trailer tow hitch.

Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and

the trailer cables are disconnected.

Place the protective cap on the ball coupling.

The release wheel is located behind the left-

hand side trim panel in the luggage compart-

ment.

To open the cover: turn handle : anti-

clockwise, then fold down and remove

cover ;.

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 until it engages audibly

behind the bumper.

The indicator lamp on the release knob and

the message in the multifunction display go

out.

Coupling up a trailer

Make sure that the transmission is in position

Apply the electric parking brake.

Position the trailer horizontally behind the

vehicle.

Couple up the trailer.

Establish the electric connection between the

vehicle and the trailer.

Check that the trailer lighting system is work-

ing.

A connected trailer is only recognised when

the electrical connection is established cor-

rectly and when the lighting system is working

properly. The function of other systems, such

as ESP

or PARKTRONIC also depends on

this.

Uncoupling a trailer

WARNING

If you uncouple a trailer with an engaged over-

run brake, you could trap your hand between

the vehicle and the trailer drawbar. This poses

a risk of injury.

Do not uncouple a trailer with an engaged

overrun brake.

Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged

overrun brake. Otherwise, your vehicle could

be damaged by the rebounding of the overrun

brake.

Remove the installed adapter cable before

folding in the ball coupling. Otherwise, dam-

age may occur to the rear bumper and the

adapter cable.

Make sure that the transmission is in position

Apply the electric parking brake.

Secure the trailer against rolling away.

Remove the trailer cable and decouple the

trailer.

Trailer power supply

You can connect accessories to the perma-

nent power supply up to a maximum of 240 W.

You cannot charge a trailer battery using the

power supply.

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.

The trailer's permanent power 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 fitting the

trailer electrics at a qualified specialist work-

shop.

To switch the connected power supply on

or off: turn the key to position 2or 0 respec-

tively (Y page 133).

198

Towing a trailer

Driving and parking

Failure check for LEDs

If LED lamps are fitted in the trailer, a malfunc-

tion message may appear in the multifunction

display even if there is no fault. The reason for

the error message may be that the current has

fallen below the minimum of 50 mA.

To ensure reliable operation of the failure indi-

cator, each LED chain in the trailer lighting must

be guaranteed a minimum current of 50 mA.

Trailer with 7-pin connector

General notes

Trailer with 7-pin connector: you can connect

to the 13-pin socket on the ball coupling using

an adapter or, if necessary, an adapter cable.

Both can be obtained at a qualified specialist

workshop.

Fitting the adapter

Make sure that there is sufficient cable play

so that the cable cannot become detached

when cornering.

Remove the installed adapter cable before

folding in the ball coupling. Otherwise, dam-

age may occur to the rear bumper and the

adapter cable.

Open the socket cover.

Insert the plug connector with lug : into

groove = on the socket.

Turn bayonet connection ; clockwise to the

stop.

Let the cover engage.

If you are using an adapter cable, secure the

cable to the trailer with cable ties.

Towing a trailer

199

Driving and parking

Driving and parking for Your Mercedes CLA 4 Door First Generation (2013-2018)

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