Get Driving and parking Guide for Mercedes GLA SUV First Generation (2013-2019)

Useful information ............................ 142

Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle

............................................................. 142

Driving ............................................... 142

Automatic transmission ................... 148

Refueling ............................................ 157

Parking ............................................... 159

Driving tips ........................................ 162

Driving systems ................................ 172

141

Driving and parking

Useful information

This Operator's Manual describes all

models and all standard and optional equip-

ment 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 special-

ist workshops (Y page 28).

Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle

Important safety notes

The sensor system of some driving and driv-

ing safety systems adjusts automatically

while a certain distance is being driven after

the vehicle has been delivered or after

repairs. Full system effectiveness is not

reached until the end of this teach-in proce-

dure.

New and replaced brake pads and discs only

reach their optimum braking effect after sev-

eral hundred kilometers of driving. Compen-

sate for this by applying greater force to the

brake pedal.

The first 1000 miles (1500 km)

The more you look after the engine when it is

new, the more satisfied you will be with its

performance in the future.

You should therefore drive at varying vehi-

cle and engine speeds for the first

1000 miles (1500 km).

Avoid heavy loads, e.g. driving at full throt-

tle, during this period.

Change gear in good time, before the tach-

ometer needle is Ô of the way to the red

area of the tachometer.

Do not manually shift to a lower gear to

brake the vehicle.

Try to avoid depressing the accelerator

pedal beyond the point of resistance (kick-

down).

Ideally, for the first 1000 miles (1500 km),

drive in program E.

After 1,000 miles (1,500 km), you can

increase the engine speed gradually and bring

the vehicle to full speed.

Additional breaking-in notes for AMG vehi-

cles:

Do not drive faster than 85 mph

(140 km/h) for the first 1,000 miles

(1,500 km).

Only allow the engine to reach a maximum

engine speed of 4,500 rpm briefly.

Change gear in good time.

You should also observe these notes on

breaking-in if the engine or parts of the

drive train on your vehicle have been

replaced.

Always observe the respective speed lim-

its.

Driving

Important safety notes

WARNING

Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the

pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.

The operating and road safety of the vehicle is

jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.

Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are

stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter

the driver's footwell. Install the floormats

securely and as specified in order to ensure

sufficient clearance for the pedals. Do not use

loose floormats and do not place floormats on

top of one another.

142

Driving

Driving and parking

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.

Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use

the engine's full performance until it has

reached operating temperature.

Only shift the automatic transmission to

the desired drive position when the vehicle

is stationary.

Where possible, avoid spinning the drive

wheels when pulling away on slippery

roads. You could otherwise damage the

drive train.

AMG vehicles: avoid full-load operation

and engine speeds greater than 5000 rpm

when the engine is cold. This helps to pro-

tect the engine and avoids uncomfortable

driving.

SmartKey positions

To remove the SmartKey

(shift the transmission to position P)

Power supply for some consumers, such

as the windshield wipers

Ignition (power supply for all consumers)

and drive position

To start the engine

The SmartKey can be turned in the igni-

tion lock even if it is not the correct Smart-

Key for the vehicle. The ignition is not

switched on. The engine cannot be started.

Starting the engine

Important safety notes

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

Driving

143

Driving and parking

the engine compartment or in the exhaust

system.

Do not depress the accelerator when

starting the engine.

During a cold start, the engine runs at

higher speeds to enable the catalytic con-

verter to reach its operating temperature.

The sound of the engine may change during

this time.

Automatic transmission

Shift the transmission to position P.

Transmission position display P is shown in

the multifunction display.

When the transmission is in position N,

you can also start the engine with the brake

pedal depressed.

Starting procedure

Turn the SmartKey to position 3 in the igni-

tion lock (Y page 143) and release it as

soon as the engine is running.

Pulling away

Automatic transmission

It is only possible to shift the transmission

from position P to the desired position if

you depress the brake pedal. Only then can

the parking lock be deactivated. If you do

not depress the brake pedal, the DIRECT

SELECT lever can still be moved but the

parking lock remains engaged.

At transmission fluid temperatures below

Ò4 ‡(Ò20 †), you can only shift out of park

position P into another transmission posi-

tion when the engine is running.

Depress the brake pedal and keep it

depressed.

Shift the transmission to position D or R.

Release the brake pedal.

Carefully depress the accelerator pedal.

The electric parking brake is automatically

released (Y page 160).

The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada

only) indicator lamp in the instrument clus-

ter goes out.

The vehicle locks centrally once you have

pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors

drop down.

You can open the doors from the inside at

any time.

You can also deactivate the automatic lock-

ing feature (Y page 217).

Upshifts take place at higher engine

speeds after a cold start. This helps the

catalytic converter to reach its operating

temperature more quickly.

Hill start assist

Hill start assist helps you when pulling away

forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient. It

holds the vehicle for a short time after you

have removed your foot from the brake pedal.

This gives you enough time to move your foot

from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal

and to depress it before the vehicle begins to

roll.

WARNING

After a short time, hill start assist will no lon-

ger brake your vehicle and it could 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.

Remove your foot from the brake pedal.

The vehicle is then held for about a second.

Pull away.

144

Driving

Driving and parking

Hill start assist is not active if:

you are pulling away on a level road or on a

downhill gradient.

the transmission is in position N.

the electric parking brake is applied.

ESP

is malfunctioning.

Further information on holding the vehicle

stationary on uphill gradients (Y page 151).

ECO start/stop function

Introduction

The ECO start/stop function switches the

engine off automatically if the vehicle is stop-

ped under certain conditions.

The engine starts automatically when the

driver wants to pull away again. 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

If the engine has been switched off automat-

ically by the ECO start/stop function, the

¤ symbol is shown in the multifunction

display.

The stop/start function is automatically acti-

vated each time you start the engine with the

SmartKey.

AMG vehicles: the ECO start/stop function

is only available in drive program C.

Automatic engine switch-off

If the vehicle is braked to a standstill in D or N,

the ECO start/stop function switches off the

engine automatically.

The ECO start/stop function is operational

when:

the indicator lamp in the ECO button is lit

green.

the off-road program is deactivated.

the outside temperature is within the range

that is suitable for the system.

the engine is at normal operating temper-

ature.

the set temperature for the vehicle interior

has been reached.

the battery is sufficiently charged.

the system detects that the windshield is

not fogged up when the air-conditioning

system is switched on.

the hood is closed.

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

seat belt is fastened.

All of the vehicle's systems remain active

when the engine is stopped automatically.

The HOLD function can also be activated

if the engine has been switched off auto-

matically. It is then not necessary to con-

tinue applying the brakes during the auto-

matic stop phase. When you depress the

accelerator pedal, the engine starts auto-

matically and the braking effect of the

HOLD function is deactivated.

The engine can be switched off automat-

ically a maximum of four times (first stop

and three subsequent stops) in succession.

Driving

145

Driving and parking

Automatic engine start

The engine starts automatically if:

you switch off the ECO start/stop function

by pressing the ECO button.

in transmission position D or N the brake

pedal is released and the HOLD function is

not active.

you depress the accelerator pedal.

you engage reverse gear R.

you move the transmission out of position

you activate the off-road program.

you unfasten your seat belt or open the

driver'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-

shield when the air-conditioning system is

switched on.

the battery's condition of charge is too low.

Shifting the transmission to position P

does not start the engine.

Deactivating/activating the ECO start/

stop function

To deactivate: press ECO button :.

Indicator lamp ; goes out.

To activate: press ECO button :.

Indicator lamp ; lights up.

If the indicator lamp on the ECO button is off,

the ECO start/stop function has been deac-

tivated manually or as the result of a mal-

function.

146

Driving

Driving and parking

Problems with the engine

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and MM Solutions

The engine does not

start.

The HOLD function or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated.

Deactivate the HOLD function (Y page 181) or DISTRONIC

PLUS (Y page 174).

Try to start the engine again.

The engine does not

start. The starter motor

can be heard.

There is a malfunction in the engine electronics.

There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.

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

attempting to start the engine again.

Try to start the engine again (Y page 143). Avoid excessively

long and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain

the battery.

If the engine does not start after several attempts:

Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

The engine does not

start. You cannot hear

the starter motor.

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

discharged.

Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 315).

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

Consult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Center.

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

Allow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two

minutes.

Try to start the engine again.

If the engine still does not start:

Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

Driving

147

Driving and parking

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and MM Solutions

The engine is not run-

ning smoothly and is

misfiring.

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

component of the engine management system.

Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.

Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist

workshop.

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

verter and damage it.

The coolant tempera-

ture display is showing

more than 248 ‡

(120 †). The coolant

warning lamp may also

be lit and a warning

tone may sound.

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

is no longer being cooled sufficiently.

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

cool down.

Check the coolant level (Y page 295). Observe the warning

notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.

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.

DIRECT SELECT lever

Overview of transmission positions

All vehicles (except AMG vehicles): the

DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of the

steering column.

For information on the selector lever in AMG

vehicles (Y page 150).

Park position with parking lock

Reverse gear

Neutral

Drive

The DIRECT SELECT lever always returns

to its original position. The current trans-

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

148

Automatic transmission

Driving and parking

transmission position display (Y page 149)

in the multifunction display.

Transmission position and drive pro-

gram display

The current transmission position and drive

program appear in the multifunction display.

Transmission position display

;

Drive program display

The arrows in the transmission position

display show how and into which transmis-

sion positions you can change using the

DIRECT SELECT lever.

If the transmission position display in the

multifunction display is not working, you

should pull away carefully to check whether

the desired transmission position is

engaged. Ideally, you should select trans-

mission position D and drive program E or

Engaging park position P

Push the DIRECT SELECT lever in the direc-

tion of arrow P.

Transmission position display P is shown in

the multifunction display.

When you engage park position P, make

sure that the transmission position display

shows P in the multifunction display.

You can only engage park position P when

the vehicle is stationary.

i The automatic transmission shifts into

park position P automatically:

if you open the driver's door while the

vehicle is stationary in transmission posi-

tion D or R

if you open the door while traveling at

very low speeds in transmission position

D or R

In addition, a warning tone sounds and a

display message is shown.

Depressing the brake and pushing the

DIRECT SELECT lever up or down disen-

gages the parking lock. The transmission is

in N neutral.

At transmission fluid temperatures below

Ò4 ‡(Ò20 †), you can only shift out of park

position P into another transmission posi-

tion 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

If the engine speed is too high or the vehi-

cle is moving, do not shift the automatic

transmission directly from D to R, from R to

D or directly to P. The automatic transmis-

sion could otherwise be damaged.

Engaging reverse gear R

Only shift the automatic transmission to R

when the vehicle is stationary.

The ECO start/stop function is not avail-

able when reverse gear is engaged.

Further information on the ECO start/stop

function (Y page 145).

When the vehicle is stationary, depress the

brake pedal.

Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the

first point of resistance.

Automatic transmission

149

Driving and parking

Shifting to neutral N

When the vehicle is stationary, depress the

brake pedal.

Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down

to the first point of resistance.

If the engine has been switched off, the auto-

matic transmission automatically shifts to N.

Remaining in neutral N

If the automatic transmission is to remain in

neutral N, e.g. for washing the vehicle in car

washes with a towing device, please observe

the following instructions:

WARNING

If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,

they could:

open the doors, thus endangering other

people or road users.

get out and disrupt traffic.

operate the vehicle's equipment.

Additionally, children could set the vehicle in

motion if, for example, they:

release the parking brake.

shifting the automatic transmission out of

park position P

Start the engine.

There is a risk of an accident and injury.

When leaving the vehicle, always take the

SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never

leave children or animals unattended in the

vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of

reach of children.

Make sure that the ignition is switched on.

When the vehicle is stationary, depress the

brake pedal and keep it depressed.

Shift to neutral N.

Release the brake pedal.

If the electric parking brake is engaged,

release it.

Switch off the ignition and leave the Smart-

Key in the ignition lock.

Engaging drive position D

When the vehicle is stationary, depress the

brake pedal.

Push the DIRECT SELECT lever down past

the first point of resistance.

Selector lever

Selector lever in AMG vehicles with P button

Park position with parking lock

Reverse gear

Neutral

Drive

Transmission position and drive pro-

gram display

Example

Transmission position display

;

Drive program display

The current transmission position and drive

program appear in the multifunction display.

150

Automatic transmission

Driving and parking

Engaging park position P

When the vehicle is stationary, press P but-

ton :.

Transmission positions

Park position

Do not shift the transmission into

position P (Y page 159) unless the

vehicle is stationary. The parking

lock should not be used as a brake

when parking. Always apply the

electronic parking brake in addi-

tion to the parking lock in order to

secure the vehicle.

If the vehicle electronics are mal-

functioning, the transmission may

be locked in position P.

Have the vehicle electronics

checked immediately at a qualified

specialist workshop.

Reverse gear

Only shift the transmission to R

when the vehicle is stationary.

Neutral

No power is transmitted from the

engine to the drive wheels.

Releasing the brakes will allow you

to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to

push it or tow it.

If ESP

is deactivated or faulty:

only shift the transmission to posi-

tion N if the vehicle is in danger of

skidding, e.g. on icy roads.

When you switch off the engine, the

automatic transmission automati-

cally shifts into neutral N.

Drive

The automatic transmission

changes gear automatically. All

forward gears are available.

Driving tips

Changing gear

The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-

vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-

mission position D. This automatic gear shift-

ing behavior is determined by:

the selected drive program (Y page 152)

the position of the accelerator pedal

(Y page 151)

the road speed

Accelerator pedal position

Your style of driving influences how the auto-

matic transmission shifts gear:

little throttle: early upshifts

more throttle: late upshifts

Holding the vehicle stationary on uphill

gradients

WARNING

If the clutch overheats, the electronic man-

agement system is automatically deactivated.

Automatic transmission

151

Driving and parking

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 vehi-

cle stationary on uphill gradients by depress-

ing the accelerator pedal. If the clutch over-

heats, a warning tone sounds.

All vehicles (except AMG vehicles): the

StopStop VehicleVehicle ShiftShift toto PP LeaveLeave EngineEngine

RunningRunning display message appears in the mul-

tifunction 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.

AMG vehicles: the

Trans. Oil Overhea‐Trans. Oil Overhea‐

ted Drive on with Care

ted Drive on with Care display message

appears in the multifunction display.

Never hold the vehicle stationary on uphill

gradients by depressing the accelerator.

Instead, only ever hold the vehicle stationary

on uphill gradients by:

depressing the brake pedal

activating the HOLD function

engaging the electric parking brake

Kickdown

AMG vehicles: it is only possible to use kick-

down in temporary manual drive program M.

For further information on manual drive pro-

gram M (Y page 154).

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.

Rocking the vehicle free

Shifting the transmission repeatedly between

gears D and R may help to free the vehicle if it

has become stuck in slush or snow. The vehi-

cle's engine management system limits the

speed to a maximum of 5 mph (9 km/h) when

shifting back and forth. To shift back and forth

between transmission positions D and R,

move the DIRECT SELECT lever up and down

past the point of resistance.

Program selector button

General notes

The program selector button allows you to

choose between drive programs with differ-

ent driving characteristics.

Example: program selector button

E Economy Comfortable, economical

driving

S Sport Sporty driving style

M Manual Manual gear shifting

Press program selector button : repeat-

edly until the letter for the desired gearshift

program appears in the multifunction dis-

play.

The automatic transmission shifts to

automatic drive program E each time the

engine is started.

152

Automatic transmission

Driving and parking

For further information on the automatic

drive program, see (Y page 153).

AMG vehicles

C Controlled

Efficiency

Comfortable, economical

driving

S Sport Sporty driving style

M Manual Manual gear shifting

Press program selector button : repeat-

edly until the letter for the desired gearshift

program appears in the multifunction dis-

play.

The automatic transmission shifts to

automatic drive program C each time the

engine is started.

For further information on the automatic

drive program, see (Y page 153).

Steering wheel paddle shifters

Left steering wheel paddle shifter (shifts

down)

;

Right steering wheel paddle shifter (shifts

up)

In drive program M, you can change gear

yourself using the steering wheel paddle shift-

ers.

If you pull the left or right steering wheel pad-

dle shifter when in automatic drive program E

(drive program C on AMG vehicles) or S, the

automatic transmission shifts into drive pro-

gram M for a limited time. Depending on

which paddle shifter is pulled, the automatic

transmission immediately shifts into the next

gear down or up.

AMG vehicles: you can activate drive pro-

gram M RACE START (Y page 183) using the

steering wheel paddle shifters.

You can only change gear with the steer-

ing wheel paddle shifters when the trans-

mission is in position D.

For further information on the manual

drive program, see (Y page 154).

Automatic drive program

Drive program E (drive program C on MAG

vehicles) is characterized by the following:

comfort-oriented engine settings.

optimal fuel consumption resulting from

the automatic transmission shifting up

sooner.

Automatic transmission

153

Driving and parking

the vehicle pulling away more gently in

forward and reverse gears, unless the

accelerator pedal is depressed fully.

increased sensitivity. This improves driving

stability on slippery road surfaces, for

example.

the automatic transmission shifting up

sooner. This results in the vehicle being

driven at lower engine speeds and the

wheels being less likely to spin.

Drive program S is characterized by the fol-

lowing:

sporty engine settings

the automatic transmission shifting up

later

the fuel consumption possibly being higher

as a result of the later automatic transmis-

sion shift points

Manual drive program

Introduction

In manual drive program M, you can change

gear yourself by using the steering wheel pad-

dle shifters. For this, the transmission must

be in position D. The gear currently selected

and engaged is shown in the multifunction

display.

Manual drive program M differs from drive

programs E (drive program C on AMG vehi-

cles) and S with regard to spontaneity,

responsiveness and smoothness of gear

changes.

Gear Driving situations

You can use the engine's braking

effect

You can use the braking effect of

the engine on downhill gradients

and for driving:

on steep mountain roads

in mountainous terrain

in arduous conditions

To use the braking effect of the

engine on extremely steep downhill

gradients and on long downhill

stretches

Switching on the manual drive program

Activating permanently

Press the program selector button

(Y page 152) repeatedly until M appears in

the multifunction display.

Manual drive program M remains active

until drive program E (drive program C on

AMG vehicles) or S is selected.

Activating temporarily

Pull the right or left steering wheel paddle

shifter (Y page 153).

M is shown in the multifunction display.

Manual drive program M is temporarily

active. Depending on which paddle shifter

is pulled, the automatic transmission

immediately shifts into the next gear down

or up.

When manual drive program M is activa-

ted via the steering wheel paddle shifters,

the temporarily active manual drive pro-

gram M will be deactivated automatically

after a limited time, if the driving situation

permits. The automatic transmission

switches to the previously activated drive

program E (drive program C on AMG vehi-

cles) or S. When driving on downhill gradi-

ents, the temporarily active manual drive

program M will only be deactivated if the

accelerator pedal is depressed while the

vehicle is rolling downhill.

154

Automatic transmission

Driving and parking

Upshifting

Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle

shifter (Y page 153).

The automatic transmission shifts up to the

next gear.

i All vehicles (except AMG vehicles): in

order to prevent engine damage the auto-

matic transmission automatically shifts up:

if the maximum engine speed on the cur-

rently engaged gear is reached and

you continue to accelerate.

AMG vehicles:

In manual drive program M, the automatic

transmission does not shift up automati-

cally even when the engine limiting 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 tachometer. There is otherwise a risk of

engine damage.

Shift recommendation

The gearshift recommendations assist you in

adopting an economical driving style. The rec-

ommended gear is shown in the multifunction

display.

Shift to recommended gear ; according

to gearshift recommendation : when

shown in the multifunction display of the

instrument cluster.

AMG vehicles

In manual drive program M, the automatic

transmission does not shift up automati-

cally even when the engine limiting 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 tachometer. There is otherwise a risk of

engine damage.

Gear indicator

;

Upshift indicator

Before the engine speed reaches the red area,

an upshift indicator will be shown in the mul-

tifunction display.

If the color in the speedometer multifunc-

tion display changes to red and the

UPUP dis-

play message is shown, shift up a gear.

Downshifting

Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle

shifter (Y page 153).

The automatic transmission shifts down to

the next gear.

If you slow down or stop without shifting

down, the automatic transmission auto-

matically shifts down.

For maximum acceleration, pull the left-

hand steering wheel paddle shifter until the

transmission selects the optimum gear for

the current speed.

If the engine exceeds the maximum

engine speed when shifting down, the auto-

matic transmission protects against engine

damage by not shifting down.

Automatic transmission

155

Driving and parking

Kickdown

AMG vehicles: it is only possible to use kick-

down in temporary manual drive program M.

You can also use kickdown for maximum

acceleration in manual drive program M.

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 paddle shifters.

If you apply full throttle, the automatic

transmission shifts up to the next gear

when the maximum engine speed is

reached. This prevents the engine from

overrevving.

Switching off the manual drive program

Press the program selector button

(Y page 152) repeatedly until E (drive pro-

gram C in AMG vehicles) or S appears in the

multifunction display.

Deactivating the temporary manual drive

program

Pull and hold the right steering wheel pad-

dle shifter until the automatic transmission

shifts into the last active automatic drive

program E (drive program C on AMG vehi-

cles) or S.

When manual drive program M is deacti-

vated, the automatic transmission in auto-

matic drive program E (drive program C on

AMG vehicles) or S may shift from the cur-

rent gear into a higher or lower gear. This is

dependent on the position of the accelera-

tor pedal, speed and load.

156

Automatic transmission

Driving and parking

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 work-

shop immediately.

The acceleration ability

is deteriorating.

The transmission no

longer shifts into all of

the gears.

Reverse gear can no

longer be engaged.

The transmission is in emergency mode.

Stop the vehicle.

Shift the transmission to position P.

Switch off the engine.

Wait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine.

Shift the transmission to position D.

Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-

shop immediately.

Refueling

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, open flames, creating

sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine

and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before

refueling.

WARNING

Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.

There is a risk of injury.

You must make sure that fuel does not come

into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing

and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel

vapors. Keep fuel away from children.

If you or others come into contact with fuel,

observe the following:

Wash away fuel from skin immediately

using soap and water.

If fuel comes into contact with your eyes,

immediately rinse them thoroughly with

clean water. Seek medical assistance with-

out delay.

If fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-

tance without delay. Do not induce vomit-

ing.

Immediately change out of clothing which

has come into contact with fuel.

WARNING

Electrostatic buildup can create sparks and

ignite fuel vapors. 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. Any existing electrostatic buildup is

thereby discharged.

Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a

gasoline engine. Do not switch on the igni-

tion if you accidentally refuel with the

wrong fuel. Otherwise, the fuel will enter

the fuel system. Even small amounts of the

wrong fuel could result in damage to the

fuel system and the engine. Notify a quali-

fied specialist workshop and have the fuel

tank and fuel lines drained completely.

Refueling

157

Driving and parking

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 refueling from a fuel can.

Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection

system could be blocked by particles from

the fuel can.

Do not get into the vehicle again during the

refueling process. Otherwise, electrostatic

charge could build up again.

If you overfill the fuel tank, fuel could spray

out when the fuel pump nozzle is removed.

For further information on fuel and fuel quality

(Y page 362).

Refueling

General information

The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked auto-

matically when you open or close the vehicle

with the SmartKey.

The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed

æ in the instrument cluster. The arrow on

the filling pump indicates the side of the vehi-

cle.

Opening the fuel filler flap

To open the fuel filler flap

;

Tire pressure table

To insert the fuel filler cap

Fuel type to be used

Switch the engine off.

Remove the SmartKey from the ignition

lock.

Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of

arrow :.

The fuel filler flap swings up.

Turn the fuel filler flap counter-clockwise

and remove it.

Insert the fuel filler cap into 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.

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

vehicle.

If you are driving with the fuel filler cap

open, the 8 reserve fuel warning lamp

flashes. A message appears in the multi-

function display (Y page 240).

In addition, the ; Check Engine warning

lamp may light up (Y page 260).

For further information on warning and indi-

cator lamps in the instrument cluster, see

(Y page 260).

158

Refueling

Driving and parking

Problems with fuel and the 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

Risk of explosion or fire.

Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition lock immediately

and remove it (Y page 143).

Do not restart the engine under any circumstances.

Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

The fuel filler flap can-

not be opened.

The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.

The SmartKey battery is discharged.

Unlock the vehicle (Y page 76).

Unlock the vehicle using the mechanical key (Y page 77).

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

med.

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-

rials come into contact with parts of the vehi-

cle which are hot. Take particular care not to

park on dry grassland or harvested grain

fields.

WARNING

If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-

cle, they could set it in motion by, for example:

release the parking brake.

shift the automatic transmission out of the

parking position P.

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

SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never

leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.

Always secure the vehicle correctly

against rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle

or its drivetrain could be damaged.

Parking

159

Driving and parking

To ensure that the vehicle is secured against

rolling away unintentionally:

the electric parking brake must be applied.

the transmission must be in position P and

the transmission position display must

show P.

the SmartKey must be removed from the

ignition lock.

on uphill or downhill gradients, the front

wheels must be turned towards the curb.

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.

Vehicles with automatic transmission

All vehicles (except AMG vehicles)

Apply the electric parking brake.

Shift the transmission to position P.

AMG vehicles:

Apply the electric parking brake.

Press button :.

Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the igni-

tion lock and remove it.

The immobilizer is activated.

If you switch the engine off with the trans-

mission in position R or D, the automatic

transmission shifts to N automatically.

If you then open one of the front doors or

remove the SmartKey from the ignition, the

automatic transmission shifts to P.

If you shift the automatic transmission to N

before switching off the engine, the auto-

matic transmission remains in N even if a

door is opened.

i The automatic transmission shifts to P

automatically if you:

switch off the engine using the SmartKey

and remove the SmartKey from the igni-

tion lock or

switch off the engine using the SmartKey

and open a front door.

If you attempt to turn off the engine when the

selector lever is not in position P:

a message appears in the multifunction dis-

play

a warning signal sounds

Electric parking brake

General notes

WARNING

If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-

cle, they could set it in motion by, for example:

release the parking brake.

shift the automatic transmission out of the

parking position P.

start the engine.

In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-

ment and become trapped. There is a risk of

an accident and injury.

160

Parking

Driving and parking

When leaving the vehicle, always take the

SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never

leave children unsupervised 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 there is a malfunction

in the system, it may not be possible to apply

the released parking brake.

If this is the case, only park the vehicle on

level ground and secure it to prevent it roll-

ing away.

Shift the automatic transmission to posi-

tion P.

It may not be possible to release an applied

parking brake if the on-board voltage is low or

there is a malfunction in the system. Contact

a qualified specialist workshop.

The electric parking brake performs a

function test at regular intervals while the

engine is switched off. The sounds that can

be heard while this is occurring are normal.

Applying/releasing manually

Applying

Push handle :.

When the electric parking brake is applied,

the red F (USA only) or ! (Canada

only) indicator lamp lights up in the instru-

ment cluster.

The electric parking brake can also be

applied when the SmartKey is removed.

Releasing

Pull handle :.

The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada

only) indicator lamp in the instrument clus-

ter goes out.

You can only release the electric parking

brake when the SmartKey is in position 1 or

2 in the ignition lock (Y page 143).

Applying automatically

The electric parking brake is applied auto-

matically:

if DISTRONIC PLUS brings the vehicle to a

standstill or

if the HOLD function is keeping the vehicle

stationary or

if Active Parking Assist is holding the vehi-

cle at a standstill

In addition, at least one of the following con-

ditions must be fulfilled:

the engine is switched off.

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

not fastened.

there is a system malfunction.

the power supply is insufficient.

the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy

period.

The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada

only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster

lights up.

The electric parking brake is not automat-

ically engaged if the engine is switched off

by the ECO start/stop function.

Releasing automatically

Your vehicle's electric parking brake is auto-

matically released if all of the following con-

ditions are met:

the engine is running.

the transmission is in position D or R.

the seat belt has been fastened.

you depress the accelerator pedal.

Parking

161

Driving and parking

If the transmission is in position R, the tailgate

must be closed.

If your seat belt is not fastened, the following

conditions must be fulfilled to automatically

release the electric parking brake:

the driver's door is closed.

you have shifted out of transmission posi-

tion P or you have previously driven faster

than 2 mph (3 km/h).

Ensure that you do not depress the accel-

erator pedal unintentionally. Otherwise the

parking brake will be released and the vehi-

cle will start to move.

Emergency braking

The vehicle can also be braked during an

emergency by using the electric parking

brake.

While driving, push handle : of the electric

parking brake (Y page 160).

The vehicle is braked for as long as han-

dle : of the electric parking brake is

pressed. The longer electric parking brake

handle : is depressed, the greater the

braking force.

During braking:

a warning tone sounds

the

Release park. brakeRelease park. brake message

appears

the red F (USA only) or ! (Canada

only) indicator lamp in the instrument clus-

ter flashes

When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-

still, the electric parking brake is engaged.

Parking the vehicle for a long period

If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than

four weeks, the battery may be damaged by

exhaustive discharging.

If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than

six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a

result of lack of use.

Visit a qualified specialist workshop and

seek advice.

You can obtain information about trickle

chargers from a qualified specialist work-

shop.

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.

WARNING

If you operate mobile communication equip-

ment while driving, you will be distracted from

traffic conditions. You could also lose control

of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.

Only operate this equipment when the vehicle

is stationary.

Observe the legal requirements for the coun-

try in which you are driving. Some jurisdic-

tions prohibit the driver from using a mobile

phone while driving a vehicle.

If you make a call while driving, always use

hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone

when the traffic situation permits. If you are

unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop

before operating the telephone.

Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph

(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers

a distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) per

second.

162

Driving tips

Driving and parking

Drive sensibly – save fuel

Observe the following tips to save fuel:

The tires should always be inflated to the

recommended tire pressure.

Remove unnecessary loads.

Remove roof racks when they are not nee-

ded.

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

Maintenance Booklet or by the service

interval display.

Fuel consumption also increases when driv-

ing in cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in

hilly terrain.

Drinking and driving

WARNING

Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and

driving are very dangerous combinations.

Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can

affect your reflexes, perceptions and judg-

ment.

The possibility of a serious or even fatal acci-

dent is greatly increased when you drink or

take drugs and drive.

Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow

anyone to drive who has been drinking or tak-

ing drugs.

Emission control

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.

Certain engine systems are designed to keep

the level of poisonous components in exhaust

fumes within legal limits.

These systems only work at peak efficiency if

they are serviced exactly in accordance with

the manufacturer's specifications. For this

reason, only have work on the engine carried

out by qualified and authorized Mercedes-

Benz technicians.

The engine settings must not be changed

under any circumstances. Furthermore, all

specific service work must be carried out at

regular intervals and in accordance with the

Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details

can be found in the Maintenance Booklet.

ECO display

The ECO display provides feedback on how

economical your driving characteristics are.

The ECO display assists you in achieving the

most economical driving style for the selec-

ted settings and prevailing conditions. Your

driving style can significantly influence the

vehicle's consumption.

Example: ECO display

The ECO display consists of three bars:

AccelerationAcceleration

ConstantConstant

CoastingCoasting

The percent value is the average value of the

three bars. The three bars and the mean value

begin at the value of 50%. A higher percent-

age indicates a more economical driving

style.

The ECO display does not indicate the actual

fuel consumption. A fixed percentage count

in the ECO display does not indicate a fixed

consumption.

Driving tips

163

Driving and parking

Apart from driving style, consumption is

dependent on many factors such as, e.g.:

load

tire pressure

cold start

choice of route

electrical consumers switched on

These factors are not included in the ECO dis-

play.

The evaluation of your driving style is carried

out using the following three categories:

AccelerationAcceleration (evaluation of all accelera-

tion processes):

The bar fills up: moderate acceleration,

especially at higher speeds

The bar empties: sporty acceleration

ConstantConstant (assessment of driving behavior

at all times):

The bar fills up: constant speed and

avoidance of unnecessary acceleration

and deceleration

The bar empties: fluctuations in speed

CoastingCoasting (assessment of all deceleration

processes):

The bar fills up: anticipatory driving,

keeping your distance and early release

of the accelerator. The vehicle can coast

without use of the brakes.

The bar empties: frequent braking

An economical driving style specially

requires driving at moderate engine

speeds.

To achieve a higher value in the categories

AccelerationAcceleration and ConstantConstant:

observe the gearshift recommendations.

drive in drive program E.

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

on the highway, only the bar for

ConstantConstant

will change.

The ECO display summarizes the driving

characteristics from the start of the journey

to its completion. For this reason, the bars

change dynamically at the beginning of the

journey. On longer journeys, there are

fewer changes. For more dynamic changes,

carry out a manual reset.

For further information on the ECO display,

see (Y page 208).

Braking

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.

There is an increased danger of skidding and

accidents.

Do not shift down for additional engine brak-

ing on a slippery road surface.

Downhill gradients

On long and steep gradients, you must

reduce the load on the brakes by shifting to

a lower gear in good time. This allows you to

take advantage of the engine's braking

effect. For this, you need to have selected

manual drive program M. This helps you to

avoid overheating the brakes and wearing

them out excessively.

When you take advantage of the engine's

braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn

for some time, e.g. on a slippery road sur-

face. This could cause damage to the drive

train. This type of damage is not covered by

the Mercedes-Benz warranty.

Briefly depressing the accelerator pedal

on downhill gradients while the manual

drive program M is temporarily activated:

the automatic transmission may switch to

the last active automatic drive program E or

S. The automatic transmission may shift to

a higher gear. This can reduce the engine's

braking effect.

164

Driving tips

Driving and parking

Heavy and light loads

WARNING

If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while

driving, the braking system can overheat. This

increases the stopping distance and can even

cause the braking system to fail. There is a

risk of an accident.

Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never

depress the brake pedal and the accelerator

pedal at the same time.

Depressing the brake pedal constantly

results in excessive and premature wear to

the brake pads.

If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy

load, do not stop the vehicle immediately.

Drive on for a short while. This allows the air-

flow to cool the brakes more quickly.

Wet roads

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 the vehicle has

been washed or driven through deep water.

You have to depress the brake pedal more

firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the

vehicle in front.

After driving on a wet road or having the vehi-

cle washed, brake firmly while paying atten-

tion to the traffic conditions. This will warm up

the brake discs, thereby drying them more

quickly and protecting them against corro-

sion.

Limited braking performance on salt-

treated roads

If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt

residue may form on the brake discs and

brake pads. This can result in a significantly

longer braking distance.

Brake occasionally to remove any possible

salt residue. Make sure that you do not

endanger other road users when doing so.

Carefully depress the brake pedal and the

beginning and end of a journey.

Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle

ahead.

Servicing the brakes

If the red brake warning lamp lights up in

the instrument cluster and you hear a warn-

ing tone while the engine is running, the

brake fluid level may be too low. Observe

additional warning messages in the multi-

function display.

The brake fluid level may be too low due to

brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.

Have the brake system checked immedi-

ately. This work should be carried out at a

qualified specialist workshop.

A function or performance test should

only be carried out on a 2-axle dynamom-

eter. If you are planning to have the vehicle

tested on such a dynamometer, contact an

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to

obtain further information first. Otherwise,

you could damage the drive train or the

brake system.

As the ESP

system operates automati-

cally, the engine and the ignition must be

switched off (the SmartKey must be in posi-

tion 0 or 1 in the ignition lock) if:

the electric parking brake is tested on a

brake dynamometer (for a maximum of

ten seconds)

the vehicle is towed with the front axle

raised.

Braking triggered automatically by ESP

may seriously damage the brake system.

All checks and maintenance work on the

brake system must be carried out at a quali-

fied specialist workshop. Consult a qualified

specialist workshop to arrange this.

Driving tips

165

Driving and parking

Have brake pads installed and brake fluid

replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.

If the brake system has only been subject to

moderate loads, you should test the function-

ality of your brakes at regular intervals.

You can find a description of Brake Assist

(BAS) on (Y page 65).

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only

have brake pads/linings installed on your

vehicle which have been approved for

Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which correspond

to an equivalent quality standard. Brake

pads/linings which have not been approved

for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not

of an equivalent quality could affect your vehi-

cle's operating safety.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only

use brake fluid that has been specially

approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz,

or which corresponds to an equivalent quality

standard. Brake fluid which has not been

approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or

which is not of an equivalent quality could

affect your vehicle's operating safety.

Checking brake lining thickness

You can measure the break pad/lining thick-

ness using a test gauge. Color-coding (green

or red) on the test gauge allows you to deter-

mine whether the brake pad/lining thickness

is still sufficient. The test gauge is in the vehi-

cle document wallet in the glove box.

Front wheel

Rear wheel

Bring the vehicle and wheels into a suitable

position so that you can attach test gauge

Secure the vehicle against rolling away

(Y page 159).

Move the selector lever to position P.

Switch off the engine.

Place test gauge A between the wheel's

spokes on brake pad/lining =.

166

Driving tips

Driving and parking

Hold test gauge A vertically on brake

disc : and slide measuring pin ; onto

brake disc :.

Check which color field ? the arrow on

measuring pin ; is pointing to.

Green: the brake pad/lining thickness is

sufficient.

Red: the brake pad/lining thickness is not

sufficient. Have the brake pads/lining

checked at a qualified specialist workshop.

To avoid an inaccurate measurement:

make sure you position the wheels suitably

do not put the measuring pin on a recess in

the brake disc

Driving on wet roads

Hydroplaning

If water has accumulated to a certain depth

on the road surface, there is a danger of

hydroplaning occurring, even if:

you drive at low speeds.

the tires have adequate tread depth.

For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in

conditions in which hydroplaning may occur,

you must drive in the following manner:

lower your speed.

avoid ruts.

avoid sudden steering movements.

brake carefully.

Driving on flooded roads

Bear in mind that vehicles traveling in

front or in the opposite direction create

waves. This may cause the maximum per-

missible water depth to be exceeded.

Failure to observe these notes may result in

damage to the engine, electrical systems

and transmission.

If you have to drive on stretches of road on

which water has collected, you should never

drive at speeds above a walking pace.

Always observe the maximum fording depth

values (Y page 369).

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.

There is an increased danger of skidding and

accidents.

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.

Drive particularly carefully on slippery road

surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering

and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise

control or DISTRONIC PLUS.

If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be

stopped when moving at low speed:

Shift the transmission to position N.

Try to bring the vehicle under control 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.

Driving tips

167

Driving and parking

Indicated temperatures just above the freez-

ing point do not guarantee that the road sur-

face is free of ice. The road may still be icy,

especially in wooded areas or on bridges.

You should pay special attention to road con-

ditions when temperatures are around freez-

ing point.

For more information on driving with snow

chains, see (Y page 327).

For more information on driving with summer

tires, see (Y page 326).

Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"

section (Y page 326).

Off-road driving

Important safety notes

WARNING

If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or

turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle

could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is a

risk of an accident.

Always drive on a steep incline in the line of

fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the

vehicle.

WARNING

Flammable material such as leaves, grass or

twigs may ignite if they come into contact with

hot parts of the exhaust system. There is a risk

of fire.

When driving off road or on unpaved roads,

check the vehicle's underside regularly. In

particular, remove parts of plants or other

flammable materials which have become

trapped. In the case of damage, contact a

qualified specialist workshop.

There is a risk of damage to the vehicle if:

the vehicle becomes stuck, e.g. on a high

curb or an unpaved road

you drive too fast over an obstacle, e.g. a

curb or a hole in the road

a heavy object strikes the undercarriage

or parts of the chassis

In situations like this, the body, the under-

carriage, chassis parts, wheels or tires

could be damaged without the damage

being visible. Components damaged in this

way can unexpectedly fail or, in the case of

an accident, no longer withstand the strain

they are designed to.

If the underbody paneling is damaged,

combustible materials such as leaves,

grass or twigs can gather between the

underbody and the underbody paneling. If

these materials come in contact with hot

parts of the exhaust system, they can catch

fire.

In such situations, have the vehicle

checked and repaired immediately at a

qualified specialist workshop. If on con-

tinuing your journey you notice that driving

safety is impaired, pull over and stop the

vehicle immediately, paying attention to

road and traffic conditions. In such cases,

visit a qualified specialist workshop.

The vehicle is only designed for easily nego-

tiable off-road terrain and poor road surfaces.

When driving off-road, substances such as

sand, mud and water or water mixed with oil

may get into the brakes. This could result in a

reduced braking effect or in total brake failure

and also in increased wear and tear. The brak-

ing characteristics change depending on the

material ingressing the brakes. Clean the

brakes after driving off-road. If you detect a

reduced braking effect or grinding noises,

have the brake system checked in a qualified

specialist workshop as soon as possible.

Adapt your driving style to the different brak-

ing characteristics.

Driving off-road increases the likelihood of

damage to the vehicle, which, in turn, can lead

168

Driving tips

Driving and parking

to failure of the mechanical assembly or sys-

tems. Adapt your driving style to suit the ter-

rain conditions. Drive carefully. Have damage

to the vehicle rectified immediately at a quali-

fied specialist workshop.

Do not switch to transmission position N

when driving off-road. If you try to brake the

vehicle using the service brake, you could

lose control of the vehicle. If the gradient is

too steep for your vehicle, drive back down in

reverse gear.

General notes

Environmental note

Protection of the environment is of primary

importance. Treat nature with respect.

Observe all prohibiting signs.

Read this section carefully before driving your

vehicle off-road.

Off-road driving is only possible with the Off-

Road Engineering package (Y page 186).

The following driving systems are specially

adapted for driving over easily negotiable off-

road terrain:

Off-road program (Y page 186)

Off-road ABS (Y page 65)

Off-road 4ETS (Y page 69)

Off-road ESP

(Y page 72)

DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)

(Y page 184)

Observe the following notes:

Stop the vehicle before starting to drive

along an off-road route. If necessary, acti-

vate the off-road program (Y page 186).

To avoid damaging the vehicle, make sure

there is always sufficient ground clearance.

Check that items of luggage and loads are

stowed safely and are well secured

(Y page 271).

Always keep the engine running and in gear

when driving on a downhill gradient. Acti-

vate DSR (Y page 184).

Drive slowly and evenly, if necessary at a

walking pace.

Ensure that the wheels are in contact with

the ground at all times.

Drive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-

road routes where visibility is poor. For

safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first

and survey the off-road route.

Check the depth of water before fording

rivers and streams.

Watch out for obstacles.

Take care when turning on an uphill or

downhill slope or when driving across a

slope. The vehicle could otherwise tip over.

Always keep the side windows and the pan-

orama roof with power tilt/sliding panel

closed during the journey.

Do not deviate from marked routes.

Do not use the HOLD function when driv-

ing off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gra-

dients or on slippery or loose surfaces. The

HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle on

such surfaces.

Checklist before driving off-road

Engine oil level: check the engine oil level

and add oil if necessary.

When driving on steep gradients, the

engine oil level must be sufficiently high to

ensure a correct oil supply in the vehicle.

Wheels and tires: check the tire tread

depth and tire pressure.

Check for damage and remove any foreign

objects, e.g. small stones, from the

wheels/tires.

Replace any missing valve caps.

Replace dented or damaged wheels.

Rims: dented or bent rims can result in a

loss of tire pressure and damage the tire

bead. Therefore, check your rims before

driving off-road and replace them as

required.

Driving tips

169

Driving and parking

Checklist after driving off-road

If you detect damage to the vehicle after

driving off-road, have the vehicle checked

immediately at a qualified specialist work-

shop.

Deactivate off-road program (Y page 186).

Deactivate DSR (Y page 184).

Clean the headlamps and rear lights and

check for damage.

Clean the front and rear license plates.

Clean the wheels/tires with a water jet and

remove any foreign objects.

Clean the wheels, wheel housings and the

vehicle underside with a water jet; check

for any foreign objects and damage.

Check whether twigs or other parts of

plants have become trapped. These

increase the risk of fire and can damage

fuel pipes, brake hoses or the rubber bel-

lows of the axle joints and propeller shafts.

After the trip, examine without fail the

entire undercarriage, wheels, tires, brakes,

bodywork structure, steering, chassis and

exhaust system for damage.

After driving in sand, mud, gravel, water or

similar dirty conditions, have the following

checked and cleaned:

brake discs

the wheels

brake pads

axle joints

If you detect strong vibrations after off-road

travel, check for foreign objects in the

wheels and drive train and remove them if

necessary. Foreign objects can disturb the

balance and cause vibrations.

Driving over poor road surfaces places

greater demands on your vehicle than driving

on normal roads. After driving off-road, check

the vehicle. This allows you to detect damage

promptly and reduce the risk of an accident to

yourself and other road users.

Driving on sand

Observe the following rules when driving on

sand:

Select the off-road program (Y page 186).

Avoid high engine speeds.

Use the left-hand steering wheel paddle

shifter to shift to a lower gear appropriate

to the terrain.

Drive quickly to overcome the rolling resist-

ance. Otherwise the vehicle's wheels could

become stuck in loose ground.

Drive in the tracks of other vehicles if pos-

sible. Make sure that:

the tire ruts are not too deep.

the sand is sufficiently firm.

the ground clearance of the vehicle is

sufficient.

Tire ruts and gravel roads

Check that the ruts are not too deep and

that your vehicle has sufficient clearance.

Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged

or bottom out and get stuck.

Observe the following rules when driving

along ruts in off-road terrain or on roads with

loose gravel:

Activate the off-road program

(Y page 186).

Avoid high engine speeds.

Shift to a lower gear using the left-hand

steering wheel paddle shifter.

Drive slowly.

Where ruts are too deep, drive with the

wheels of one side on the center grassy

area, if possible.

Traveling uphill

Approach/departure angle

WARNING

If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or

turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle

170

Driving tips

Driving and parking

could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is a

risk of an accident.

Always drive on a steep incline in the line of

fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the

vehicle.

Observe the warnings for off-road driving

(Y page 168).

Follow the line of fall when driving on slopes

and steep inclines.

Before driving on extreme uphill and down-

hill gradients, select the off-road program

(Y page 186).

Drive slowly.

Accelerate gently and make sure that the

wheels are gripping.

Avoid high engine speeds, except when

driving on sandy and muddy routes with

high driving resistance.

Use the left-hand steering wheel paddle

shifter to shift to a lower gear appropriate

to the gradient.

Use the left-hand paddle shifter to shift into

a lower gear in good time on long and steep

downhill gradients.

Hill start assist will aid you when pulling

away on a hill.

For further information about hill start

assist, see (Y page 144).

Do not switch to transmission position N

when driving off-road. If you try to brake the

vehicle using the service brake, you could

lose control of the vehicle. If the gradient is

too steep for your vehicle, drive back down in

reverse gear.

Always observe the approach/departure

angle values (Y page 369).

Maximum gradient-climbing capability

Always observe the maximum gradient climb-

ing ability values (Y page 369).

Hilltops

When driving up an uphill gradient, slightly

reduce pressure on the accelerator immedi-

ately before reaching the brow of the hill.

Make use of the vehicle's own impetus to

travel over the brow.

This style of driving prevents:

the vehicle from lifting off the ground on the

brow of a hill

the vehicle from traveling too quickly down

the other side

Driving downhill

Drive slowly.

Do not drive at an angle down steep

inclines. Steer into the line of fall and drive

with the front wheels aligned straight. Oth-

erwise, the vehicle could slip sideways, tip

and rollover.

Shift to a lower gear using the left-hand

paddle shifter before tackling steep down-

hill gradients.

Activate DSR. If this is not sufficient, brake

gently. When doing so, make sure that the

vehicle is facing in the direction of the line

of fall.

Check that the brakes are working normally

after a long downhill stretch.

Off-road ABS is activated when the off-

road program is selected.

At speeds below 18 mph (30 km/h), the

front wheels lock cyclically during braking.

The digging-in effect achieved in the proc-

ess reduces the stopping distance on off-

road terrain. The steerability of the vehicle

is considerably reduced if the wheels lock.

Driving tips

171

Driving and parking

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. On long and

steep downhill gradients, especially if the

vehicle is laden, you must select a low gear in

good time. For this, you will need to have

selected manual drive program M

(Y page 154). By doing so, you will make use

of the braking effect of the engine. This

relieves the load on the brake system and

prevents the brakes from overheating and

wearing too quickly.

Use cruise control only if road and traffic con-

ditions make it appropriate to maintain a

steady speed for a prolonged period. You can

store any road speed above 20 mph

(30 km/h).

Important safety notes

If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise

control can neither reduce the risk of an acci-

dent nor override the laws of physics. Cruise

control cannot take into account the road,

traffic and weather conditions. Cruise control

is only an aid. You are responsible for the dis-

tance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed,

for braking in good time and for staying in

your 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 slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-

erating could cause the drive wheels to lose

traction and the vehicle could then skid

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

heavy rain or snow

If there is a change of drivers, advise the new

driver of the speed stored.

Cruise control lever

To activate or increase speed

;

To activate or reduce speed

To deactivate cruise control

To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

When you activate cruise control, the stored

speed is shown in the multifunction display

for five seconds.

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 20 mph

(30 km/h).

ESP

must be active, but not intervening.

on vehicles with automatic transmission,

the selector lever must be in position D.

Storing, maintaining and calling up a

speed

Storing and maintaining the current

speed

You can store the current speed if you are

driving faster than 20 mph (30 km/h).

172

Driving systems

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

automatically maintains the stored 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

automatically applying the brakes.

Storing the current speed or calling up the

last stored speed

WARNING

If you call up the stored speed and it differs

from the current speed, the vehicle acceler-

ates or decelerates. If you do not know the

stored speed, the vehicle could accelerate or

brake unexpectedly. There is a risk of an acci-

dent.

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 ?.

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

Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment

until the vehicle has accelerated or braked to

the speed set.

Press the cruise control lever up : for a

higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.

To adjust the set speed in 1 mph incre-

ments (1 km/h increments): briefly

press the cruise control lever up : or

down ; to the pressure point.

Every time the cruise control lever is

pressed up : or down ; the last speed

stored is increased or reduced.

To adjust the set speed in 5 mph incre-

ments (10 km/h increments): briefly

press the cruise control lever up : or

down ; to the pressure point.

Every time the cruise control lever is

pressed up : or down ; the last speed

stored is increased or reduced.

Cruise control is not deactivated if you

depress the accelerator pedal. For exam-

ple, if you accelerate briefly to overtake,

cruise control adjusts the vehicle's speed

to the last speed stored after you have fin-

ished overtaking.

Deactivating cruise control

There are several ways to deactivate cruise

control:

Briefly press the cruise control lever for-

wards = .

Brake.

Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:

the vehicle is secured with the electric

parking brake

you are driving at less than 20 mph

(30 km/h)

ESP

intervenes or you deactivate ESP

you shift the transmission to position N

while driving

If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear a

warning tone. You will see the

Cruise Con‐Cruise Con‐

trol Offtrol Off message in the multifunction dis-

play for approximately five seconds.

Driving systems

173

Driving and parking

When you switch off the engine, the last

speed stored is cleared.

DISTRONIC PLUS

General notes

DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and

automatically helps you maintain the dis-

tance to the vehicle detected in front. Vehi-

cles are detected with the aid of the radar

sensor system. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes

automatically so that the set speed is not

exceeded.

Change into a lower gear in good time on long

and steep downhill gradients. This is espe-

cially important if the vehicle is laden. By

doing so, you will make use of the braking

effect of the engine. This relieves the load on

the brake system and prevents the brakes

from overheating and wearing too quickly.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that there is a risk

of a collision, you will be warned visually and

acoustically. DISTRONIC PLUS cannot pre-

vent a collision without your intervention. An

intermittent warning tone will then sound and

the distance warning lamp will light up in the

instrument cluster. Brake immediately in

order to increase the distance to the vehicle

in front or take evasive action provided it is

safe to do so.

DISTRONIC PLUS operates in range between

0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (200 km/h).

Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on

roads with steep gradients.

As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves, it

can resemble the radar detectors of the

responsible authorities. You can refer to the

relevant chapter in the Operator's Manual if

questions are asked about this.

This device complies with RSS-210 of

Industry Canada. Operation is subject to

the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful inter-

ference, and

2. this device must accept any interference

received, including interference that may

cause undesired operation of the device.

Removal, tampering, or altering of the

device will void any warranties, and is not

permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use

in any non-approved way.

Any unauthorized modification to this

device could void the user's authority to

operate the equipment.

Important safety notes

WARNING

DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to:

people or animals

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

ped or parked vehicles

oncoming and crossing traffic

As a result, DISTRONIC PLUS 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

DISTRONIC PLUS cannot always clearly iden-

tify other road users and complex traffic sit-

uations.

In such cases, DISTRONIC PLUS 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, in particular when warned to do so by

DISTRONIC PLUS.

WARNING

DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with up

to 50% of the maximum possible deceleration.

If this braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC

174

Driving systems

Driving and parking

PLUS warns you visually and audibly. There is

a risk of an accident.

In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and

try to take evasive action.

If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function

is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-

cally in certain situations. To prevent dam-

age to the vehicle, deactivate DISTRONIC

PLUS and the HOLD function in the follow-

ing or other similar situations:

when towing the vehicle

in the car wash

If you fail to adapt your driving style, DIS-

TRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk of

accident nor override the laws of physics.

DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take into account

the road, traffic and weather conditions. DIS-

TRONIC PLUS is only an aid. You are respon-

sible for the distance to the vehicle in front,

for vehicle speed, for braking in good time and

for staying in your lane.

Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:

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 slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-

erating could cause the drive wheels to lose

traction and the vehicle could then skid

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

heavy rain or snow

DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow

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

vehicles driving on a different line.

In particular, the detection of obstacles can

be impaired if:

there is dirt on the sensors or anything else

covering the sensors

there is snow or heavy rain

there is interference by other radar sources

there are strong radar reflections, for

example, in parking garages

If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a vehi-

cle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS may unexpect-

edly accelerate the vehicle to the stored

speed.

This speed may:

be too high if you are driving in a filter lane

or an exit lane

be so high when driving in the right-hand

lane that you overtake vehicles in the left-

hand lane

be so high when driving in the left-hand lane

that you overtake vehicles in the right-hand

lane

If there is a change of drivers, advise the new

driver of the speed stored.

Cruise control lever

To store the current speed or a higher

speed

;

To store the current speed or a lower

speed

To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS

To store the current speed or call up the

last stored speed

To set the specified minimum distance

Activating DISTRONIC PLUS

Activation conditions

To activate DISTRONIC PLUS, all of the fol-

lowing activation conditions must be fulfilled:

the engine must be started. It may take up

to two minutes after pulling away before

DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.

the electric parking brake must be

released.

Driving systems

175

Driving and parking

ESP

must be active, but not intervening.

Active Parking Assist must not be activa-

ted.

DSR must be deactivated.

the transmission must be in position D.

the driver's door must be closed when you

shift from P to D or your seat belt must be

fastened.

the front-passenger door and rear doors

must be closed.

Activating

Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ? or press it up : or down ;.

DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.

Press the cruise control lever repeatedly

up : or down ; 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

DISTRONICDISTRONIC PLUSPLUS PassivePassive mes-

sage appears in the multifunction display.

The set distance to a slower-moving vehicle

in front will then not be maintained. You will

be driving at the speed you determine by

the position of the accelerator pedal.

You can also activate DISTRONIC PLUS when

stationary. The lowest speed that can be set is

18 mph (30 km/h).

Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ? or press it up : or down ;.

DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.

Activating at the current speed/last

stored speed

WARNING

If you call up the stored speed and it differs

from the current speed, the vehicle acceler-

ates or decelerates. If you do not know the

stored speed, the vehicle could accelerate or

brake unexpectedly. There is a risk of an acci-

dent.

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

(Y page 175) towards you ?.

Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal.

DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. The first

time it is activated, the current speed is

stored. Otherwise, it sets the vehicle cruise

speed to the previously stored value.

Driving with DISTRONIC PLUS

Pulling away and driving

The vehicle can also pull away when it is

facing an unidentified obstacle or is driving

on a different line from another vehicle. The

vehicle then brakes automatically. There is

a risk of an accident. Be ready to brake at all

times.

If you depress the brake, DISTRONIC PLUS is

deactivated unless your vehicle is stationary.

If you want to pull away with DIS-

TRONIC PLUS: remove your foot from the

brake pedal.

Briefly pull the cruise control lever

(Y page 175) towards you ?.

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 vehi-

cle accelerates to the set speed.

If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC

PLUS operates in the same way as cruise

control.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in

front has slowed down, it brakes your vehicle.

In this way, the distance you have selected is

maintained.

176

Driving systems

Driving and parking

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a faster-moving

vehicle in front, it increases the driving speed.

The vehicle is only accelerated up to the

speed you have stored.

Selecting the drive program

DISTRONIC Plus supports a sporty driving

style when you have selected the S or M driv-

ing program (Y page 152). Acceleration

behind the vehicle in front or to the set speed

is then noticeably more dynamic. If you have

selected the E driving program, the vehicle

accelerates more gently. This setting is rec-

ommended in stop-and-start traffic.

Changing lanes

If you change to the passing lane, DISTRONIC

PLUS supports you when:

you are driving faster than 43.5 mph

(70 km/h)

DISTRONIC PLUS is maintaining the dis-

tance to a vehicle in front

you switch on the appropriate turn signal

DISTRONIC PLUS does not detect a danger

of collision

If these conditions are fulfilled, your vehicle is

accelerated. Acceleration will be interrupted

if changing lanes takes too long or if the dis-

tance between your vehicle and the vehicle in

front becomes too small.

Stopping

WARNING

When leaving the vehicle, even if it is braked

only by DISTRONIC PLUS, it could roll away if:

there is a malfunction in the system or in

the voltage supply.

DISTRONIC PLUS has been deactivated

with the cruise control lever, e.g. by a vehi-

cle occupant or from outside the vehicle.

the electrical system in the engine com-

partment, the battery or the fuses have

been tampered with.

the battery is disconnected.

the accelerator pedal has been depressed,

e.g. by a vehicle occupant.

There is a risk of an accident.

If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off

DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the vehicle

against rolling away.

For further information on deactivating DIS-

TRONIC PLUS (Y page 178).

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in

front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until it

is stationary.

Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains

stationary and you do not need to depress the

brake.

After a time, the electric parking brake

secures the vehicle and relieves the service

brake.

Depending on the specified minimum dis-

tance, your vehicle will come to a standstill

at a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in

front. The specified minimum distance is

set using the control on the cruise control

lever.

The electric parking brake automatically

secures the vehicle if DISTRONIC PLUS is

activated and:

the seat belt is unfastened 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 malfunction occurs.

the power supply is not sufficient.

If a malfunction occurs, then the transmission

may be shifted into position P automatically.

Setting a speed

Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment

until the vehicle has accelerated or braked to

the speed set.

Driving systems

177

Driving and parking

To store the current speed or a higher

speed

;

To store the current speed or a lower

speed

Press the cruise control lever up : for a

higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.

To adjust the set speed in 1 mph incre-

ments (1 km/h increments): briefly

press the cruise control lever up : or

down ; to the pressure point.

Every time the cruise control lever is

pressed up : or down ; the last speed

stored is increased or reduced.

To adjust the set speed in 5 mph incre-

ments (10 km/h increments): briefly

press the cruise control lever up : or

down ; to the pressure point.

Every time the cruise control lever is

pressed up : or down ;, the last speed

stored is increased or reduced.

DISTRONIC PLUS is not deactivated if you

depress the accelerator pedal. If you accel-

erate to overtake, DISTRONIC PLUS

adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last

speed stored after you have finished over-

taking.

Setting the specified minimum distance

You can set the specified minimum distance

for DISTRONIC PLUS by varying the time span

between one and two seconds. With this func-

tion, you can set the minimum distance that

DISTRONIC PLUS keeps to the vehicle in

front, dependent on vehicle speed. You can

see this distance in the multifunction display

(Y page 179).

Make sure that you maintain the mini-

mum distance to the vehicle in front as

required by law. Adjust the distance to the

vehicle in front if necessary.

To increase: turn control = in direc-

tion ;.

DISTRONIC PLUS then maintains a greater

distance between your vehicle and the

vehicle in front.

To decrease: turn control = in direc-

tion :.

DISTRONIC PLUS then maintains a shorter

distance between your vehicle and the

vehicle in front.

Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS

178

Driving systems

Driving and parking

There are several ways to deactivate DIS-

TRONIC PLUS:

Briefly press the cruise control lever for-

wards :.

Brake, unless the vehicle is stationary.

When you deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS, you

will see the

DISTRONICDISTRONIC PLUSPLUS OffOff message in

the multifunction display for approximately

five seconds.

The last speed stored remains stored until

you switch off the engine. DISTRONIC PLUS

is not deactivated if you depress the accel-

erator pedal.

DISTRONIC PLUS is automatically deactiva-

ted if:

you engage the electric parking brake or if

the vehicle is automatically secured with

the electric parking brake

ESP

intervenes 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 DSR

you activate Active Parking Assist

If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will

hear a warning tone. You will see the

DIS‐DIS‐

TRONIC

TRONIC PLUSPLUS OffOff message in the multifunc-

tion display for approximately five seconds.

DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the instru-

ment cluster

Displays in the speedometer

Example: DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the speed-

ometer

When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, one or

two segments ; in the set speed range light

up.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front,

segments ; between speed of the vehicle in

front = and stored speed : light up.

For design reasons, the speed displayed

in the speedometer may differ slightly from

the speed set for DISTRONIC PLUS.

Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is deacti-

vated

Vehicle in front, if detected

;

Distance indicator, current distance to

the vehicle in front

Specified minimum distance to the vehi-

cle in front; adjustable

Own vehicle

Driving systems

179

Driving and parking

In the Assistance menu (Y page 213) of the

on-board computer, you can select the assis-

tance display.

Select the

Assistance GraphicAssistance Graphic function

using the on-board computer

(Y page 213).

Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is activa-

ted

Vehicle in front, if detected

;

Specified minimum distance to the vehi-

cle in front; adjustable

Own vehicle

DISTRONIC PLUS active (text only

appears when the cruise control lever is

actuated)

Select the

Assistance GraphicAssistance Graphic function

using the on-board computer

(Y page 213).

You will initially see the stored speed for

about five seconds when you activate DIS-

TRONIC PLUS.

Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS

General notes

The following contains descriptions of certain

road and traffic conditions in which you must

be particularly attentive. In such situations,

brake if necessary. DISTRONIC PLUS is then

deactivated.

Cornering, going into and coming out of a

bend

The ability of DISTRONIC PLUS to detect vehi-

cles when cornering is limited. Your vehicle

may brake unexpectedly or late.

Vehicles traveling on a different line

DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect vehicles

traveling on a different line. The distance to

the vehicle in front will be too short.

Other vehicles changing lanes

180

Driving systems

Driving and parking

DISTRONIC PLUS has not detected the vehi-

cle cutting in yet. The distance to this vehicle

will be too short.

Narrow vehicles

DISTRONIC PLUS has not yet detected the

vehicle in front on the edge of the road,

because of its narrow width. The distance to

the vehicle in front will be too short.

Obstructions and stationary vehicles

DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obsta-

cles or stationary vehicles. If, for example, the

detected vehicle turns a corner and reveals

an obstacle or stationary vehicle, DISTRONIC

PLUS will not brake for these.

Crossing vehicles

DISTRONIC PLUS may detect vehicles that

are crossing your lane by mistake. Activating

DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights with cross-

ing traffic, for example, could cause your vehi-

cle to pull away unintentionally.

HOLD function

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 has been deactivated by

pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake

pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant.

the electrical system in the engine com-

partment, the battery or the fuses have

been tampered with.

the battery is disconnected

There is a risk of an accident.

If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off

the HOLD function and secure the vehicle

against rolling away.

Driving systems

181

Driving and parking

If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function

is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-

cally in certain situations. To prevent dam-

age to the vehicle, deactivate DISTRONIC

PLUS and the HOLD function in the follow-

ing or other similar situations:

when towing the vehicle

in the car wash

Deactivating the HOLD function

(Y page 182).

General notes

The HOLD function can assist the driver in the

following situations:

when pulling away, especially on steep

slopes

when maneuvering on steep slopes

when waiting in traffic

The vehicle is kept stationary without the

driver having to depress the brake pedal.

The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD

function deactivated when you depress the

accelerator pedal to pull away.

Activation conditions

You can activate the HOLD function if:

the vehicle is stationary

the engine is running or if it has been auto-

matically switched off by the ECO start/

stop function

the driver's door is closed or your seat belt

is fastened

the electric parking brake is released

the transmission position D, R or N is

engaged while driving a vehicle with an

automatic transmission

DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated

Activating the HOLD function

Example: vehicles with a color multifunction dis-

play

Make sure that the activation conditions

are met.

Depress the brake pedal.

Quickly depress the brake pedal further

until : appears in the multifunction dis-

play.

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 automati-

cally 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

certain amount of pressure until : disap-

pears from the multifunction display.

you secure the vehicle using the electric

parking brake.

you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.

After a time, the electric parking brake

secures the vehicle and relieves the service

brake.

182

Driving systems

Driving and parking

The electric parking brake automatically

secures the vehicle if the HOLD function is

activated and:

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

seat belt is unfastened.

the engine is switched off, unless it is auto-

matically switched off by the ECO start/

stop function.

a system malfunction occurs.

the power supply is not sufficient.

On steep uphill or downhill inclines or if there

is a malfunction, the transmission may also

automatically be shifted into position P.

RACE START

Important safety notes

RACE START enables optimal acceleration

from a standing start. The precondition for

this is a suitable high-grip road surface.

RACE START is intended solely for activation

on dedicated race circuits.

RACE START is only available in AMG vehi-

cles.

Conditions for activation

You can activate RACE START if:

the doors, hood and the tailgate are closed.

the engine is running and the transmission,

all-wheel drive clutch and the engine are at

operating temperature.

SPORT handling mode is activated.

(Y page 70)

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.

drive program M is selected (Y page 152).

Activating RACE START

Depress the brake pedal with your left foot

and keep it depressed.

Pull and hold both steering wheel shift pad-

dles.

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 shift paddles.

If the activation conditions are no longer

fulfilled, RACE START is canceled. The

RACE START Not Possible See Opera‐RACE START Not Possible See Opera‐

tor's Manualtor's Manual message appears in the

multifunction display.

To cancel: pull the left steering wheel pad-

dle shifter (Y page 153).

To confirm: pull the right steering wheel

paddle shifter (Y page 153).

The

RACE START Available DepressRACE START Available Depress

gas pedal

gas pedal message appears in the multi-

function display.

If you do not depress the accelerator

pedal within a few seconds, RACE START is

canceled. The multifunction display shows

the

RACE START CanceledRACE START Canceled message.

Fully depress the accelerator pedal.

The engine speed is increased.

The

RACE START Release brake toRACE START Release brake to

start

start message appears in the multifunc-

tion display.

If you do not release the brake pedal

within a short time, RACE START will be

canceled. The multifunction display shows

the

RACE START CanceledRACE START Canceled message.

Take your foot off the brake, but keep the

accelerator pedal depressed.

The vehicle pulls away at maximum accel-

eration.

The

RACERACE STARTSTART ActiveActive message appears

in the multifunction display.

RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle

reaches a speed of approximately 30 mph

(Canada: 50 km/h). Drive program S is acti-

Driving systems

183

Driving and parking

vated. SPORT handling mode remains activa-

ted.

RACE START is deactivated immediately if

you release the accelerator pedal during

RACE START or if any of the activation condi-

tions are no longer fulfilled. The

RACERACE STARTSTART

Not Possible

Not Possible or RACE START CanceledRACE START Canceled

message appears in the multifunction dis-

play.

If RACE START is used repeatedly within a

short period of time, it is only available

again after the vehicle has been driven a

certain distance.

4MATIC

4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are per-

manently driven. Together with ESP

, it

improves the traction of your vehicle when-

ever a drive wheel spins due to insufficient

grip.

If you fail to adapt your driving style, 4MATIC

can neither reduce the risk of accident nor

override the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot

take account of road, weather and traffic con-

ditions. 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 your lane.

If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip:

Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as

necessary when pulling away.

Accelerate less when driving.

Never tow the vehicle with one axle

raised. This may damage the transfer case.

Damage of this sort is not covered by the

Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All

wheels must remain either on the ground or

be fully raised. Observe the instructions for

towing the vehicle with all wheels in full

contact with the ground.

In wintry driving conditions, the maximum

effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if

you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow

chains if necessary.

DSR

Important safety notes

DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) is only

available for vehicles with the Off-Road

Engineering package.

DSR is an aid to assist you when driving down-

hill. It keeps the speed of travel at the speed

selected on the on-board computer. The

steeper the downhill gradient, the greater the

DSR braking effect on the vehicle. When driv-

ing on flat stretches of road or on an uphill

gradient, the DSR braking effect is minimal or

nonexistent.

DSR controls the vehicle’s speed when it is

activated and the transmission is in position

D, R or N. You can drive at a higher or a lower

speed than that set on the on-board computer

at any time by accelerating or braking.

If you fail to adapt your driving style, DSR can

neither reduce the risk of accident nor over-

ride the laws of physics. DSR cannot take

account of road, weather and traffic condi-

tions. DSR 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 your lane.

You are always responsible for keeping con-

trol of the vehicle and for assessing whether

the downhill gradient can be managed. DSR

may not always be able to keep to the set

speed, depending on road surface and tire

conditions. Select a set speed suitable for the

prevailing conditions and when necessary,

apply the brakes manually.

WARNING

If the speed driven and the set speed deviate

and you activate DSR on a slippery road sur-

face, the wheels may lose traction. There is an

increased danger of skidding and accidents.

Before switching DSR on, please take into

consideration the road surface and the differ-

ence between driving speed and the set

speed.

184

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Further information about "Driving off-road"

(Y page 168).

Activating/deactivating DSR

If you activate DSR and no speed has been

set, the vehicle decelerates to 3 mph

(6 km/h).

Activating

You can only activate DSR when driving at

speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h).

Press button :.

Indicator lamp ; lights up.

The status indicator in the multifunction

display shows, e.g.

DSR 6 km/hDSR 6 km/h.

If the current vehicle speed is too high, the

DSR icon appears in the multifunction dis-

play. You will also see the message:

Max.Max.

Speed 30 km/h

Speed 30 km/h .

If you enter or exit a parking space using

Active Parking Assist, and press button :,

indicator lamp ; flashes. DSR can then not

be switched on.

Deactivating

Press button :.

Indicator lamp ; goes out.

DSR symbol appears in the multifunction

display with the

OffOff message.

DSR switches off automatically if you drive

faster than 22 mph (35 km/h). The DSR sym-

bol appears in the multifunction display with

the

OffOff message. You also hear a warning

tone.

Display in the assistance graphic

Select the

Assistance GraphicAssistance Graphic function

using the on-board computer

(Y page 213).

When DSR is activated symbol : appears

in the assistance graphics display.

Changing the set speed while the vehi-

cle is in motion

When DSR is activated, you can change the

set speed to a value between 2 mph and

11 mph (Canada: between 4 km/h and

18 km/h) while the vehicle is in motion.

To increase or decrease in 1 mph incre-

ments (Canada: 1 km/h increments):

briefly press the cruise control lever to the

pressure point, up : for a higher set speed

or down ; for a lower set speed.

The set value appears in the status indica-

tor of the multifunction display.

Driving systems

185

Driving and parking

Off-road program

General notes

The off-road drive program is only availa-

ble on vehicles with the Off-Road Engineer-

ing package.

The off-road program assists you in driving

off-road. The engine's performance charac-

teristics and the gearshifting characteristics

of the automatic transmission are adapted for

this purpose. ABS, ESP

and ETS programs

especially adapted to off-road driving are also

activated.

Do not use the off-road program on roads that

are snow-covered or icy or if you have moun-

ted snow chains on your vehicle.

For information about driving off-road, see

(Y page 168).

Switching the off-road program on or off

To switch on: press the : button.

Indicator lamp ; lights up.

To switch off: press button :.

Indicator lamp ; goes out.

Display in the assistance graphic

Select the

Assistance GraphicAssistance Graphic function

using the on-board computer

(Y page 213).

When the off-road program is activated,

symbol : appears in the assistance

graphic display.

PARKTRONIC

Important safety notes

PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with

ultrasonic sensors. It monitors the area

around your vehicle using six sensors in the

front bumper and six sensors in the rear

bumper. PARKTRONIC indicates visually and

audibly the distance between your vehicle

and an object.

PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is not a replace-

ment for your attention to your immediate

surroundings. You are always responsible for

safe maneuvering, parking and exiting a park-

ing space. When maneuvering, parking or

pulling out of a parking space, make sure that

there are no persons, animals or objects in

the area in which you are maneuvering.

When parking, pay particular attention to

objects above or below the sensors, such

as flower pots or trailer drawbars. PARK-

TRONIC does not detect such objects when

they are in the immediate vicinity of the

vehicle. You could damage the vehicle or

the objects.

186

Driving systems

Driving and parking

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 on a

truck or a pneumatic drill could cause

PARKTRONIC to malfunction.

PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on

uneven terrain.

PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when

you:

switch on the ignition

shift the transmission to position D, R or N

release the electric parking brake

PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above

11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower

speeds.

Range of the sensors

General notes

PARKTRONIC does not take objects into con-

sideration that are:

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

mals or objects

above the detection range, e.g. overhang-

ing loads, truck overhangs or loading ramps

Sensors in the front bumper, left-hand

side (example)

Side view

Top view

The sensors must be free from dirt, ice or

slush. They can otherwise not function cor-

rectly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking

care not to scratch or damage them

(Y page 301).

Front sensors

Center Approx. 40 in (approx.

100 cm)

Corners Approx. 24 in (approx.

60 cm)

Rear sensors

Center Approx. 48 in (approx.

120 cm)

Corners Approx. 32 in (approx.

80 cm)

Minimum distance

Center Approx. 8 in (approx.

20 cm)

Corners Approx. 8 in (approx.

20 cm)

Driving systems

187

Driving and parking

If there is an obstacle within this range, the

relevant warning displays light up and a warn-

ing tone sounds. If the distance falls below

the minimum, the distance may no longer be

shown.

Warning displays

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 center air vents.

The warning display for the rear area is loca-

ted on the headliner in the rear compartment.

Warning display for the front area

Segments on the left-hand side of the

vehicle

;

Segments on the right-hand side of the

vehicle

Segments showing operational readiness

The warning display for each side of the vehi-

cle is divided into five yellow and two red seg-

ments. PARKTRONIC is operational if yellow

segments showing operational readiness =

light up.

The selected transmission position and the

direction in which the vehicle is rolling deter-

mine which warning display is active when the

engine is running.

Transmission

position

Warning display

Front area activated

R, N or the vehicle

is rolling back-

wards

Rear and front areas

activated

No areas activated

One or more segments light up as the vehicle

approaches an obstacle, depending on the

vehicle's distance from the obstacle.

From the:

sixth segment onwards, you will hear an

intermittent warning tone for approx-

imately two seconds.

seventh segment onwards, you will hear a

warning tone for approximately two sec-

onds. This indicates that you have now

reached the minimum distance.

Deactivating/activating PARKTRONIC

Indicator lamp

;

To deactivate/activate PARKTRONIC

If indicator lamp : lights up, PARKTRONIC is

deactivated.

PARKTRONIC is automatically activated

when you turn the SmartKey to position 2 in

the ignition lock.

188

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Problems with PARKTRONIC

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and MM Solutions

Only the red segments

in the PARKTRONIC

warning displays are lit.

You also hear a warning

tone for approximately

two seconds.

PARKTRONIC is then

deactivated and the

indicator lamp on the

PARKTRONIC button

lights up.

PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off.

If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified

specialist workshop.

Only the red segments

in the PARKTRONIC

warning displays are lit.

PARKTRONIC is then

deactivated.

The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference.

Clean the PARKTRONIC sensors (Y page 301).

Switch the ignition back on.

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

ultrasound waves.

See if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location.

Active Parking Assist

General notes

Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking

aid with ultrasound. It measures the road on

both sides of the vehicle. A parking symbol

indicates a suitable parking space. Active

steering intervention and brake application

can assist you during parking and when exit-

ing a parking space. You may also use PARK-

TRONIC (Y page 186).

Important safety notes

Active Parking Assist is merely an aid. It is not

a replacement for your attention to your

immediate surroundings. You are always

responsible for safe maneuvering, parking

and exiting a parking space. Make sure that

no persons, animals or objects are in the

maneuvering range.

When PARKTRONIC is switched off, Active

Parking Assist 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

result in a collision with another road user.

There is a risk of an accident.

Pay attention to other road users. Stop the

vehicle if necessary or cancel the Active Park-

ing Assist parking procedure.

If unavoidable, you should drive over

obstacles such as curbs slowly and not at a

sharp angle. Otherwise, you may damage

the wheels or tires.

Active Parking Assist may possibly indicate

parking spaces which are not suitable for

parking, for example:

where parking or stopping is prohibited

in front of driveways or entrances and exits

on unsuitable surfaces

Driving systems

189

Driving and parking

Parking tips:

On narrow roads, drive as close to the park-

ing space as possible.

Parking spaces that are littered or over-

grown 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 PARKTRONIC

(Y page 188) warning messages during the

parking procedure.

You can intervene in the steering procedure

to correct it at any time. Active Parking

Assist will then be canceled.

When transporting a load which protrudes

from your vehicle, you should not use

Active Parking Assist.

Never use Active Parking Assist when snow

chains are installed.

Make sure that the tire pressures are

always correct. This has a direct influence

on the parking characteristics of the vehi-

cle.

Use Active Parking Assist for parking spaces:

parallel or at right angles to the direction of

travel

that are on straight roads, not bends

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

not on the pavement

Detecting parking spaces

Objects located above the height range of

Active Parking Assist will not be detected

when the parking space is measured. These

are not taken into account when the parking

procedure is calculated, e.g. overhanging

loads, tail sections or loading ramps of goods

vehicles.

WARNING

If there are objects above the detection range,

Active Parking Assist may turn prematurely.

You may cause a collision as a result. There is

a risk of an accident.

If there are objects above the detection range,

stop and deactivate Active Parking Assist.

For further information on the detection

range (Y page 187).

Active Parking Assist does not assist you

parking in spaces at right angles to the direc-

tion 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 curb

you park forwards

Active Parking Assist does not assist you

parking in spaces that are parallel or at right

angles to the direction of travel if:

the parking space is on a curb

the parking space is apparently blocked,

for example by foliage or grass paving

blocks

the range of movement is too small

the parking space is bordered by an obsta-

cle which is not clearly defined such as a

tree or a trailer

Detected parking space on the left

;

Parking symbol

Detected parking space on the right

Active Parking Assist is automatically activa-

ted when driving forwards. The system is

operational at speeds of up to approximately

22 mph (35 km/h). While in operation, the

190

Driving systems

Driving and parking

system independently locates and measures

parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle.

Active Parking Assist will only detect parking

spaces:

parallel or at right angles to the direction of

travel

that are parallel to the direction of travel

and at least 59 in (1.5 m) wide

that are parallel to the direction of travel

and at least 39.5 in (1.0 m) longer than your

vehicle

that are at right angles to the direction of

travel and at least 39.5 in (1.0 m) wider

than your vehicle

In the case of parking spaces that are at

right angles to the direction of travel,

please ensure that the parking space is

long enough to accommodate your vehicle.

When driving at speeds below 19 mph

(30 km/h), you will see the 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. By default, Active Parking Assist

only displays parking spaces on the front-

passenger side. Parking spaces on the driv-

er'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

switched on until you acknowledge the use of

Active Parking Assist 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

driving past it, and until you are approx-

imately 50 ft (15 m) away from it.

Parking

WARNING

If you leave the vehicle when it is only being

braked by Active Parking Assist 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 have

been tampered with.

the battery is disconnected.

the accelerator pedal has been depressed,

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

PARKTRONIC detects obstacles, Active

Parking Assist brakes automatically during

the parking process. You are responsible

for braking in good time.

Stop the vehicle when the parking space

symbol shows the desired parking space in

the instrument cluster.

Shift the transmission to position R.

The

Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:

% message appears in the multifunction

display.

To cancel the procedure: press the %

button on the multifunction steering wheel

or pull away.

To park using Active Parking Assist:

press the a button on the multifunction

steering wheel.

The

Park Assist Active AcceleratePark Assist Active Accelerate

and

and BrakeBrake ObserveObserve SurroundingsSurroundings mes-

sage appears in the multifunction display.

Let go of the multifunction steering wheel.

Back up the vehicle, being ready to brake at

all times. Do not exceed a maximum speed

of approximately 5 mph (10 km/h) when

Driving systems

191

Driving and parking

backing up. Otherwise Active Parking

Assist will be canceled.

Active Parking Assist brakes the vehicle to

a standstill when the vehicle approaches

the rear border of the parking space.

Maneuvering may be required in tight park-

ing spaces.

The

Park Assist Active Select DPark Assist Active Select D

Observe

Observe SurroundingsSurroundings message appears in

the multifunction display.

Shift the transmission to position D while

the vehicle is stationary.

Active Parking Assist immediately steers in

the other direction.

The

Park Assist Active AcceleratePark Assist Active Accelerate

and

and BrakeBrake ObserveObserve SurroundingsSurroundings mes-

sage appears in the multifunction display.

You will achieve the best results by wait-

ing for the steering procedure to complete

before pulling away.

Drive forwards and be ready to brake at all

times.

Active Parking Assist brakes the vehicle to

a standstill.

The

Park Assist Active Select RPark Assist Active Select R

Observe

Observe SurroundingsSurroundings message appears in

the multifunction display.

As soon as the parking procedure is com-

plete, the

Park Assist FinishedPark Assist Finished message

appears and a warning tone sounds. The vehi-

cle is now parked. The vehicle is kept station-

ary without the driver having to depress the

brake pedal. The braking effect is canceled

when you depress the accelerator pedal.

Active Parking Assist no longer supports you

with steering interventions and brake appli-

cations. When Active Parking Assist is fin-

ished, you must steer and brake again your-

self. PARKTRONIC is still available.

Maneuver if necessary.

Always observe the warning messages dis-

played by PARKTRONIC (Y page 188).

Parking tips:

The way your vehicle is positioned in the

parking space after parking is dependent

on various factors. These include the posi-

tion and shape of the vehicles parked in

front and behind it and the conditions of the

location. It may be the case that Active

Parking Assist 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 curb. If necessary, you should can-

cel the parking procedure with Active Park-

ing Assist.

You can also engage forward gear prema-

turely. The vehicle redirects and does not

drive as far into the parking space. Should a

gear be changed too early, the parking pro-

cedure will be canceled. A sensible parking

position can no longer be achieved from

this position.

Exiting a parking space

In order that Active Parking Assist can sup-

port you when you exit the parking space:

the border of the parking space must be

high enough. A curb is too small, for exam-

ple.

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 maneuvering into the park-

ing space.

a maneuvering distance of at least 3.3 ft

(1.0 m) must be available.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

If PARKTRONIC detects obstacles, Active

Parking Assist brakes automatically whilst

the vehicle exits the parking space. You are

responsible for braking in good time.

Active Parking Assist can only assist you with

exiting a parking space if you have parked the

vehicle parallel to the direction of travel using

Active Parking Assist.

192

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Start the engine.

Switch on the turn signal in the direction

you are pulling away.

Shift the transmission to position D or R.

The

Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:

% message appears in the multifunction

display.

To cancel the procedure: press the %

button on the multifunction steering wheel

or pull away.

To exit a parking space using Active

Parking Assist: press the a button on

the multifunction steering wheel.

The

Park Assist Active AcceleratePark Assist Active Accelerate

and

and BrakeBrake ObserveObserve SurroundingsSurroundings mes-

sage appears in the multifunction display.

Let go of the multifunction steering wheel.

Reverse the vehicle or drive forwards, being

ready to brake at all times. Do not exceed a

maximum speed of approximately 6 mph

(10 km/h) when exiting a parking space.

Otherwise Active Parking Assist will be can-

celed.

Shift the transmission to position D or R as

required while the vehicle is stationary.

Active Parking Assist immediately steers in

the other direction. The

Park AssistPark Assist

Active Accelerate and Brake

ObserveObserve SurroundingsSurroundings message appears

in the multifunction display.

You will achieve the best results by wait-

ing for the steering procedure to complete

before pulling away.

If you back up after activation, the steering

wheel is moved to the straight-ahead posi-

tion.

Drive forwards and back up as prompted by

the PARKTRONIC warning displays, 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

Park Assist FinishedPark Assist Finished message

appears in the multifunction display. You will

then have to steer and merge into traffic on

your own. 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 recognize

that it is already possible to pull out of the

parking space.

Canceling Active Parking Assist

You can cancel Active Parking Assist at any

time.

Stop the movement of the multifunction

steering wheel or steer yourself.

Active Parking Assist will be canceled at

once. The

Park Assist CanceledPark Assist Canceled mes-

sage appears in the multifunction display.

Press the PARKTRONIC button on the cen-

ter console (Y page 188).

PARKTRONIC is switched off and Active

Parking Assist is immediately canceled.

The

Park Assist CanceledPark Assist Canceled message

appears in the multifunction display.

Active Parking Assist is canceled automati-

cally if:

the electric parking brake is engaged

transmission position P is selected

parking using Active Parking Assist is no

longer possible

you are driving faster than 6 mph (10 km/h)

a wheel spins, ESP

intervenes or fails. The

÷ warning lamp lights up in the instru-

ment cluster.

A warning tone sounds. The parking symbol

disappears and the multifunction display

shows the

Park Assist CanceledPark Assist Canceled mes-

sage.

If Active Parking Assist is canceled, you must

steer again yourself.

If a system malfunction occurs, the vehicle is

braked to a standstill. To drive on, depress the

accelerator again.

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193

Driving and parking

Rear view camera

General notes

Rear view camera : is in the handle on the

tailgate.

The rear view camera is an optical parking and

maneuvering aid. It uses guide lines to show

the area behind your vehicle in the Audio/

COMAND display.

The area behind the vehicle is displayed as a

mirror image, as in the rear view mirror.

The rear view camera is protected from rain-

drops and dust by means of a flap. When the

rear view camera is activated, this flap opens.

Only once the maneuvering process has been

completed and the rear view camera has

switched off does the flap close again. For

technical reasons, the flap may remain open

briefly after the rear view camera has been

deactivated. If you switch off the engine, the

flap will also close.

The text of messages shown in the

COMAND display depends on the language

setting. The following are examples of rear

view camera messages in the COMAND

display.

Observe the notes on cleaning (Y page 302).

Important safety notes

The rear view camera is only an aid. It is not a

replacement for your attention to your imme-

diate surroundings. You are always responsi-

ble for safe maneuvering and parking. When

maneuvering or parking, make sure that there

are no persons, animals or objects in the area

in which you are maneuvering.

Under the following circumstances, the rear

view camera will not function, or will function

in a limited manner:

the tailgate is open

in heavy rain, snow or fog

at night or in very dark places

if the camera is exposed to very bright light

if the area is lit by fluorescent light or LED

lighting (the display may flicker)

if there is a sudden change in temperature,

e.g. when driving into a heated garage in

winter

if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed

if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this

event, have the camera position and setting

checked at a qualified specialist workshop

The field of vision and other functions of the

rear view camera may be restricted due to

additional accessories on the rear of the vehi-

cle (e.g. license plate holder, bicycle rack).

Activating/deactivating the rear view

camera

To activate: make sure that the SmartKey

is in position 2 in the ignition lock.

Make sure that the "Activation by R gear"

function is selected in the Audio system/

COMAND; see the separate operating

instructions.

Engage reverse gear.

Guide lines are used to show the area

behind the vehicle in the Audio/COMAND

display.

To deactivate: the rear view camera deacti-

vates if you shift the transmission to P on

vehicles with automatic transmission or after

driving forwards a short distance.

194

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Displays in the Audio/COMAND display

The rear view camera may show a distorted

view of obstacles, show them incorrectly or

not at all. The rear view camera does not show

objects in the following positions:

very close to the rear bumper

under the rear bumper

in the area immediately above the tailgate

handle

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

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 bot-

tom-most guideline.

Lanes

White guide line without turning the steer-

ing wheel, vehicle width including the

exterior mirrors (static)

;

Yellow lane marking tires at current steer-

ing wheel angle, vehicle width to the outer

side of the wheels (dynamic)

Red guide line for the vehicle width includ-

ing the exterior mirrors, for current steer-

ing wheel angle (dynamic)

Bumper

Guide lines

Bumper

Red guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 10 in (0.25 m) from the rear of the

vehicle

Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear of the

vehicle

Vehicle center axle (marker assistance)

Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear of the

vehicle

The lanes and guide lines are only displayed if

you have engaged reverse gear.

The distance specifications only apply to

objects that are at ground level.

Additional displays on vehicles with PARKTRONIC

and COMAND

Front warning display

;

Additional PARKTRONIC measurement

operational readiness indicator

Rear warning display

Vehicles with PARKTRONIC and COMAND:

if PARKTRONIC is operational (Y page 186),

Driving systems

195

Driving and parking

an additional operational readiness indicator

will appear in COMAND display ;.If the

PARKTRONIC warning displays are active or

light up, warning displays : and = are also

active or light up correspondingly in the

COMAND display.

"Reverse parking" function

Make sure that the rear view camera is

activated and the "Reverse parking" func-

tion is selected; see the separate operating

instructions for the audio system/

COMAND.

The lane and the guide lines are shown.

Backing up straight into a parking space

without turning the steering wheel

White lane with steering wheel straight

;

Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear of the

vehicle

Red guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 10 in (0.25 m) from the rear of the

vehicle

With the help of white lane :, check

whether the vehicle will fit into the parking

space.

Using the white lane as a guide, carefully

back up until you reach the end position.

Red guide line = is then at the end of the

parking space. The vehicle is almost paral-

lel in the parking space.

Reverse perpendicular parking with the

steering wheel at an angle

Drive past the parking space and bring the

vehicle to a standstill.

Turning the steering wheel

Red lane indicating the route the vehicle

will take with the steering wheel in its cur-

rent position

;

Parking space marking

While the vehicle is at a standstill, turn the

steering wheel in the direction of the park-

ing space until the red lane reaches parking

space marking ;.

Keep the steering wheel in that position

and back up carefully.

Backing up with the steering wheel turned

Red lane indicating the route the vehicle

will take with the steering wheel in its cur-

rent position

196

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Stop the vehicle when it is almost exactly in

front of the parking space.

The white lane should be as close to parallel

with the parking space marking as possi-

ble.

Driving to the final position

White lane at current steering wheel angle

;

Parking space marking

Turn the steering wheel to the center posi-

tion while the vehicle is stationary.

Red guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 10 in (0.25 m) from the rear of the

vehicle

;

White lane with steering wheel straight

End of parking space

Back up carefully until you have reached

the final position.

Red guide line : is then at end of parking

space =. The vehicle is almost parallel in

the parking space.

ATTENTION ASSIST

General notes

ATTENTION ASSIST helps you during long,

monotonous journeys, such as on highways.

It is active in the range between 50 mph

(80 km/h) and 112 mph (180 km/h).

If ATTENTION ASSIST detects typical indica-

tors of fatigue or increasing lapses in con-

centration on the part of the driver, it sug-

gests you take a break.

Important safety notes

ATTENTION ASSIST is only an aid to the

driver. It might not always recognize fatigue

or increasing inattentiveness in time or fail to

recognize them at all. The system is not a

substitute for a well-rested and attentive

driver.

ATTENTION ASSIST assesses your level of

fatigue or lapses in concentration by taking

the following criteria into account:

your personal driving style, e.g. steering

characteristics

journey details, e.g. time of day and length

of journey

The functionality of ATTENTION ASSIST is

restricted and warnings may be delayed or

not occur at all:

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

face is uneven or if there are potholes

if there is a strong side wind

if you have adopted a sporty driving style

with high cornering speeds or high rates of

acceleration

if you are predominantly driving slower

than 50 mph (80 km/h) or faster than

112 mph (180 km/h)

if you are currently using COMAND or mak-

ing a telephone call with it

if the time has been set incorrectly

in active driving situations, such as when

you change lanes or change your speed

Driving systems

197

Driving and parking

Warning and display messages in the

multifunction display

Activate ATTENTION ASSIST using the on-

board computer (Y page 214).

If ATTENTION ASSIST is active, you will be

warned no sooner than 20 minutes after

your journey has begun. You then hear an

intermittent warning tone twice and the

Attention Assist: Take a Break!Attention Assist: Take a Break!

message appears in the multifunction dis-

play.

If necessary, take a break.

Press the a or % button to confirm

the message.

On long journeys, take regular breaks in good

time to allow yourself to rest properly. If you

do not take a break, you will be warned again

after 15 minutes at the earliest. The precon-

dition for this is that ATTENTION ASSIST still

detects typical indicators of fatigue or

increasing lapses in concentration.

ATTENTION ASSIST is reset when you con-

tinue your journey and starts assessing your

tiredness again if:

you switch off the engine.

you take off your seat belt and open the

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

to take a break

When ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated, the

é symbol appears in the multifunction

display in the assistance graphic display.

Lane Tracking package

General notes

The Lane Tracking package consists of Blind

Spot Assist (Y page 198) and Lane Keeping

Assist (Y page 200).

Blind Spot Assist

General notes

Blind Spot Assist uses a radar sensor system

to monitor the areas on both sides of your

vehicle. It supports you from a speed of

approximately 20 mph (30 km/h). A warning

display in the exterior mirrors draws your

attention to vehicles detected in the moni-

tored area. If you then switch on the corre-

sponding turn signal to change lanes, you will

also receive a visual and audible collision

warning. For this purpose, Blind Spot Assist

uses sensors in the rear bumper.

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

vehicles which approach with a large speed

differential and overtake your vehicle

As a result, Blind Spot Assist may not give

warnings in such situations. There is a risk of

an accident.

Always observe the traffic conditions care-

fully, and maintain a safe lateral distance.

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

detect some vehicles and is no substitute for

attentive driving.

USA only:

This device has been approved by the FCC

as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar

sensor is intended for use in an automotive

radar system only. Removing, tampering

with, or altering the device will void any

warranties, and is not permitted by the

FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in

any non-approved way.

Any unauthorized modification to this

device could void the user’s authority to

operate the equipment.

198

Driving systems

Driving and parking

Monitoring range of the sensors

In particular, the detection of obstacles can

be impaired if:

dirt on the sensors or anything else cover-

ing the sensors

there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy

rain or snow

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

motorbike or bicycle

the road has very wide lanes

the road has narrow lanes

you are not driving in the middle of the lane

there are barriers or similar lane borders

Vehicles in the monitoring range are then not

indicated.

Blind Spot Assist monitors the area up to 10 ft

(3.0 m) behind your vehicle and directly next

to your vehicle, as shown in the diagram. For

this purpose, Blind Spot Assist uses radar

sensors in the rear bumper.

If the lanes are narrow, vehicles driving in the

lane beyond the lane next to your vehicle may

be indicated, especially if the vehicles are not

driving in the middle of their lane. This may be

the case if the vehicles are driving on the inner

side of their lane.

Due to the nature of the system:

warnings may be issued in error when driv-

ing close to crash barriers or similar solid

lane borders.

warnings may be interrupted when driving

alongside particularly long vehicles, e.g.

trucks, for a prolonged time.

The two sensors for Blind Spot Assist are

integrated into the sides of the rear bumper.

Make sure that the bumper is free of dirt, ice

or slush in the vicinity of the sensors. For

example, the radar sensors must not be cov-

ered by bicycle 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 spe-

cialist workshop. Blind Spot Assist may oth-

erwise not work properly.

Indicator and warning display

Blind Spot Assist is not active at speeds below

approximately 20 mph (30 km/h). Vehicles in

the monitoring range are then not indicated.

Yellow indicator lamp/red warning lamp

When Blind Spot Assist is activated, indicator

lamp : in the exterior mirrors lights up yel-

low at speeds of up to 20 mph (30 km/h). At

speeds above 20 mph (30 km/h), the indica-

tor 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

20 mph (30 km/h), then warning lamp : on

the corresponding side lights up red. This

warning is always emitted when a vehicle

Driving systems

199

Driving and parking

enters the blind spot monitoring range from

behind or from the side. When you overtake a

vehicle, the warning only occurs if the differ-

ence in speed is less than 7 mph (12 km/h).

The yellow indicator lamp goes out if reverse

gear is engaged. In this event, Blind Spot

Assist is no longer active.

The brightness of the indicator/warning

lamps is adjusted automatically according to

the ambient light.

Collision warning

If a vehicle is detected in the monitoring range

of Blind Spot Assist and you switch on the

corresponding turn signal, a double warning

tone sounds. Red warning lamp : flashes. If

the turn signal remains on, vehicles detected

are indicated by the flashing of red warning

lamp :. There are no further warning tones.

Switching on Blind Spot Assist

Make sure that Blind Spot Assist is activa-

ted in the on-board computer

(Y page 214).

Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the igni-

tion lock.

Warning lamps : in the exterior mirrors

light up red for approximately 1.5 seconds

and then turn yellow.

Lane Keeping Assist

General notes

Lane Keeping Assist monitors the area in

front of your vehicle with camera :, which is

mounted at the top of the windshield. Active

Lane Keeping Assist detects lane markings on

the road and can warn you before you leave

your lane unintentionally.

This function is available in the range between

40 mph and 120 mph (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 in the steer-

ing wheel for up to 1.5 seconds.

Important safety notes

WARNING

Lane Keeping Assist may not always clearly

recognize lane markings.

In this case, 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 stay in lane, in particular if

warned by Lane Keeping Assist.

WARNING

The Lane Keeping Assist warning does not

return the vehicle to the original lane. There is

a risk of an accident.

You should always steer, brake or accelerate

yourself, in particular if warned by Lane Keep-

ing Assist.

If you fail to adapt your driving style, Lane

Keeping Assist can neither reduce the risk of

an accident nor override the laws of physics.

Lane Keeping Assist cannot take into account

the road, traffic and weather conditions. Lane

Keeping Assist is merely 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 your lane.

The Lane Keeping Assist does not keep the

vehicle in the lane.

200

Driving systems

Driving and parking

The system may be impaired or may not func-

tion if:

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

cient illumination of the road, or due to

snow, rain, fog or spray

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

the sun or reflections (e.g. when the road

surface is wet)

the windshield is dirty, fogged up, damaged

or covered, for instance by a sticker, in the

vicinity of the camera

there are no, several or unclear lane mark-

ings for a lane, e.g. in areas with road con-

struction work

the lane markings are worn away, dark or

covered up, e.g. by dirt or snow

the distance to the vehicle in front is too

small and the lane markings thus cannot be

detected

the lane markings change quickly, e.g.

lanes branch off, cross one another or

merge

the road is narrow and winding

there are strong shadows cast on the lane

Switching on Lane Keeping Assist

Switch on Active Lane Keeping Assist using

the on-board computer; to do so, select

StandardStandard or AdaptiveAdaptive (Y page 214).

If you drive at speeds above 40 mph

(60 km/h) and lane markings are detected,

the lane markings in the assistance graph-

ics display (Y page 213) are shown in

green.

When Standard is selected, no warning vibra-

tion occurs if:

you switch on the turn signals. In this event,

the warnings are suppressed for a certain

period of time.

a driving safety system intervenes, such as

ABS, BAS or ESP

When Adaptive is selected, no warning vibra-

tion occurs if:

you switch on the turn signals. In this event,

the warnings are suppressed for a certain

period of time.

a driving safety system intervenes, e.g.

ABS, BAS or ESP

you accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown.

you brake hard.

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

obstacle or change lanes quickly.

you cut the corner on a sharp bend.

In order that you are warned only when nec-

essary and in good time if you cross the lane

marking, the system recognizes certain con-

ditions and warns you accordingly.

The warning vibration occurs earlier if:

you approach the outer lane marking on a

bend.

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

way.

the system recognizes solid lane markings.

The warning vibration occurs later if:

the road has narrow lanes.

you cut the corner on a bend.

Driving systems

201

Driving and parking

202

Driving and parking for Your Mercedes GLA SUV First Generation (2013-2019)

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