Get Safety Guide for Mercedes G Class SUV Third Generation (1990-2018)

Useful information .............................. 38

Panic alarm .......................................... 38

Occupant safety .................................. 38

Children in the vehicle ........................ 54

Driving safety systems ....................... 60

Theft deterrent locking system ......... 64

Safety

Useful information

This Operator's Manual describes all

models and all standard and optional

equipment of your vehicle available at the

time of publication of the Operator's

Manual. Country-specific differences are

possible. Please note that your vehicle may

not be equipped with all features

described. This also applies to safety-

related systems and functions.

Read the information on qualified

specialist workshops: (Y page 24).

Panic alarm

To activate: press ! button : for at

least one second.

An alarm sounds and the indicator lamp

flashes.

To deactivate: press ! button :

again.

Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.

USA only:

This device complies with part 15 of the

FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference,

and

2. this device must accept any interference

received, including interference that may

cause undesired operation of the device.

Any unauthorized modification to this

device could void the user's authority to

operate the equipment.

The Product label with FCC ID and IC

certification number can be found in the

battery case of the SmartKey.

Canada only:

This device complies with the RSS-210

Rules of Industry Canada. Operation is

subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference,

and

2. this device must accept any interference

received, including interference that may

cause undesired operation.

Any unauthorized modification to this

device could void the user's authority to

operate the equipment.

The Product label with FCC ID and IC

certification number can be found in the

battery case of the SmartKey.

Occupant safety

Important safety notes

WARNING

Modifications to the restraint system, may

cause it to no longer work as intended. The

restraint system may then not perform its

intended protective function by failing in an

accident or triggering unexpectedly, for

example. There is an increased risk of injury.

Never modify parts of the restraint system.

Never tamper with the wiring as well as

electronic components or their software.

In this section, you will learn the most

important facts about the restraint system

components of the vehicle.

The restraint system consists of:

Seat belts

Child restraint systems

LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat securing

system

Occupant safety

Safety

Additional protection is provided by:

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)

NECK-PRO head restraints

Air bag system components with:

The 45indicator lamp

Front-passenger seat with BabySmart™

air bag deactivation system

Although the systems are independent, their

protective functions work in conjunction with

each other. Not all air bags are always

deployed in an accident.

Observe the additional information on

infants and children traveling with you in

the vehicle and restraint systems for

infants and children (Y page 54).

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)

Introduction

SRS reduces the risk of occupants coming

into contact with the vehicle's interior in the

event of an accident. It can also reduce the

effect of the forces to which occupants are

subjected during an accident.

SRS consists of:

SRS warning lamps 6

Air bags

Air bag control unit (with crash sensors)

Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) for

seat belts

Seat belt force limiter

SRS warning lamp

SRS functions are checked regularly when

you switch on the ignition and when the

engine is running. Therefore, malfunctions

can be detected in good time.

The 6 SRS warning lamp in the instrument

cluster lights up when the ignition is switched

on. It goes out no later than a few seconds

after the engine is started.

The SRS components are in operational

readiness when the 6 SRS indicator lamp

goes out while the engine is running.

Safety guidelines for seat belts,

Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)

and air bags

WARNING

Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have

been subjected to stress in an accident

must be replaced. Their anchoring points

must also be checked. Only use seat belts

installed or supplied by an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Center.

Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency

Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain

perchlorate material, which may require

special handling and regard for the

environment. Check your national disposal

guidelines. California residents, see

Perchlorate/.

Air bags and ETDs are designed to function

on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD

that has deployed must be replaced.

Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.

They could tear.

Do not make any modification that could

change the effectiveness of the seat belts.

Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may

severely weaken them. In a crash they may

not be able to provide adequate protection.

No modifications of any kind may be made

to any components or wiring of the SRS.

Do not change or remove any component

or part of the SRS.

Do not install additional trim material, seat

covers, badges, etc. over the steering

wheel hub, front-passenger front air bag

cover, outer sides of the seat backrests,

door trim panels, or door frame trims.

Do not install additional electrical/

electronic equipment on or near SRS

components and wiring.

Occupant safety

Safety

Keep area between air bags and occupants

free of objects (e.g. packages, purses,

umbrellas, etc.).

Do not hang items such as coat hangers

from the coat hooks or handles over the

door. These items may be thrown around in

the vehicle and cause head and other

injuries when the window curtain air bag is

deployed.

Air bag system components will be hot after

an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.

Never place your feet on the instrument

panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always

keep both feet on the floor in front of the

seat.

Improper repair work on the SRS creates a

risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or

causing unintended air bag deployment.

Work on the SRS must therefore only be

performed by qualified technicians.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center.

For your protection and the protection of

others, when scrapping the air bag unit or

ETD, our safety instructions must be

followed. These instructions are available

from any authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center.

Given the considerable deployment speed,

required inflation volume, and the material

of the air bags, there is the possibility of

abrasions or other, potentially more serious

injuries resulting from air bag deployment.

If you sell your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz

strongly recommends that you inform the

subsequent owner that the vehicle is

equipped with SRS. Also, refer them to the

applicable section in the Operator's Manual.

Air bags

Important safety notes

WARNING

Air bags are designed to reduce the potential

of injury and fatality in certain

frontal impacts (front air bags)

side impacts (window curtain air bags)

However, no system available today can

completely eliminate injuries and fatalities.

Deployment of the air bags temporarily

releases a small amount of dust from the air

bags. This dust, however, is neither harmful

to your health, nor does it indicate a fire in the

vehicle. The dust might cause some

temporary breathing difficulty for people with

asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid

this, you may wish to get out of the vehicle as

soon as it is safe to do so. If you have any

breathing difficulty but cannot get out of the

vehicle after the air bag inflates, then get fresh

air by opening a window or door.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury when the front air

bags inflate, it is very important for the driver

and front passenger to always be in a properly

seated position and to wear their respective

seat belt.

For maximum protection in the event of a

collision always be in normal seated position

with your back against the seat backrest.

Fasten your seat belt and make sure it is

properly positioned on your body.

Occupant safety

Safety

Since the air bag inflates with considerable

speed and force, a proper seating position

and correct positioning of the hands on the

steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe

distance from the air bag. Occupants who are

not wearing their seat belt, are not seated

properly or are too close to the air bag can be

seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it

inflates with great force instantaneously:

Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in a

position that is as upright as possible with

your back against the seat backrest.

Move the driver's seat as far back as

possible, still permitting proper operation

of vehicle controls. The distance from the

center of the driver's chest to the center of

the air bag cover on the steering wheel

must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) or more.

You should be able to accomplish this by

adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If

you have any difficulties, please contact an

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Do not lean your head or chest close to the

steering wheel or dashboard.

Keep hands on the outside of the steering

wheel rim. Placing hands and arms inside

the rim can increase the risk and potential

severity of hand/arm injury when the driver

front air bag inflates.

Adjust the front passenger seat as far as

possible rearward from the dashboard

when the seat is occupied.

Occupants, especially children, should

never place their bodies or lean their heads

in the area of the door where the window

curtain air bag inflates. This could result in

serious injuries or death should the window

curtain air bag be deployed. Always sit as

upright as possible, wear the seat belt

properly and use an appropriately sized

infant restraint, toddler restraint, or

booster seat recommended for the size and

weight of the child.

Children 12 years old and under must never

ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-

Benz authorized BabySmart™ compatible

child seat, which operates with the

BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system

installed in the vehicle to deactivate the

front passenger front air bag when it is

installed properly. Otherwise they will be

struck by the air bag when it inflates in a

crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury

will result.

Failure to follow these instructions can result

in severe injuries to you or other occupants.

If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you

make the buyer aware of this safety

information. Be sure to give the buyer this

Operator's Manual.

WARNING

Accident research shows that the safest place

for children in an automobile is in a rear seat.

Should you choose to place a child 12 years

old or under in the front passenger seat of

your vehicle, you must properly use a

BabySmart

child restraint which will turn off

the front passenger front air bag.

To help avoid the possibility of injury, please

follow these guidelines:

(1) Always sit as upright as possible,

wear the seat belt properly, and for

children 12 years old and under,

use an appropriately sized infant

restraint, toddler restraint, or

booster seat recommended for the

size and weight of the child.

(2) Always wear seat belts properly.

WARNING

The service life of the air bag is limited to 15

years. After a maximum of 15 years, have the

air bag replaced at a qualified specialist

workshop that has the necessary specialist

knowledge and tools to carry out the work

required. Mercedes-Benz recommends that

you use an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center

for this purpose.

Occupant safety

Safety

In particular, work relevant to safety or on

safety-related systems must be carried out at

a qualified specialist workshop.

The air bags are deployed if the air bag control

unit detects the need for deployment. Only in

the event of such a situation will the air bags

provide their supplemental protection.

If the driver and front passenger do not wear

their seat belts, it is not possible for the air

bags to provide their supplemental

protection.

In the event of other types of impacts and

impacts below air bag deployment

thresholds, the air bags will not deploy. The

driver and passenger will then be protected

to the extent possible by a properly fastened

seat belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also

needed to provide the best possible

protection if the vehicle rolls over.

Air bags provide additional protection; they

are not, however, a substitute for seat belts.

All vehicle occupants must fasten their seat

belts regardless of whether your vehicle is

equipped with air bags or not.

It is important for your safety and that of your

passenger to have deployed air bags replaced

and to have any malfunctioning air bags

repaired. This will help to make sure the air

bags continue to provide supplemental crash

protection for occupants.

Front air bags

WARNING

Observe "Important safety notes"

(Y page 40).

WARNING

Your vehicle is equipped with air bag

technology which disables the front-

passenger air bag if the system recognizes

that the front-passenger seat is empty .

If the front-passenger seat is occupied by an

adult or young person and the 4/

indicator lamp is lit up, the front-passenger air

bag is disabled. If the front-passenger seat is

recognized as empty, the air bag control unit

will not deploy the front-passenger air bag in

the event of a collision.

Ask your passenger to sit correctly on the

front-passenger seat in an upright position

until the 4/ indicator lamp goes out.

If the 4/ indicator lamp does not go

out, please consult an authorized Mercedes-

Benz Center.

Driver's air bag : deploys in front of the

steering wheel; front-passenger front air

bag ; deploys in front of and above the glove

box.

The front air bags increase protection for the

driver's and front-passenger's head, neck and

chest.

They are deployed:

in the event of certain frontal impacts

if the system determines that air bag

deployment can offer additional protection

to that provided by the seat belt

independently of other air bags in the

vehicle

depending on whether the seat belt is being

used

If the vehicle rolls over, the front air bags are

generally not deployed. If the system detects

high vehicle deceleration in a longitudinal

direction, the front air bags are deployed.

Your vehicle is equipped with a dual-stage

driver's air bag and a single-stage front-

passenger front air bag. In the event of a

collision, the air bag control unit evaluates the

Occupant safety

Safety

vehicle deceleration. In the first deployment

stage, the driver's air bag is filled with enough

propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries.

The front-passenger front air bag, however, is

immediately filled with the maximum amount

of propellant gas. The driver's air bag is fully

deployed if a second deployment threshold is

exceeded within a few milliseconds.

The lighter the front passenger, the higher the

vehicle deceleration rate required (predicted

at the start of the impact) for triggering the

front-passenger front air bag.

The front air bags will not deploy in impacts

with vehicle deceleration or acceleration

rates which do not exceed the system’s

preset deployment thresholds for vehicle

deceleration or acceleration. You will then be

protected by the fastened seat belt.

Front-passenger front air bag ; will only

deploy if:

the front-passenger seat is occupied

the 45 indicator lamp on the center

console is not lit (Y page 44)

the impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

The front-passenger air bag is automatically

activated and deactivated. Both driver and

passenger should always check whether the

front-passenger air bag is activated or

deactivated.

The deployment of the driver's air bag does

not mean that the front-passenger air bag will

also deploy. If the system recognizes that the

front-passenger seat is empty, the front-

passenger air bag does not deploy even if the

impact fulfills the criteria and the driver's air

bag has deployed.

If the system detects that the front-passenger

seat is occupied, the 45indicator

lamp lights up for approximately six seconds

if:

you turn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in

the ignition lock.

the engine is running and then you switch

it off.

This indicates the operational readiness of

the front-passenger air bag.

Note that objects placed on the front-

passenger seat may cause the system to

recognize the seat as occupied. This can

result in the deployment of the front-

passenger air bag if the impact fulfills the

specified criteria. If the 45indicator

lamp lights up, the front-passenger front air

bag is disabled and will not be deployed in

certain situations. If the 45indicator

lamp does not light up, the front-passenger

front air bag is enabled and can be deployed.

Window curtain air bags

WARNING

Observe "Important safety notes"

(Y page 40).

Window curtain air bags : enhance the level

of protection for the head, but not chest or

arms, of the vehicle occupants on the side of

the vehicle on which the impact occurs.

Window curtain air bags : are integrated

into the side of the roof frame and deploy in

the area extending from the front door (A-

pillar) to the rear door (C-pillar).

Window curtain air bags : are deployed:

on the side on which an impact occurs

at the start of an accident with a high rate

of lateral vehicle deceleration or

acceleration, e.g. in a side impact

regardless of whether the front-passenger

seat is occupied

Occupant safety

Safety

independently of seat belt use

if the vehicle rolls over and the system

determines that window curtain air bag

deployment can offer additional protection

to that provided by the seat belt

independently of the front air bags

Window curtain air bags will not deploy in

impacts which do not exceed the system's

preset deployment thresholds for lateral

acceleration/deceleration. You will then be

protected by the fastened seat belt.

BabySmart™ air bag deactivation

system

How the air bag deactivation system

works

WARNING

According to accident statistics, children are

safer when properly restrained in the rear

seating positions than in the front seating

position. Thus, we strongly recommend that

children be placed in the rear seats whenever

possible. Regardless of seating position,

children 12 years old and under must be

seated and properly secured in an appropriate

infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster

seat recommended for the size and weight of

the child.

The infant or child restraint must be properly

secured with the vehicle's seat belt, the seat

belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and

top tether strap, fully in accordance with the

child seat manufacturer's instructions.

Occupants, especially children, should always

sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt

properly and use an appropriately sized infant

restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat

recommended for the size and weight of the

child.

Children can be killed or seriously injured by

an inflating air bag. Note the following

important information when circumstances

require you to place a child in the front

passenger seat:

Children 12 years old and under must never

ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-

Benz authorized BabySmart™ compatible

child seat, which operates with the

BabySmart™ system installed in the vehicle

to deactivate the front passenger front air

bag when it is installed properly. Otherwise

they will be struck by the air bag when it

inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious

or fatal injury will result.

A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the

front passenger seat will be seriously

injured or even killed if the front passenger

front air bag inflates in a collision which

could occur under some circumstances,

even with the air bag technology installed

in your vehicle. The only means to

completely eliminate this risk is to never

place a child in a rear-facing child restraint

in the front seat. We therefore strongly

recommend that you always place a child

in a rear-facing child restraint in a backseat.

If you must install a BabySmart™

compatible rear-facing child restraint on

the front passenger seat because

circumstances require you to do so, make

sure the 4/indicator lamp is

illuminated, indicating that the front

passenger front air bag is deactivated.

Should the 4/indicator lamp not

illuminate or go out while the restraint is

installed, please check installation.

Periodically check the 4/indicator

lamp while driving to make sure the

4/indicator lamp is illuminated. If

the 4/indicator lamp goes out or

remains out, do not transport a child on the

front passenger seat until the system has

been repaired.

A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the

front passenger seat will be seriously

Occupant safety

Safety

injured or even killed if the front passenger

front air bag inflates.

If you have to place a child in a forward-

facing child restraint on the front passenger

seat, move the seat as far back as possible,

use the proper child restraint

recommended for the age, size and weight

of the child, and secure child restraint with

the vehicle's seat belt according to the

child seat manufacturer's instructions.

WARNING

When using a BabySmart™ compatible child

seat on the front passenger seat, the front

passenger front air bag will not deploy only if

the 4/indicator lamp remains

illuminated.

Please be sure to check the 4/

indicator lamp every time you use a

BabySmart™ compatible child seat on the

front passenger seat. Should the 4/

indicator lamp go out while the restraint is

installed, please check installation. If the

4/indicator lamp remains out, do not

use the BabySmart™ restraint to transport a

child on the front passenger seat until the

system has been repaired.

WARNING

The BabySmart™ air bag disabling system

ONLY works with specially adapted child

restraint systems. It does not work with child

restraint systems that are not compatible with

BabySmart™.

Never place anything between the seat

cushion and the child restraint system (e.g. a

cushion), as this reduces the effectiveness of

the BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system.

The underside of the child restraint system

must lie against the seat cushion of the front-

passenger seat. In the event of an accident,

an incorrectly installed child restraint system

could injure the child instead of offering

protection.

Observe the manufacturer's instructions

when installing special child restraint

systems.

Your vehicle is equipped with a BabySmart™

system.

Special child restraint systems which are

compatible with BabySmart™ are necessary

for deactivating the front-passenger air bag.

When the special BabySmart™-compatible

child restraint system is installed correctly

and is recognized by the sensor system in the

front-passenger seat, the front-passenger air

bag is deactivated. In this case, 45

indicator lamp : lights up. If you have any

questions regarding the special BabySmart™-

compatible child restraint systems, consult

an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

If the SmartKey has been removed from the

ignition lock or is in position 0, 45

indicator lamp : does not light up.

The system does not disable:

the window curtain air bag

the Emergency Tensioning Device

System self-test

WARNING

Do not leave any switched on notebooks,

mobile phones, electronic tags (e.g. a ski

pass) or similar electronic devices on the

front-passenger seat. Signals emitted from

such devices can interfere with the

BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system.

Such interference can lead to the 45

Occupant safety

Safety

indicator lamp not lighting up during the self-

test.

If the + SRS warning lamp and the

4/ indicator lamp light up

simultaneously in the instrument cluster, the

system is malfunctioning. The front-

passenger air bag could deploy without cause,

or may fail to deploy in the event of an

accident.

Have the system checked as soon as possible

at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

The 45 indicator lamp lights up when

the SmartKey is turned to position 1 or 2 in

the ignition lock.

The 45 indicator lamp goes out after

approximately six seconds.

If the 45 indicator lamp does not light

up or is always lit, then the system is

malfunctioning. Have the BabySmart™

system checked at an authorized Mercedes-

Benz Center before transporting a child on

the front-passenger seat.

For further information, see "Problems with

air bag deactivation system" (Y page 47).

Occupant safety

Safety

Problems with the air bag deactivation system

WARNING

If the 45 indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated when the weight of a typical

adult or someone larger than a small individual has been detected on the passenger seat, do not

allow any occupant to use the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

Problem Possible causes/consequences and MM Solutions

The 45

indicator lamp is

continuously lit.

A special BabySmart™-compatible child restraint system is

mounted on the front-passenger seat.

The front-passenger air bag is therefore disabled.

There is no BabySmart™-compatible child restraint system

mounted on the front-passenger seat. The BabySmart™ system is

malfunctioning.

Have the BabySmart™ system checked as soon as possible at

an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

The 45

indicator lamp does not

light up and/or remain

lit when a BabySmart™-

compatible child

restraint system is

installed on the front-

passenger seat.

The BabySmart™ system is malfunctioning.

Make sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the

child restraint system.

Check that the child restraint system is installed correctly.

If the 45 indicator lamp does not light up, have the

BabySmart™ system checked as soon as possible at an

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Do not transport a child on the front-passenger seat until the

air bag deactivation system has been repaired.

NECK-PRO head restraints

Important safety notes

WARNING

Do not secure any objects (e.g. coat hangers)

on the NECK-PRO head restraints. Otherwise,

the NECK-PRO head restraints may not

function properly, or in the event of a rear-end

collision may not be able offer the level of

protection they are designed to provide.

WARNING

Head restraint covers prevent the NECK-PRO

head restraints from triggering correctly.

Consequently, the NECK-PRO head restraints

cannot provide the intended level of

protection. Do not use head restraint covers.

WARNING

For your protection, drive only with properly

positioned head restraints.

Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close

to the head as possible and the center of the

head restraint supports the back of the head

at eye level. This will reduce the potential for

injury to the head and neck in the event of an

accident or similar situation.

The NECK-PRO head restraints increase

protection to the driver's and the front

passenger's head and neck. The NECK-PRO

head restraints on the driver's and front-

Occupant safety

Safety

passenger seats are moved forwards and

upwards in the event of a rear-end collision of

a certain severity. This provides better head

support.

If the NECK-PRO head restraints have been

triggered in an accident, reset the NECK-PRO

head restraints on the driver’s and front-

passenger seat (Y page 48). Otherwise, the

additional protection will not be available in

the event of another rear-end collision. You

can recognize if NECK-PRO head restraints

have been triggered by the fact that they have

moved forwards and can no longer be

adjusted.

Resetting triggered NECK-PRO head

restraints

WARNING

For safety reasons, have the NECK-PRO head

restraints checked at a qualified specialist

workshop after a rear-end collision.

WARNING

When pushing back the NECK-PRO head

restraint cushion, make sure your fingers do

not become caught between the head

restraint cushion and the cover. Failure to

observe this could result in injuries.

Tilt the top of the NECK-PRO head restraint

cushion forwards in the direction of

arrow :.

Push the NECK-PRO head restraint cushion

down in the direction of arrow ; as far as

it will go.

Firmly push the NECK-PRO head restraint

cushion back in the direction of arrow =

until the cushion engages.

Repeat this procedure for the second

NECK-PRO head restraint.

Resetting the NECK-PRO head restraints

requires a lot of strength. If you have

difficulty resetting the NECK-PRO head

restraints, have this work carried out at a

qualified specialist workshop.

Seat belts

Important safety notes

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only

use seat belts which have been approved

specifically for your vehicle by Mercedes-

Benz.

WARNING

Always fasten your seat belt before driving off.

Always make sure all of your passengers are

properly restrained. You and your passengers

should always wear seat belts.

Failure to wear and properly fasten and

position your seat belt greatly increases your

risk of injuries and their likely severity in an

accident.

If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can

be considerably more severe without your

seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat

belt buckled, you are much more likely to hit

the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from

it. You can be seriously injured or killed.

In the same crash, the possibility of injury or

death is lessened if you are properly wearing

your seat belt. The air bags can only protect

as intended if the occupants are properly

wearing their seat belts.

WARNING

Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat

backrest in an excessively reclined position as

this can be dangerous. You could slide under

the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under

Occupant safety

Safety

it, the seat belt would apply force at the

abdomen or neck. That could cause serious

or even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and

seat belt provide the best restraint when the

wearer is in a position that is as upright as

possible and the seat belt is properly

positioned on the body.

WARNING

Never let more people ride in the vehicle than

there are seat belts available. Make sure

everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly

restrained with a separate seat belt. Never

use a seat belt for more than one person at a

time.

WARNING

Always have damaged seat belts or seat belts

that have been subjected to a load in an

accident replaced and the anchorages

checked.

Only use seat belts that have been approved

by Mercedes-Benz.

Never tamper with seat belts. This can result

in the unintended deployment of the

Emergency Tensioning Devices or the failure

to deploy when necessary.

Do not bleach or dye seat belts, as this may

severely weaken them. In the event of a

collision, they may be unable to provide

adequate protection.

Have all work carried out only by qualified

technicians. Consult a qualified specialist

workshop.

The use of infant or child restraints is required

by law in all 50 states, the District of

Columbia, all U.S. territories and all Canadian

provinces.

Even where this is not the case, all vehicle

occupants should have their seat belts

fastened when the vehicle is in motion.

See "Children in the vehicle"

(Y page 54) for further information on

infants and children traveling in the vehicle,

as well as on child restraint systems.

Correct use of the seat belts

WARNING

CORRECT USE OF SEAT BELTS

Seat belts only work properly if they are

fastened correctly. Never wear seat belts in

any other way than as described in this

section, as that could result in serious

injuries in the event of an accident.

All occupants should wear their seat belt at

all times, because seat belts help reduce

the likelihood of and potential severity of

injuries in accidents, even if the vehicle

overturns. The restraint system installed is

equipped with SRS (driver's air bag, front-

passenger air bag, window curtain air

bags), belt tensioners and belt force

limiters.

The system is designed to enhance the

protection offered to occupants who are

wearing their seat belts correctly, in certain

frontal impacts (front air bags and belt

tensioners) and side impacts (window

curtain air bags and belt tensioners) which

exceed preset deployment thresholds.

Never route the shoulder section of the

seat belt under your arm, across your neck

or anywhere other than across your

shoulder. In the event of a frontal impact,

your body would be moved too far forward.

This would increase the risk of head and

neck injuries. The seat belt would then

apply excessive force to the ribs or

abdomen which could cause severe

internal injuries to organs such as the liver

or spleen.

Adjust the seat belt so that the upper part

of the belt is as close as possible to the

center of the shoulder. It should not touch

the neck. Never route the belt under the

shoulder. The height of the belt outlet can

be altered to ensure correct usage.

The lap belt should be routed as low as

possible across the hips, not across the

abdomen. If the lap belt is routed across the

Occupant safety

Safety

abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in

the event of an impact.

Never route the seat belt over rigid or

fragile objects in or on your clothing, such

as eyeglasses, pens, keys etc, as this could

cause injuries.

Always ensure that the seat belt is routed

correctly. This is particularly important if

you are wearing loose clothing.

Only one person should use each seat belt

at any one time. Never use a seat belt to

restrain more than one person or route the

belt around additional objects.

Never wear seat belts when they are

twisted. Otherwise, in the event of an

impact, the full width of the seat belt is

unavailable to distribute the force of the

impact. The twisted seat belt routed across

your body could cause injuries.

Pregnant women should also wear a three-

point seat belt. The lap belt must always

pass across your lap as low down as

possible, i.e. across your hips; not across

your abdomen.

The seat backrest should be set as close to

vertical as possible.

Check the seat belt during the journey in

order to make sure that it is correctly

positioned.

Never rest your feet on the dashboard or

the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor

in front of the seat.

When using a seat belt to secure an infant

restraint system, child restraint system or

a child on a booster seat, always follow the

child seat manufacturer's instructions.

Fastening seat belts

Important safety notes

WARNING

According to accident statistics, children are

safer when properly restrained on the rear

seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus,

we strongly recommend that children be

placed in the rear seat whenever possible.

Regardless of seating position, children 12

years old and under must be seated and

properly secured in an appropriately sized

child restraint system or booster seat

recommended for the size and weight of the

child. For additional information, see the

"Children in the vehicle" section.

A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is

significantly increased if the child restraints

are not properly secured in the vehicle and/

or the child is not properly secured in the child

restraint.

WARNING

Children 12 years old and under must never

ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-

Benz authorized BabySmart™ compatible

child seat, which operates with the

BabySmart™ system installed in the vehicle

to deactivate the front passenger front air bag

when it is installed properly. Otherwise they

will be struck by the air bag when it inflates in

a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury

will result.

Three-point seat belt, front

Occupant safety

Safety

Adjust the seat and move the backrest to

an almost vertical position (Y page 84).

Pull the seat belt smoothly through belt

sash guide :.

Without twisting it, guide the shoulder

section of the seat belt across the middle

of your shoulder and the lap section across

your hips.

Engage belt tongue ; in buckle =.

If necessary, adjust the seat belt to the

appropriate height (Y page 52).

If necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder

section of the seat belt to tighten the belt

across your body.

Further information on releasing the seat

belts with release button ?(Y page 52).

Three-point seat belt in the rear, center

Bracket for seat belt tongues

;

Belt buckle for fixed belt tongue

Release button for fixed belt tongue

Fixed belt tongue

Belt buckle for moveable belt tongue

Release button for moveable belt tongue

Moveable belt tongue

Pull both seat belt tongues ? and C from

bracket :.

Pull the seat belt smoothly from the seat

belt retractor.

Engage fixed seat belt tongue ? in

buckle ;.

Occupant safety

Safety

Pull movable seat belt tongue C and route

the seat belt across your body. Without

twisting it, guide the shoulder section of the

seat belt across the middle of your shoulder

and the lap section across your hips.

Engage movable seat belt tongue C in

buckle A.

If necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder

section of the seat belt to tighten the belt

across your body.

Further information on releasing the seat

belts with release buttons B and

=(Y page 52).

Special seat belt retractor

All seat belts in the vehicle with the exception

of the driver's are equipped with a special

seat belt retractor, to which a child restraint

system can be secured. For further

information on the "special seat belt

retractor" (Y page 56).

Belt height adjustment

You can adjust the belt height on the driver's

and front-passenger seat, as well as on the

outer rear seats.

Adjust the height so that the upper part of the

seat belt is routed across the center of your

shoulder.

To raise: slide the belt sash guide upwards.

The belt sash guide engages in various

positions.

To lower: draw belt sash guide

release : forwards and hold it.

Slide the belt sash guide downwards.

Let go of belt sash guide release : and

make sure that the belt sash guide has

engaged.

Releasing seat belts

Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled

up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue

will be trapped in the door or in the seat

mechanism. This could damage the door,

the door trim panel and the seat belt.

Damaged seat belts can no longer fulfill

their protective function and must be

replaced. Visit a qualified specialist

workshop.

Occupant safety

Safety

Press release button ? of buckle = and

guide belt tongue ; back towards belt

sash guide :.

Belt warning for the driver and front

passenger

The 7 seat belt warning lamp in the

instrument cluster is a reminder for all

occupants to fasten their seat belts.

Regardless of whether the driver's and front-

passenger seat belts have already been

fastened, the 7 seat belt warning lamp

lights up for six seconds each time the engine

is started. It then goes out once the driver and

the front passenger have fastened their seat

belts.

If the driver and/or front passenger have not

fastened their seat belts after the engine has

been started, an additional warning tone

sounds. This warning tone switches off after

approximately six seconds or once the

driver's seat belt is fastened.

If after six seconds, the driver or front

passenger have not fastened their seat belts

and the doors are closed:

the 7 seat belt warning lamp remains

illuminated as long as either the driver's or

front-passenger seat belt is not fastened

and if vehicle speed once exceeds

15 mph (25 km/h), the 7 seat belt

warning lamp lights up. A warning tone also

sounds with increasing intensity for a

maximum of 60 seconds or until the driver

or front-passenger seat belt has been

fastened.

If the driver or front-passenger seat belt is

unfastened while the vehicle is in motion, the

7 seat belt warning lamps light up and a

warning tone sounds again.

The warning tone ceases even if the driver or

front-passenger seat belt has still not been

fastened after 60 seconds. The 7 seat belt

warning lamp stops flashing but remains

illuminated.

After the vehicle comes to a standstill, the

warning tone is reactivated and the 7 seat

belt warning lamp flashes again if the vehicle

speed again exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h).

The 7 seat belt warning lamp only goes

out if:

both the driver and the front passenger

have fastened their seat belts.

the vehicle is stationary and a door is open.

Further information about the 7 seat

belt warning lamp (Y page 243).

Emergency Tensioning Devices, seat

belt force limiters

WARNING

Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be

replaced.

For your safety, when disposing of the

pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety

instructions. These are available at any

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Occupant safety

Safety

If the co-driver's seat is unoccupied, do

not insert the belt tongue into the buckle of

the co-driver's seat. This may otherwise

lead to the triggering of the Emergency

Tensioning Device in the event of an

accident, which will then need to be

replaced.

In order to ensure that the pyrotechnic

Emergency Tensioning Devices have not

been triggered, always have the seat belts

checked after an accident.

If the Emergency Tensioning Devices have

been triggered, they must be replaced.

The seat belts for the front seats and rear

outer seats are equipped with Emergency

Tensioning Devices and seat belt force

limiters.

The ETDs on the driver's and front-passenger

seat consist of pyrotechnic belt buckle

tensioners and belt anchor installation

tensioners that are triggered together. The

belt buckle tensioner is mounted on the B-

pillar and the belt anchor installation is

mounted on the side of the seat. After

deploying, both tensioners must always be

replaced.

The ETDs tighten the seat belts in an accident,

pulling them close against the body.

The ETDs do not correct incorrect seat

positions or incorrectly fastened seat belts.

The ETDs do not pull vehicle occupants back

towards the backrest.

Seat belt force limiters, when activated, are

employed to help reduce the peak force

exerted by the seat belts on occupants during

a crash.

The front seat belt force limiters are

synchronized with the front air bags, which

take on a part of the deceleration force. Thus,

the force exerted on the occupant is

distributed over a greater area.

The ETDs can only be activated when:

the SmartKey is in position 1 or 2 in the

ignition lock.

the restraint systems are operational; see

"SRS warning lamp" (Y page 39).

the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on

each of the lap-shoulder belts in the front

the front-passenger seat is occupied and

the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on

the front-passenger side

The Emergency Tensioning Devices are

triggered depending on the type and severity

of an accident, if:

in the event of a head-on or rear-end

collision, the vehicle decelerates or

accelerates rapidly in a longitudinal

direction during the initial stages of the

impact

in the event of a side impact, on the side

opposite the impact the vehicle

decelerates or accelerates rapidly in a

lateral direction

in certain situations where the vehicle rolls

over, the system determines that it can

provide additional protection

If the ETDs are deployed, you will hear a bang,

and a small amount of powder may also be

released. Only in rare cases will the bang

affect your hearing. The powder that is

released generally does not constitute a

health hazard. The 6 SRS warning lamp

lights up.

Children in the vehicle

Child restraint systems

Important safety notes

WARNING

According to accident statistics, children are

safer when properly restrained in the rear

seating positions than in the front seating

position. Thus, we strongly recommend that

children be placed in the rear seats whenever

Children in the vehicle

Safety

possible. Regardless of seating position,

children 12 years old and under must be

seated and properly secured in an appropriate

infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster

seat recommended for the size and weight of

the child.

The infant or child restraint must be properly

secured with the vehicle's seat belt, the seat

belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and

top tether strap, fully in accordance with the

child seat manufacturer's instructions.

Occupants, especially children, should always

sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt

properly and use an appropriately sized infant

restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat

recommended for the size and weight of the

child.

Children can be killed or seriously injured by

an inflating air bag. Note the following

important information when circumstances

require you to place a child in the front

passenger seat:

Children 12 years old and under must never

ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-

Benz authorized BabySmart™ compatible

child seat, which operates with the

BabySmart™ system installed in the vehicle

to deactivate the front passenger front air

bag when it is installed properly. Otherwise

they will be struck by the air bag when it

inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious

or fatal injury will result.

A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the

front passenger seat will be seriously

injured or even killed if the front passenger

front air bag inflates in a collision which

could occur under some circumstances,

even with the air bag technology installed

in your vehicle. The only means to

completely eliminate this risk is to never

place a child in a rear-facing child restraint

in the front seat. We therefore strongly

recommend that you always place a child

in a rear-facing child restraint in a backseat.

If you must install a rear-facing child

restraint on the front passenger seat

because circumstances require you to do

so, make sure the 4/indicator

lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front

passenger front air bag is deactivated.

Should the 4/indicator lamp not

illuminate or go out while the restraint is

installed, please check installation.

Periodically check the 4/indicator

lamp while driving to make sure the

4/indicator lamp is illuminated. If

the 4/indicator lamp goes out or

remains out, do not transport a child on the

front passenger seat until the system has

been repaired.

A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the

front passenger seat will be seriously

injured or even killed if the front passenger

front air bag inflates.

If you have to place a child in a forward-

facing child restraint on the front passenger

seat, move the seat as far back as possible,

use the proper child restraint

recommended for the age, size and weight

of the child, and secure child restraint with

the vehicle's seat belt according to the

child seat manufacturer's instructions.

WARNING

Infants and small children should never share

a seat belt with another occupant. In the event

of an accident, they could be crushed

between the occupant and seat belt.

A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is

significantly increased if the child restraints

are not properly secured in the vehicle and/

or the child is not properly secured in the child

restraint.

Children that are too large for a child restraint

must travel in seats using normal seat belts.

Position the shoulder belt across the chest

and shoulder, not the face or neck. A booster

seat may be necessary to achieve proper seat

belt positioning for children over 41 lbs

(18 kg) until they reach a height where a lap/

shoulder belt fits properly without a booster

seat.

Children in the vehicle

Safety

When the child restraint is not in use, remove

it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat

belt to prevent the child restraint from

becoming a projectile in the event of an

accident.

WARNING

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the

SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take

the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.

Do not leave children unattended in the

vehicle, even if they are secured in a child

restraint system, or with access to an

unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised

access to a vehicle could result in an accident

and/or serious personal injury. The children

could:

injure themselves on parts of the vehicle

be seriously or fatally injured through

excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold

injure themselves or cause an accident with

vehicle equipment that can be operated

even if the SmartKey is removed from the

ignition lock or removed from the vehicle,

such as seat adjustment, steering wheel

adjustment, or the memory function

If children open a door, they could injure other

persons or get out of the vehicle and injure

themselves or be injured by following traffic.

Do not expose the child restraint system to

direct sunlight. The child restraint system's

metal parts, for example, could become very

hot, and the child could be burned on these

parts.

WARNING

Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the

passenger compartment or trunk unless they

are firmly secured in place.

Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo

increases a child's risk of injury in the event

strong braking maneuvers

sudden changes of direction

an accident

We recommend that all infants and children

be properly restrained using the infant or

child restraint systems at all times while the

vehicle is in motion.

Always use a child restraint system that is

compatible with BabySmart™ on the front-

passenger seat.

The use of infant or child restraints is required

by law in all 50 states, the District of

Columbia, all U.S. territories and all Canadian

provinces.

Infants and small children must be seated in

an appropriate infant or child restraint system

recommended for the size and weight of the

child. The infant or child restraint system

must be properly secured in accordance with

the manufacturer's instructions. All infant or

child restraint systems must comply with the

U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

213 and 225 and Canadian Motor Vehicle

Safety Standards 213 and 210.2.

Confirmation that the child restraint system

corresponds to the standards can be found

on an instruction label on the child restraint

system. This confirmation can also be found

in the installation instructions that are

included with the child restraint system.

Always read and follow the manufacturer's

instructions when using an infant or child

restraint system or booster seat.

Observe the warning labels in the vehicle

interior or on the infant or child restraint.

If an infant or child is traveling in the vehicle:

Secure the child with a child or infant seat

restraint system appropriate to the age and

weight of the child.

Make sure that the infant or child is

properly secured at all times while the

vehicle is in motion.

Special seat belt retractor

WARNING

Observe "Important safety notes"

(Y page 54).

Children in the vehicle

Safety

WARNING

Never release the seat belt buckle while the

vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt

retractor will be deactivated.

All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are

equipped with a special seat belt retractor.

When activated, the special seat belt

retractor ensures that the seat belt will not

slacken once the child restraint system has

been secured.

Installing a child restraint system:

Always comply with the manufacturer's

installation instructions.

Pull the seat belt smoothly from the seat

belt retractor.

Engage the seat belt tongue in the belt

buckle.

Activating the special seat belt retractor:

Pull the seat belt out fully and let the seat

belt retractor retract it again.

While the seat belt is retracting, you should

hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat

belt retractor is activated.

Push down on the child restraint system to

take up any slack.

Removing a child restraint system/

deactivating the special seat belt retractor:

Always comply with the manufacturer's

installation instructions.

Press the release button on the seat belt

buckle.

Guide the seat belt tongue into the belt

outlet.

The special seat belt retractor is

deactivated.

LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat anchors

in the rear

WARNING

Observe "Important safety notes"

(Y page 54).

WARNING

Children that are too large for a child restraint

must travel in seats using normal seat belts.

Position shoulder belt across the chest and

shoulder, not face or neck.

A booster seat may be necessary to achieve

proper seat belt positioning for children over

41 lb (18 kg) until they reach a height where

a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a

booster.

Install the child restraint system in

accordance with the manufacturer's

instructions.

Attach the child restraint system to both

securing rings.

An incorrectly installed child restraint system

could come loose during an accident and

seriously or even fatally injure the child.

Child restraint systems or child seat securing

rings that are malfunctioning or damaged as

the result of a collision must be replaced.

When installing the child restraint system,

make sure that the seat belt for the middle

seat does not get trapped. The seat belt

could otherwise be damaged.

LATCH-type (ISOFIX) is a standardized

securing system for specially designed child

restraint systems on the rear seats. Securing

rings for two LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child

restraint systems are installed on the left and

right of the rear seats.

Before every trip, make sure that the LATCH-

type (ISOFIX) child restraint system is

engaged correctly in both securing rings

Secure non-LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child

restraint systems using the vehicle's seat belt

system. Install the child seat according to the

manufacturer's instructions.

Children in the vehicle

Safety

Securing ring

Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child

restraint system. Comply with the

manufacturer's instructions when

installing the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child

restraint system.

When an LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child

restraint system is installed, make sure

that the center seat belt in the rear

compartment is fully functional and can

move freely.

Top Tether

WARNING

Observe "Important safety notes"

(Y page 54).

WARNING

Always engage the rear seat backrests in an

upright position before installing the Top

Tether belt. Push and pull the rear seat

backrests to check whether they are engaged

correctly. If the seat backrest is not locked

properly, the seat backrest could fold. The

child seat would no longer be supported

properly or positioned to provide its intended

benefit. That could cause serious or even fatal

injuries.

WARNING

Only use the described top tether anchorage

rings for the respective child seat. Other

lashing eyelets could tear in case of an

accident. Make sure the top tether straps are

not crossed or twisted and the hook is

attached and closed properly.

Top Tether provides an additional connection

between a child restraint system, secured

with a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat mount,

and the rear seat. This helps reduce the risk

of injury even further.

Remove cargo compartment cover

(Y page 261).

Move the head restraint upwards.

Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child

restraint system with Top Tether. Comply

with the manufacturer's installation

instructions when doing so.

Route Top Tether belt = under the head

restraint between the two head restraint

bars.

Attach Top Tether hook : to Top Tether

anchorage ; on the cargo compartment

floor.

Hook Top Tether hook : of Top Tether belt

= into Top Tether anchorage ;.

Children in the vehicle

Safety

Make sure that:

Top Tether hook : is hooked into Top

Tether anchorage ; as shown.

Top Tether belt = is not twisted.

Make sure that Top Tether belt = is not

twisted.

Tension Top Tether belt =. Comply with

the manufacturer's installation

instructions when doing so.

Move head restraint back down again

slightly if necessary (Y page 86). Make

sure that you do not interfere with the

correct routing of Top Tether belt =.

Child-proof locks

Important safety notes

WARNING

When children ride on the vehicle's rear seats,

activate the override switch. Otherwise, the

children could be injured, e.g. by trapping

themselves in the rear side window.

WARNING

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the

SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take

the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.

Do not leave children unattended in the

vehicle, even if they are secured in a child

restraint system, or with access to an

unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised

access to a vehicle could result in an accident

and/or serious personal injury. The children

could:

injure themselves on parts of the vehicle

be seriously or fatally injured through

excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold

injure themselves or cause an accident with

vehicle equipment that can be operated

even if the SmartKey is removed from the

ignition lock or removed from the vehicle,

such as seat adjustment, steering wheel

adjustment, or the memory function

If children open a door, they could injure other

persons or get out of the vehicle and injure

themselves or be injured by following traffic.

Do not expose the child restraint system to

direct sunlight. The child restraint system's

metal parts, for example, could become very

hot, and the child could be burned on these

parts.

Child-proof locks for the rear doors

WARNING

Children could open a rear door from inside

the vehicle. This could result in serious

injuries or an accident. Therefore, when

children ride in the rear always secure the rear

doors with the child-proof locks.

You secure each door individually with the

child-proof locks on the rear doors. A door

secured with a child-proof lock cannot be

opened from inside the vehicle. When the

vehicle is unlocked, the door can be opened

from the outside.

To activate: press the child-proof lock

lever down in the direction of arrow ;.

Make sure that the child-proof locks are

working properly.

To deactivate: press the child-proof lock

lever up in the direction of arrow :.

Children in the vehicle

Safety

Override feature for the rear side

windows

WARNING

When children ride on the vehicle's rear seats,

activate the override switch. Otherwise, the

children could be injured, e.g. by trapping

themselves in the rear side window.

To activate/deactivate: press button :.

If indicator lamp ; is lit, operation of the

rear side windows is disabled. Operation is

only possible using the switches in the

driver's door. If indicator lamp ; is off,

operation is possible using the switches in

the rear compartment.

Driving safety systems

Overview of driving safety systems

In this section, you will find information about

the following driving safety systems:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

(Y page 61)

BAS (Brake Assist System) (Y page 61)

Adaptive brake lights (Y page 62)

ESP

(Electronic Stability Program)

(Y page 62)

EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution)

(Y page 64)

ADAPTIVE BRAKE (Y page 64)

Trailer stabilization

Important safety notes

WARNING

The ABS, the BAS, and the ESP

switch off

when the differential locks are switched on.

When the ABS, the BAS, and the ESP

are

switched off

wheels may lock during hard braking

steering capabilities are reduced

braking distance is increased

vehicle stability in standard driving

maneuvers is increased

Make sure the differential locks are switched

on at all times except when driving off-road

for example. Switch on the differential locks

immediately when returning from off-road

driving.

If you fail to adapt your driving style or

become distracted, the driving safety

systems can neither reduce the risk of

accident nor override the laws of physics.

Driving safety systems are merely aids

designed to assist driving. You are

responsible for the distance to the vehicle in

front, for vehicle speed and for braking in

good time. Always adapt your driving style to

suit the prevailing road and weather

conditions and maintain a safe distance from

the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.

Please note that the driving safety

systems described only work as effectively

as possible if there is adequate contact

between the tires and the road surface. Pay

particular attention to the information

regarding tires, recommended minimum

tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and

tires" section (Y page 312).

In wintry driving conditions, always use

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

snow chains. Only in this way will the

driving safety systems described in this

section work as effectively as possible.

Driving safety systems

Safety

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Important safety notes

Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 60).

WARNING

If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems

such as the BAS or the ESP

are also switched

off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that

may come on as well as messages in the

multifunction display that may appear.

If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock

during hard braking, reducing the steering

capability and extending the braking distance.

WARNING

If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when

braking. The steerability and braking

characteristics may be severely impaired.

Additionally, further driving safety systems

are deactivated. There is an increased danger

of skidding and accidents.

Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked

immediately at a qualified specialist

workshop.

ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way

that the wheels do not lock when you brake.

This allows you to continue steering the

vehicle when braking.

Provided that the differential locks are not

active, ABS works from a speed of about

5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-

surface conditions. ABS works on slippery

surfaces, even if you only brake gently.

The yellow ! ABS warning lamp in the

instrument cluster lights up when the ignition

is switched on. It goes out when the engine is

running.

Braking

If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel

a pulsing in the brake pedal.

If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the

brake pedal vigorously until the braking

situation is over.

To make a full brake application:

depress the brake pedal with full force.

The pulsating brake pedal can be an

indication of hazardous road conditions, and

functions as a reminder to take extra care

while driving.

Off-road ABS

If the LOW RANGE shift range is selected by

the transfer case, (Y page 194), an ABS

system specifically suited to off-road terrain

is automatically activated.

At speeds below 37 mph (60 km/h), the front

wheels lock cyclically during braking. The

digging-in effect achieved in the process

reduces the stopping distance on off-road

terrain. This limits steering capability.

BAS (Brake Assist System)

Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 60).

WARNING

If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance

in an emergency braking situation is

increased. There is a risk of an accident.

In an emergency braking situation, depress

the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents

the wheels from locking.

BAS operates in emergency braking

situations. If you depress the brake pedal

quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking

force, thus shortening the stopping distance.

Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until

the emergency braking situation is over.

ABS prevents the wheels from locking.

The brakes will function as usual once you

release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.

Driving safety systems

Safety

Adaptive brake lights

If you brake sharply from a speed of more

than 30 mph (50 km/h) or if braking is

assisted by BAS, the brake lamps flash

rapidly. In this way, traffic traveling behind

you is warned in an even more noticeable

manner.

If you brake sharply from a speed of more

than 45 mph (70 km/h) to a standstill, the

hazard warning lamps are activated

automatically. If the brakes are applied again,

the brake lamps light up continuously. If you

drive faster than 6 mph (10 km/h), the hazard

warning lamps are deactivated automatically.

You can also switch off the hazard warning

lamps using the hazard warning button

(Y page 104).

ESP

(Electronic Stability Program)

Important safety notes

Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 60).

WARNING

If ESP

is malfunctioning, ESP

is unable to

stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further

driving safety systems are deactivated. This

increases the risk of skidding and an accident.

Drive on carefully. Have ESP

checked at a

qualified specialist workshop.

Only operate the vehicle for a maximum

of ten seconds on a brake test

dynamometer. Switch off the ignition.

Application of the brakes by ESP

may

otherwise destroy the brake system.

A function or performance test should

only be carried out on a two-axle

dynamometer. Before you operate the

vehicle on such a dynamometer, please

consult a qualified workshop. You could

otherwise damage the drive train or the

brake system.

ESP

monitors driving stability and traction.

Traction is the power transmission between

the tires and the road surface.

ESP

is deactivated if the å warning lamp

in the instrument cluster lights up

continuously when the engine is running.

If the ÷ warning lamp and the å

warning lamp are lit continuously, ESP

is not

available due to a malfunction.

Observe the information on warning lamps

(Y page 247) and any display messages that

appear in the instrument cluster

(Y page 221).

If ESP

detects that the vehicle is deviating

from the direction desired by the driver, one

or more wheels are braked to stabilize the

vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also

modified to keep the vehicle on the desired

course within physical limits. ESP

assists

the driver when pulling away on wet or

slippery roads. ESP

can also stabilize the

vehicle during braking.

If ESP

intervenes, the ÷ warning lamp

flashes in the instrument cluster.

If ESP

intervenes:

Do not deactivate ESP

under any

circumstances.

Only depress the accelerator pedal as far

as necessary when pulling away.

Adapt your driving style to suit the

prevailing road and weather conditions.

Only use wheels with the recommended

tire sizes. Only then will ESP

function

properly.

If differential locks are switched on, ABS,

BAS and ESP

switch themselves off

automatically.

4ETS (Electronic Traction System)

Traction control remains active if you

deactivate ESP

Driving safety systems

Safety

If appropriate for the driving conditions,

engage the LOW RANGE off-road gear

(Y page 194).

Traction control is part of ESP

Traction control brakes the drive wheels

individually if they spin. This enables you to

pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,

for example if the road surface is slippery on

one side. In addition, more drive torque is

transferred to the wheel or wheels with

traction.

Traction control remains active if you

deactivate ESP

At speeds above approximately 37 mph

(60 km/h), traction control is no longer

active.

Traction control brakes the drive wheels

individually if they spin. This enables you to

pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,

for example if the road surface is slippery on

one side. In addition, more drive torque is

transferred to the wheel or wheels with

traction.

Deactivating/activating ESP

WARNING

If you deactivate ESP

, ESP

no longer

stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased

risk of skidding and an accident.

Only deactivate ESP

in the situations

described in the following.

Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an

extended period with ESP

deactivated.

You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.

To deactivate: press button : until the

å warning lamp lights up in the

instrument cluster.

To activate: press button : until the

å warning lamp goes out in the

instrument cluster.

ESP

is activated automatically when the

engine is started.

Vehicles with the ECO start/stop

function: the ECO start/stop function

automatically switches the engine off when

the vehicle comes to a stop. The engine

starts automatically when the driver wants

to pull away again. ESP

remains in its

previously selected status. Example: if

ESP

was deactivated before the engine

was switched off, ESP

remains

deactivated when the engine is switched on

again.

It may be best to deactivate ESP

in the

following situations:

when using snow chains

in deep snow

on sand or gravel

If you deactivate ESP

ESP

no longer improves driving stability.

the engine's torque is no longer limited and

the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of

the wheels results in a cutting action, which

provides better grip.

traction control is still activated.

Driving safety systems

Safety

ESP

still provides support when you

brake.

and are driving above 37 mph (60 km/h)

(on AMG vehicles above 62 mph

(100 km/h)), ESP

still intervenes when

one wheel reaches its grip limit even

though it is switched off.

If ESP

is deactivated and one or more

wheels start to spin, the ÷ warning lamp

in the instrument cluster flashes. In such

situations, ESP

will not stabilize the

vehicle.

If you have switched off ESP

, it switches

on again automatically at speeds above

37 mph (60 km/h) (on AMG vehicles above

62 mph (100 km/h)) or if you have

exceeded a certain lateral acceleration.

Trailer stabilization

WARNING

If road and weather conditions are poor,

trailer stabilization will not be able to prevent

the vehicle/trailer combination from

swerving. Trailers with a high center of gravity

can tip over before ESP

can detect this.

There is a risk of an accident.

Always adapt your driving style to the

prevailing road and weather conditions.

Trailer stabilization does not work if ESP

deactivated because of a malfunction.

If your vehicle with trailer (vehicle/trailer

combination) begins to lurch, you can only

stabilize the vehicle/trailer combination by

depressing the brake firmly.

In this situation, ESP

assists you and can

detect if the vehicle/trailer combination

begins to lurch. ESP

slows the vehicle down

by braking and limiting the engine output until

the vehicle/trailer combination has

stabilized.

Trailer stabilization is active above speeds of

about 37 mph (60 km/h).

EBD (electronic brake force

distribution)

Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 60).

WARNING

If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can

still lock, e.g. under full braking. This

increases the risk of skidding and an accident.

You should therefore adapt your driving style

to the different handling characteristics. Have

the brake system checked at a qualified

specialist workshop.

Observe information regarding indicator and

warning lamps (Y page 245) as well as

display messages (Y page 223).

EBD monitors and controls the brake

pressure on the rear wheels to improve

driving stability while braking.

ADAPTIVE BRAKE

ADAPTIVE BRAKE provides increased braking

safety. In addition to the braking function,

ADAPTIVE BRAKE also has the HOLD function

(Y page 188) and hill start assist

(Y page 141).

Theft deterrent locking system

Immobilizer

To activate: remove the SmartKey from

the ignition lock.

To deactivate: switch on the ignition.

The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from

being started without the correct SmartKey.

When leaving the vehicle, always take the

SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The

engine can be started by anyone with a valid

SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.

The immobilizer is always deactivated

when you start the engine.

Theft deterrent locking system

Safety

In the event that the engine cannot be

started when the starter battery is fully

charged, the immobilizer may be faulty.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the

USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).

ATA (anti-theft alarm system)

To arm: lock the vehicle with the

SmartKey.

Indicator lamp : flashes. The alarm

system is armed after approximately

15 seconds.

To deactivate: unlock the vehicle with the

SmartKey.

If you then do not open a door or the rear

door, the alarm system switches back on

again after approximately 40 seconds.

To stop the alarm: insert the SmartKey

into the ignition lock.

The alarm is switched off.

Press the % or & button on the

SmartKey.

The alarm is switched off.

A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the

alarm system is armed and you open:

a door

a door using the mechanical key

the rear door

the hood

The alarm is also triggered if:

the position of the vehicle is changed.

a window is smashed.

The alarm is not switched off, even if you

close the open door that has triggered it,

for example.

i If the alarm stays on for more than

30 seconds, the Tele Aid system

automatically initiates a call to the

Customer Assistance center. The mbrace

emergency call system initiates the call if:

you have subscribed to the Tele Aid

service.

the Tele Aid service has been activated

properly.

the required mobile phone, power supply

and GPS are available.

Theft deterrent locking system

Safety

Safety for Your Mercedes G Class SUV Third Generation (1990-2018)

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