Get Driving and parking Guide for Mercedes GLE SUV First Generation (2016-2019)

Driving

143

Running-in notes

Driving

Important safety notes

In certain driving and driving safety systems, the

G WARNING

sensors adjust automatically while a certain dis-

Objects in the driver's footwell may restrict

tance is being driven after the vehicle has been

the clearance around the pedals or block a

delivered or after repairs. Full system effective-

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

depressed pedal. This jeopardises the oper-

process.

Driving and parking

ating and road safety of the vehicle. There is a

Brake pads/linings and discs that are either new

risk of an accident.

or have been replaced only achieve optimum

Stow all objects securely in the vehicle so that

braking effect after several hundred kilometres

they do not get into the driver's footwell.

of driving. Compensate for the reduced braking

Always fit the floormats securely and as pre-

effect by applying greater force to the brake

scribed in order to ensure that there is always

pedal.

sufficient room for the pedals. Do not use

loose floormats and do not place several floor-

The first 1,500 km

mats on top of one another.

If you treat the engine with sufficient care from

G WARNING

the very start, you will be rewarded with excel-

lent performance for the remainder of the

Unsuitable footwear can hinder correct usage

engine's life.

of the pedals, e.g.:

R Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine

R shoes with thick soles

speeds for the first 1500 km.

R shoes with high heels

R Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this

R slippers

period, e.g. driving at full throttle.

R Change gear in good time, before the rev

There is a risk of an accident.

counter needle is Ô of the way to the red area

Wear suitable footwear to ensure correct

of the rev counter.

usage of the pedals.

R Do not shift down a gear manually in order to

brake.

G WARNING

R Try to avoid depressing the accelerator pedal

If you switch off the ignition while driving,

beyond the point of resistance (kickdown).

safety-relevant functions are only available

Additional notes on running in Mercedes-AMG

vehicles:

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

for example, the power steering and the brake

R For the first 1,500 km do not drive at speeds

boosting effect. You will require considerably

above 140 km/h.

more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk

R Only allow the engine to reach a maximum

engine speed of 4,500 rpm briefly.

of an accident.

R Ideally, for the first 1,500 km, drive in the

Do not switch off the ignition while driving.

Comfort drive program.

G WARNING

After 1,500 km, you may gradually accelerate

the vehicle to full road and engine speeds.

If the parking brake has not been fully

You should also observe these notes on running-

released when driving, the parking brake can:

in if the engine or parts of the drive train on your

vehicle have been replaced.

R overheat and cause a fire

Always observe the maximum permissible

R lose its hold function.

speed.

There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release

the parking brake fully before driving off.

Driving

144

KEYLESS-GO

! Do not warm up the engine while stationary.

Pull away immediately. Avoid high engine

General notes

speeds and full throttle until the engine has

reached its operating temperature.

Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO are equipped with a

In vehicles with automatic transmission,

key featuring an integrated KEYLESS-GO func-

engage positions P and R only when the vehi-

tion and a detachable Start/Stop button.

cle is stationary.

A check that periodically establishes a radio

Where possible, avoid spinning the drive

connection between the vehicle and the key

wheels when pulling away on slippery roads.

determines whether a valid key is in the vehicle.

Driving and parking

You could otherwise damage the drive train.

This occurs, for example, when the engine is

started.

! Mercedes-AMG vehicles: at low engine oil

When you insert the Start/Stop button in the

temperatures (below +20 †), the maximum

ignition lock, the system needs approximately

engine speed is restricted in order to protect

two seconds to recognise it. You can then use

the engine. To protect the engine and main-

the Start/Stop button.

tain smooth engine operation, avoid driving at

Pressing the Start/Stop button several times in

full throttle when the engine is cold.

succession corresponds to the different key

Plug-in hybrid: be sure to read the separate

positions in the ignition lock. This is the case

Owner's Manual. Otherwise, you may fail to rec-

only if you are not depressing the brake pedal.

ognise dangers.

If you depress the brake pedal and press the

Start/Stop button, the engine starts immedi-

ately.

Key positions

To start the vehicle without actively using the

key:

Key

R the Start/Stop button must be inserted in the

ignition lock

R the key must be in the vehicle

R the vehicle must not be locked with the key or

KEYLESS-GO ( Y page 84)

Do not keep the key:

R with electronic devices, e.g. a mobile phone

or another key

R with metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal foil

R inside metallic objects, e.g. a metal case

This can affect the function of the key with KEY-

LESS-GO.

g To remove the key

Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key in the tem-

1 Power supply for some consumers, such as

perature-controlled cup holder ( Y page 324).

the windscreen wipers

Otherwise, the KEYLESS-GO key will not be

2 Ignition (power supply for all consumers)

detected.

and drive position

If you lock the vehicle with the key's remote

3 To start the vehicle

control or with KEYLESS-GO, after a short time:

i If the key does not belong to the vehicle, it

R you will no longer be able to switch on the

can still be turned in the ignition lock. How-

ignition with the Start/Stop button

ever, the ignition will not be switched on. The

R you will no longer be able to start the engine

engine cannot be started.

with the Start/Stop button until the vehicle is

unlocked again

If you lock the vehicle centrally using the button

on the front door ( Y page 90), you can continue

to start the engine with the Start/Stop button.

Driving

145

You can switch off the engine while the vehicle is

X Remove Start/Stop button : from ignition

in motion by pressing and holding the Start/

lock ;.

Stop button for around three seconds. This func-

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

tion operates independently of the ECO start/

ton from the ignition lock when you leave the

stop automatic engine switch-off function.

vehicle. You should, however, always take the

key with you when leaving the vehicle. As long as

Key positions with KEYLESS-GO

the key is in the vehicle:

R the vehicle can be started using the Start/

Stop button

Driving and parking

R the electrically powered equipment can be

operated

Starting the vehicle

Important safety notes

G WARNING

: Start/Stop button

If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,

; Ignition lock

they can:

When you switch on the ignition, all the indicator

R open doors and endanger other persons or

lamps on the instrument cluster light up. Further

road users

information on situations in which an indicator

R climb out and be injured by the traffic

lamp either fails to go out after the engine is

started or lights up while driving ( Y page 292).

R operate vehicle equipment and, for exam-

If Start/Stop button : has not yet been

ple, trap themselves.

pressed, this is the same as the key having been

Children could also set the vehicle in motion,

removed.

for example by:

X To switch on the power supply: press

R releasing the parking brake

Start/Stop button : once.

The power supply is switched on. You can now

R shifting the automatic transmission out of

activate the windscreen wipers, for example.

park position P

The power supply is switched off again if:

R starting the engine.

R the driver's door is opened and

There is a risk of an accident and injury.

R you press Start/Stop button : twice in this

When leaving the vehicle, always take the key

key position

with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave

X To switch on the ignition: press Start/Stop

children unattended in the vehicle. Always

button : twice.

keep the key out of reach of children.

The ignition is switched on.

If you press Start/Stop button : once in this

G WARNING

key position, the ignition is deactivated again.

Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust

Removing the Start/Stop button

gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling

You can remove the Start/Stop button from the

these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There

ignition lock and start the vehicle as normal

is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave

using the key.

the engine running in enclosed spaces with-

It is possible to switch between KEYLESS-GO

out sufficient ventilation.

mode and key operation only when the trans-

mission is in position j.

Driving

146

G WARNING

X Depress the brake pedal and keep it

depressed.

Flammable materials introduced through

X Press the Start/Stop button once

environmental influence or by animals can

( Y page 144).

ignite if in contact with the exhaust system or

Vehicles with a petrol engine: the engine

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

starts.

of fire.

Vehicles with a diesel engine: preglow is

activated and the engine starts.

Carry out regular checks to make sure that

Driving and parking

there are no flammable foreign materials in

the engine compartment or in the exhaust

Pulling away

system.

General notes

G WARNING

Vehicles with a petrol engine: the catalytic

If the engine speed is above the idling speed

converter is preheated for up to 30 seconds

after a cold start. The sound of the engine may

and you engage transmission position D or R,

change during this time.

the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is

a risk of an accident.

Automatic transmission

When engaging transmission position D or R,

X Shift the transmission to position j

always firmly depress the brake pedal and do

( Y page 153).

not simultaneously accelerate.

The transmission position indicator on the

multifunction display shows j

Depress the accelerator carefully when pulling

( Y page 154).

away.

The vehicle locks centrally once you have pulled

i You can start the engine in transmission

away. The locking knobs in the doors drop down.

positions j and i.

You can open the doors from the inside at any

time.

Starting procedure using the key

You can also deactivate the automatic locking

X To start a diesel engine: turn the key to

feature ( Y page 253).

position 2 in the ignition lock ( Y page 144).

It is only possible to shift the transmission from

The % preglow indicator lamp on the

position P to the desired position if you depress

instrument cluster lights up.

the brake pedal. Only then is the parking lock

released. If you do not depress the brake pedal,

X Turn the key to position 3 in the ignition lock

the DIRECT SELECT lever can still be moved but

( Y page 144) and release it as soon as the

the parking lock remains engaged.

engine is running.

i Upshifts take place at higher engine speeds

i Vehicles with a diesel engine: you can

after a cold start. This helps the catalytic con-

start the engine without preglow if the engine

verter to reach its operating temperature

is warm.

more quickly.

Information on automatically releasing the elec-

Using KEYLESS-GO to start the engine

trical parking brake ( Y page 168).

The Start/Stop button can be used to start the

vehicle without inserting the key in the ignition

lock. The key must be in the vehicle and the

Start/Stop button must be inserted in the igni-

tion lock. This mode for starting the engine man-

ually operates independently of the ECO start/

stop automatic engine start function.

Driving

147

Pulling away with a trailer

Hill start assist is not active if:

R you are pulling away on a level road or a

downhill gradient

R the transmission is in position N

R the electric parking brake is applied

R ESP ® is malfunctioning

Driving and parking

ECO start/stop function

Introduction

Plug-in hybrid: observe the notes on the ECO

start/stop function in the separate Owner's

To ensure that you do not roll backwards when

Manual.

pulling away on an uphill slope, apply the electric

parking brake.

The ECO start/stop function switches the

engine off automatically if the vehicle is stopped

X Press and hold handle :.

under certain conditions.

The electric parking brake continues to brake

and prevent the vehicle from rolling back-

When the vehicle pulls away again, the engine

wards.

starts automatically. The ECO start/stop func-

tion thereby helps you to reduce the fuel con-

The red ! indicator lamp in the instrument

sumption and emissions of your vehicle.

cluster remains lit.

X Depress the accelerator pedal.

Important safety notes

X As soon as the vehicle/trailer combination is

held by the driving force of the engine, release

G WARNING

lever :.

the electric parking brake is released

If the engine is switched off automatically and

The red ! indicator lamp in the instrument

you exit the vehicle, the engine is restarted

cluster goes out.

automatically. The vehicle may begin moving.

There is a risk of accident and injury.

Hill start assist

If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off

the ignition and secure the vehicle against

Hill start assist helps you when pulling away for-

rolling away.

wards or in reverse on an uphill gradient. It holds

the vehicle for a short time after you have

removed your foot from the brake pedal. This

General notes

gives you enough time to move your foot from

the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and

depress it before the vehicle begins to roll.

G WARNING

After a while, hill start assist no longer holds

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

of an accident and injury.

Therefore, quickly move your foot from the

: ECO start/stop display

brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. Never

The ECO start/stop function is switched on

leave the vehicle when it is held by hill start

whenever you start the engine using the key or

assist.

the Start/Stop button.

If the è ECO symbol is shown on the multi-

function display, the ECO start/stop function

Driving

148

switches the engine off automatically if the vehi-

ically a maximum of four times (initial stop, then

cle stops moving.

three subsequent stops) in succession. The

ç ECO symbol is shown on the multifunction

If the ECO start/stop function has been

display after the engine has been started auto-

switched off manually ( Y page 149) or as the

matically for the fourth time. When the è

result of a malfunction, the è or ç ECO

ECO symbol is shown on the multifunction dis-

symbol is not displayed.

play, automatic engine stop is possible again.

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the ECO start/stop

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the number of con-

function is available only in drive programs

secutive automatic engine stops is unlimited.

Comfort and Slippery.

Driving and parking

Automatic engine start

Automatic engine stop

The engine is started automatically if:

If the vehicle is braked to a standstill with the

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

R you switch off the ECO start/stop function by

tion switches off the engine automatically.

pressing the ECO button

The ECO start/stop function is operational and

R in transmission position D or N, the brake

the è ECO symbol is shown on the multi-

pedal is released and the HOLD function is not

function display if:

active

R the indicator lamp in the ECO button is lit

R you depress the accelerator pedal

green

R you engage reverse gear R

R the Sport Plus drive program is not selected

R you move the transmission out of position P

(Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 4MATIC)

R you switch to the Sport Plus drive program

R the Sport Plus or Sport drive program is not

(Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 4MATIC)

selected (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)

R you switch to the Sport Plus or Sport drive

R none of the off-road programs are selected

program (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)

R the outside temperature and atmospheric air

R you activate manual gearshifting (Mercedes-

pressure are within the range that is suitable

AMG vehicles)

for the system

R you switch to the Off-road drive program

R the engine is at normal operating temperature

(vehicles without Off-Road Engineering pack-

R the set temperature for the vehicle interior

age)

has been reached

R you switch to the Off-road or Off-road Plus

R the battery is sufficiently charged

drive program (vehicles with Off-Road Engi-

neering package)

R the system does not detect moisture on the

windscreen when the air-conditioning system

R you unfasten your seat belt or open the driv-

is switched on

er's door

R the bonnet is closed

R the vehicle starts to roll

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

R the brake system requires this

seat belt is fastened

R the temperature in the vehicle interior devi-

If all conditions for automatic engine stop are

ates from the set range

not fulfilled, the ç ECO symbol is shown.

R the system detects moisture on the wind-

All the vehicle's systems remain active when the

screen when the air-conditioning system is

engine is switched off automatically.

switched on

The HOLD function can be activated if the

R the battery's charge status is too low

engine has been switched off automatically. It is

Shifting the transmission to position P does not

then not necessary to continue applying the

start the engine.

brakes during the automatic stop phase. When

If you shift the transmission from R to D, the

you depress the accelerator pedal, the engine

ECO start/stop function is available again as

starts automatically and the braking effect of

soon as the è ECO symbol reappears on the

the HOLD function is deactivated.

multifunction display.

All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-

cles): the engine can be switched off automat-

Driving

149

Switching the ECO start/stop function

X To switch off: in the Comfort drive program,

off/on

press ECO button :.

All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-

X Activate manual gearshifting ( Y page 157).

cles)

X Switch to the Sport Plus or Sport drive pro-

gram ( Y page 151).

Indicator lamp ; and the è or ç ECO

Driving and parking

symbol on the multifunction display go out.

X To switch on: press ECO button :.

Indicator lamp ; lights up. When the

Sport Plus or Sport drive program is activa-

ted, the automatic transmission switches to

the Comfort drive program.

If all conditions for automatic engine stop

( Y page 148) are fulfilled, the è ECO sym-

bol is shown on the multifunction display.

X To switch off: press ECO button :.

If all conditions for automatic engine stop

Indicator lamp ; and the è or ç ECO

( Y page 148) are not fulfilled, the ç ECO

symbol on the multifunction display go out.

symbol is shown on the multifunction display.

X To switch on: press ECO button :.

If this is the case, the ECO start/stop function

is not available.

Indicator lamp ; lights up. If all conditions

for automatic engine stop ( Y page 148) are

If indicator lamp ; is off, the ECO start/stop

fulfilled, the è ECO symbol is shown on

function has been switched off manually or as

the multifunction display.

the result of a malfunction. The engine will then

If all conditions for automatic engine stop

not be switched off automatically when the vehi-

( Y page 148) are not fulfilled, the ç ECO

cle stops.

symbol is shown on the multifunction display.

If this is the case, the ECO start/stop function

is not available.

If indicator lamp ; is off, the ECO start/stop

function has been switched off manually or as

the result of a malfunction. The engine will then

not be switched off automatically when the vehi-

cle stops.

Mercedes-AMG vehicles

Driving

150

Problems with the engine

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

The engine does not

R The engine electronics are malfunctioning.

start. The starter motor

R The fuel supply is malfunctioning.

can be heard.

Before attempting to restart the engine:

X Turn the key in the ignition lock back to position u.

Driving and parking

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

the instrument cluster go out.

X Restart the engine ( Y page 145). Avoid excessively long and fre-

quent attempts to start the engine, as this will drain the battery.

If the engine does not start after several attempts:

X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

The engine does not

The fuel tank is empty.

start. The starter motor

X Refuel the vehicle.

can be heard. The

reserve fuel warning

lamp is lit and the fuel

gauge display shows 0.

The engine does not

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

start. You cannot hear

discharged.

the starter motor.

X Jump-start the vehicle ( Y page 359).

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

X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

The starter motor was exposed to excessively high thermal load.

X Allow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two minutes.

X Try to start the engine again.

If the engine still does not start:

X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

Vehicles with a petrol

Malfunction of the engine electronics or a mechanical component of

engine:

the engine management system.

The engine is not running X Depress the accelerator pedal only slightly.

smoothly and is misfir-

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

ing.

and damage it.

X Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist work-

shop.

DYNAMIC SELECT controller 151

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

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

display is showing more being cooled sufficiently.

than 120 †. The coolant X Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant to

warning lamp may also

cool down.

be on and a warning tone

X Check the coolant level ( Y page 340). Observe the warning notes

may sound.

as you do so and top up the coolant if necessary.

Driving and parking

If the coolant level is correct, the radiator fan may be faulty. The cool-

ant is too hot and the engine is not being cooled sufficiently.

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

to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.

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

tainous terrain and stop-start traffic.

DYNAMIC SELECT controller

Plug-in hybrid: observe the notes on the

DYNAMIC SELECT controller in the separate

Owner's Manual.

Use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to change

the drive program. Depending on the drive pro-

gram selected, the following vehicle character-

istics will change:

R the drive (engine and transmission manage-

ment)

R the transmission

X All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-

cles): turn DYNAMIC SELECT controller :

R the suspension

until the desired drive program is selected.

R the steering

The drive program selected appears on the

R the availability of the ECO start/stop function

multifunction display. After five seconds, this

If the ignition is switched off for less than four

information disappears from the display.

hours, the last drive program selected is activa-

In addition, the current drive program settings

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

are shown on the multimedia system display.

tion is switched off for more than four hours, the

Comfort drive program is activated when the

Drive programs available (all vehicles

except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):

engine is next started.

In urban traffic and stop-start traffic, the Com-

Individual

Personalised settings

fort drive program is recommended.

Sport

Sporty driving characteris-

tics

Comfort

Comfortable and economi-

cal driving characteristics

Slippery

Optimised driving charac-

teristics on slippery or

snow-covered roads

Automatic transmission

152

Off-road

Sport Plus

Optimised driving charac-

Particularly sporty driving

teristics for easily negotia-

characteristics

ble off-road terrain

Slippery

Optimised driving charac-

Off-Road Plus Optimised driving charac-

teristics on slippery or

(vehicles with

teristics for rough terrain

snow-covered roads

Off-Road Engi-

neering pack-

Additional information on drive programs

age)

( Y page 156).

Driving and parking

Further information on:

Automatic transmission

R the Individual, Sport, Comfort and Slippery

drive programs ( Y page 156)

Important safety notes

R the Off-Road drive program (vehicles without

Off-Road Engineering package)

G WARNING

( Y page 226)

The automatic transmission switches to neu-

R the Off-Road and Off-Road Plus drive pro-

tral position N when you switch off the engine.

grams (vehicles with Off-Road Engineering

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

package) ( Y page 227)

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.

Plug-in hybrid: be sure to read the separate

Owner's Manual. Otherwise, you may fail to rec-

ognise dangers.

DIRECT SELECT lever

X Mercedes-AMG vehicles: turn DYNAMIC

SELECT controller : until the desired drive

Overview of transmission positions

program is selected.

The drive program selected appears on the

multifunction display. After five seconds, this

information disappears from the display.

In addition, the current drive program settings

are shown on the multimedia system display.

Drive programs available (Mercedes-AMG

vehicles):

Individual

Personalised settings

Comfort

Comfortable and economi-

cal driving characteristics

j Park position with parking lock

Sport

Sporty driving characteris-

k Reverse gear

tics

i Neutral

h Drive

Automatic transmission

153

Selecting neutral N

The DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of the

steering column.

G WARNING

The DIRECT SELECT lever always returns to its

original position. The current transmission posi-

If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,

tion j, k, i or h is shown on the trans-

they can:

mission position display on the multifunction

R open doors and endanger other persons or

display( Y page 154).

road users

Engaging park position P

R climb out and be injured by the traffic

Driving and parking

R operate vehicle equipment and, for exam-

! If the engine speed is too high or the vehicle

ple, trap themselves.

is coasting, do not shift the automatic trans-

mission directly from h to k, from k to h

Children could also set the vehicle in motion,

or directly to j. Otherwise, the automatic

for example by:

transmission may be damaged.

R releasing the parking brake

X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever switch in the

R shifting the automatic transmission out of

direction of arrow j.

park position P

R starting the engine.

Engaging park position P automatically

There is a risk of an accident and injury.

Park position j is automatically engaged if:

When leaving the vehicle, always take the key

R you switch off the engine using the key and

with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave

remove the key

children unattended in the vehicle. Always

R you switch off the engine using the key or

keep the key out of reach of children.

using the Start/Stop button and open the

driver's door or front-passenger door

X If the transmission is in position h or k:

R you open the driver's door when the vehicle is

push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to

stationary or when driving at a very low speed

the first point of resistance.

and the transmission is in position h or k

X If the transmission is in position j: depress

Under certain conditions, the automatic trans-

the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT

mission shifts automatically to transmission

lever up or down to the first point of resist-

position j if the HOLD function or Distance

ance.

Pilot DISTRONIC is activated. Observe the infor-

If you switch the engine off with the transmis-

mation on the HOLD function ( Y page 193) and

sion in position k or h, the automatic trans-

on Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ( Y page 185).

mission shifts to i automatically.

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

Engaging reverse gear R

or the front-passenger door or remove the key

from the ignition lock, the automatic transmis-

! Only move the automatic transmission to

sion shifts to j automatically.

k when the vehicle is stationary.

With the Start/Stop button: if you then open

X If the transmission is in position h or i:

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

push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the

the automatic transmission shifts automatically

first point of resistance.

to j.

X If the transmission is in position j: depress

If you want the automatic transmission to

the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT

remain in neutral i, e.g. when having the vehi-

lever up past the first point of resistance.

cle cleaned in an automatic, tow-through car

wash:

Automatic transmission

154

With the key:

The arrows on the transmission position display

show how and into which transmission positions

X Switch the ignition on.

you can shift using the DIRECT SELECT lever.

X Depress the brake pedal and keep it

If the transmission position display on the mul-

depressed.

tifunction display is not working, you should pull

X Shift to neutral i.

away carefully to check whether the desired

X Release the brake pedal.

transmission position is engaged. Ideally, you

should select transmission position h.

X Release the electric parking brake.

X Switch off the ignition and leave the key in the

Driving and parking

ignition lock.

Transmission positions

With the Start/Stop button:

X Remove the Start/Stop button from the igni-

Park position

tion lock.

This safeguards the vehicle against

X Insert the key into the ignition lock.

rolling away when stopped. Only shift

X Switch the ignition on.

the transmission into position P

when the vehicle is stationary

X Depress the brake pedal and keep it

( Y page 166).

depressed.

Park position P is automatically

X Shift to neutral i.

engaged if:

X Release the brake pedal.

R you switch off the engine using the

X Release the electric parking brake.

key and remove the key

X Switch off the ignition and leave the key in the

R you switch off the engine using the

ignition lock.

key or using the Start/Stop button

and open the driver's door or front-

Engaging drive position D

passenger door

R you open the driver's door when

X If the transmission is in position k or i:

the vehicle is stationary or when

push the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the

driving at a very low speed while

first point of resistance.

the transmission is in position D or

X If the transmission is in position j: depress

the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT

lever down past the first point of resistance.

Reverse gear

Only shift the transmission into posi-

tion R when the vehicle is stationary.

Transmission position and drive pro-

gram display

The current transmission position and drive pro-

gram appear on the multifunction display.

: Transmission position

; Gear

= Drive program

Automatic transmission

155

Kickdown

Neutral

Do not shift the transmission to N

Use kickdown for maximum acceleration:

while driving. Otherwise, the auto-

X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the

matic transmission could be dam-

pressure point.

aged.

The automatic transmission shifts to a lower

No power is transmitted from the

gear depending on the engine speed.

engine to the drive wheels.

X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the

Releasing the brakes will allow you to

desired speed is reached.

Driving and parking

move the vehicle freely, e.g. to push

The automatic transmission shifts back up.

it or tow it.

If ESP ® is deactivated or faulty: shift

Glide mode (not for Mercedes-AMG

the transmission to position N if the

vehicles)

vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g.

on icy roads.

Glide mode is available for diesel vehicles

If you switch the engine off with the

depending on equipment.

transmission in position R or D, the

Glide mode is characterised by the following:

automatic transmission shifts to N

R the combustion engine is disconnected from

automatically.

the drive train

! Coasting in neutral i may

R the engine is running at idling speed

cause damage to the drive train.

R the gear indicated after transmission position

h disappears on the multifunction display

Drive

( Y page 154)

The automatic transmission changes

R transmission position h is shown in green.

gear automatically. All forward gears

are available.

Glide mode can be activated under the following

conditions:

R In the Individual drive program, the "Eco"

Driving tips

setting is active. You can find information

about this in the Digital Owner's Manual

Changing gear

R the speed is within a suitable range

R the type of road is suitable, e.g. no steep uphill

The automatic transmission shifts through the

or downhill gradients

individual gears automatically when it is in trans-

mission position h. This is determined by:

R the distance to the vehicle in front is sufficient

R you are no longer depressing the accelerator

R the drive program selected

pedal

R the position of the accelerator pedal

Glide mode is deactivated under the following

R the road speed

conditions:

R you depress the accelerator pedal

Accelerator pedal position

R you depress the brake pedal

Your driving style influences how the automatic

R you use the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch

transmission shifts gear:

the transmission position ( Y page 152)

R little throttle: early upshifts

R you use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to

change the drive program ( Y page 151)

R more throttle: late upshifts

R you activate manual gearshifting

( Y page 157)

R the distance to the vehicle in front is too short

R you leave the suitable speed range

Automatic transmission

156

Glide mode (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)

Towing a trailer

X Drive in the middle of the engine speed range

on uphill gradients.

X Depending on the uphill or downhill gradient,

use the left-hand steering wheel gearshift

paddle ( Y page 157) to select a lower gear,

even if cruise control, Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC or the speed limiter is activated.

Driving and parking

Glide mode is available for

Mercedes‑AMG GLE 43 4MATIC and for

Drive programs

Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC depending on

the equipment.

Slippery drive program

Glide mode is characterised by the following:

The Slippery drive program has the following

R the combustion engine is disconnected from

characteristics:

the drive train

R reduced engine and transmission settings for

R the engine is running at idling speed

optimum propulsion on slippery or snow-cov-

R the gear indicated after transmission position

ered roads.

h disappears on the multifunction display

R optimised ESP ® stability control on slippery

( Y page 154)

or snow-covered roads.

R symbol : appears.

R the vehicle has improved driving stability on

Glide mode can be activated under the following

slippery or snow-covered roads, for example.

conditions:

R the Comfort drive program is activated, you

Comfort drive program

can find information about this in the Digital

Owner's Manual

The Comfort drive program has the following

R the speed is within a suitable range.

characteristics:

R the type of road is suitable, e.g. no steep uphill

R comfort-orientated engine and transmission

or downhill gradients.

settings.

R the distance to the vehicle in front is sufficient

R optimal fuel consumption resulting from the

R you are no longer depressing the accelerator

automatic transmission shifting up sooner.

pedal

R the vehicle pulling away more gently in

Glide mode is deactivated under the following

forward and reverse gears unless the accel-

conditions:

erator pedal is depressed fully.

R the automatic transmission shifting up

R you depress the accelerator pedal

sooner. This results in the vehicle being driven

R you depress the brake pedal

at lower engine speeds and the wheels being

R you use the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch

less likely to spin.

the transmission position ( Y page 152)

R you use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to

Sport drive program

change the drive program ( Y page 151)

The Sport drive program has the following char-

R you activate manual gearshifting

( Y page 157)

acteristics:

R the distance to the vehicle in front is too short

R sporty engine and transmission settings.

R you leave the suitable speed range

R the automatic transmission shifting up later.

As a result of the later automatic transmission

shift points, the fuel consumption possibly

being higher.

R the suspension exhibits sporty damping (vehi-

cles with AIRMATIC).

Automatic transmission

157

Drive program Sport Plus (Mercedes-

To use manual gearshifting, you have two

AMG vehicles)

options:

R temporary setting

The Sport Plus drive program has the following

R permanent setting

characteristics:

If you activate manual gearshifting, the multi-

R the vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving

function display will show the current gear

characteristics.

instead of transmission position h.

R the vehicle pulling away in first gear.

If manual gearshifting is deactivated, the gears

R the automatic transmission shifting up later.

Driving and parking

will be selected automatically.

As a result of the later automatic transmission

shift points, the fuel consumption possibly

Temporary setting

being higher.

R the suspension exhibits particularly firm

springing and damping settings (vehicles with

AIRMATIC).

R the ECO start/stop function is deactivated, it

can, however, be activated again using the

ECO button ( Y page 149).

Individual drive program

In the Individual drive program, the following

properties of the drive program can be selected:

R the drive (engine and transmission manage-

X To activate: shift the DIRECT SELECT lever to

ment)

position h .

R the transmission

X Pull steering wheel gearshift paddle : or ;.

R the suspension

R all vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):

The temporary setting will remain active for a

the steering

certain amount of time. Under certain condi-

tions, the minimum amount of time is extended,

R all vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):

e.g. in the case of lateral acceleration, overrun

availability of the ECO start/stop function

mode or driving on steep terrain.

To select the gears in the Individual drive pro-

X To deactivate: pull steering wheel gearshift

gram permanently using the steering wheel pad-

paddle ; and hold it in place.

dles, select the permanent manual gearshift

program.

Information about configuring the Individual

X Use the DIRECT SELECT lever to shift the

drive program with the multimedia system can

transmission position.

be found in the Digital Owner's Manual.

X Use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to

change the drive program.

Manual gearshifting

General notes

You can shift gears yourself using the steering

wheel gearshift paddles. The transmission must

be in position h to do this.

Depending on which steering wheel gearshift

paddle is pulled, the automatic transmission

immediately shifts into the next gear up or

down, if permitted.

Automatic transmission

158

Permanent setting (all vehicles except

Shifting gears

Mercedes-AMG vehicles)

! Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the automatic

transmission does not shift up automatically

even when the engine limiting speed for the

current gear is reached. When the engine lim-

iting speed is reached, the fuel supply is cut to

prevent the engine from overrevving. Always

make sure that the engine speed does not

Driving and parking

reach the red area of the rev counter. There is

otherwise a risk of engine damage.

X To activate: shift the DIRECT SELECT lever to

position h .

X Press button :.

X To deactivate: press button :.

X Use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to

change the drive program.

X To shift up: pull steering wheel gearshift pad-

dle ;.

Permanent setting (Mercedes-AMG

The automatic transmission shifts up to the

vehicles)

next gear.

All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-

cles): if the maximum engine speed in the

gear currently engaged is reached and you

continue to accelerate, the automatic trans-

mission automatically shifts up to prevent

engine damage.

X To shift down: pull steering wheel gearshift

paddle :.

The automatic transmission shifts down to

the next gear.

Automatic downshifting occurs when coast-

ing.

X To activate: shift the DIRECT SELECT lever to

If the engine were to exceed the maximum

position h .

engine speed when shifting down, the auto-

matic transmission protects against engine

X Press button :.

damage by not shifting down.

Indicator lamp ; lights up.

X To deactivate: press button :.

X Use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to

switch to the Individual drive program.

Indicator lamp ; goes out.

Automatic transmission

159

Gearshift recommendation

Before the engine speed reaches the red area,

an upshift indicator will be shown on the multi-

function display.

X When the UP message appears on the multi-

function display, pull on the right-hand steer-

ing wheel gearshift paddle.

Kickdown

Driving and parking

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: kickdown is possible

The gearshift recommendation assists you in

only in the temporary setting.

adopting a fuel-efficient driving style. The rec-

ommended gear is shown on the multifunction

X For maximum acceleration, depress the

display.

accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point.

The automatic transmission shifts to a lower

X When gearshift recommendation : is shown

gear depending on the engine speed.

on the multifunction display of the instrument

X Shift back up once the desired speed is

cluster, shift to recommended gear ;.

reached.

Upshifting (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)

During kickdown, you cannot shift gears using

the steering wheel gearshift paddles.

! In manual mode, the automatic transmis-

If you apply full throttle, the automatic trans-

sion does not shift up automatically even

mission shifts up to the next gear when the

when the engine limiting speed for the current

maximum engine speed is reached. This pre-

gear is reached. When the engine limiting

vents the engine from overrevving.

speed is reached, the fuel supply is cut to

prevent the engine from overrevving. Always

make sure that the engine speed does not

reach the red area of the rev counter. There is

otherwise a risk of engine damage.

: Gear indicator

; Upshift indicator

Refuelling

160

Problems with the transmission

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

The transmission has

The transmission is losing oil.

problems shifting gear.

X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop

immediately.

7G-TRONIC:

The transmission is in emergency mode.

Driving and parking

The acceleration ability It is possible to shift to second gear and reverse gear only.

is deteriorating.

X Stop.

The transmission no lon- X Shift the transmission to position P.

ger shifts gear.

X Switch off the engine.

X Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.

X Shift the transmission to position D or R.

If D is selected, the transmission shifts to second gear; if R is

selected, the transmission shifts to reverse gear.

X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop

immediately.

9G-TRONIC:

The transmission is in emergency mode.

The acceleration ability It is only partly possible to engage the gears or the transmission is in

position N.

is deteriorating.

The transmission no lon- X Stop.

ger shifts gear.

X Shift the transmission to position P.

X Switch off the engine.

X Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.

X Shift the transmission to position D or R.

X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop

immediately.

Refuelling

Do not swallow fuel or let it come into contact

with skin, eyes or clothing. Do not inhale fuel

Important safety notes

vapours. Keep fuels out of the reach of chil-

G WARNING

dren.

If you or others come into contact with fuel,

Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel

observe the following:

incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-

sion.

R Wash the fuel off any affected areas of skin

with water and soap immediately.

You must avoid fire, naked flames, creating

sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine

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

and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before

oughly with clean water immediately. Seek

refuelling.

immediate medical attention.

R If fuel is swallowed, seek immediate medi-

G WARNING

cal attention. Do not induce vomiting.

Fuels are poisonous and hazardous to health.

R Change any clothing that has come into

There is a danger of injury.

contact with fuel immediately.

Refuelling

161

G WARNING

Do not get back into the vehicle during the refu-

elling process, Otherwise, electrostatic charge

Electrostatic charge can cause sparks and

could build up again.

thereby ignite fuel vapours. There is a risk of

If you overfill the fuel tank, some fuel may spray

fire and explosion.

out when you remove the fuel pump nozzle.

Always touch the vehicle body before opening

Further information on fuel and fuel quality

( Y page 388).

the fuel filler flap or touching the fuel pump

nozzle. This discharges any electrostatic

charge that may have built up.

Driving and parking

Refuelling

G WARNING

General information

Vehicles with a diesel engine:

Observe the important safety notes

If you mix diesel fuel with petrol, the flash

( Y page 160).

point of this fuel mixture is lower than that of

If you unlock/lock the vehicle from the outside,

pure diesel fuel. When the engine is running,

the fuel filler flap also unlocks/locks.

components in the exhaust system may over-

The position of the 8 fuel filler cap is dis-

heat unnoticed. There is a risk of fire.

played on the instrument cluster. The arrow next

to the filling pump indicates the side of the vehi-

Never refuel with petrol. Never add petrol to

cle.

diesel fuel.

Preparing to refuel

! Do not use petrol to refuel vehicles with a

diesel engine. Do not switch on the ignition if

X Switch off the engine.

you accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.

X Remove the key from the ignition lock.

Otherwise, fuel can enter the fuel system.

Even small amounts of the wrong fuel could

or, in vehicles with KEYLESS‑GO:

result in damage to the fuel system and the

X Open the driver's door.

engine. The repair costs are high. Notify a

The vehicle electronics are now in position

qualified specialist workshop and have the

g. This is the same as the key having been

fuel tank and fuel lines drained completely.

removed.

The driver's door can be closed again.

! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a

petrol engine. Do not switch on the ignition if

you accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.

Opening the fuel filler flap

Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel system.

Even small amounts of the wrong fuel can

result in damage to the fuel system and the

engine. Notify a qualified specialist workshop

and have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained

completely.

! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the

fuel system.

! Take care not to spill any fuel on painted

surfaces. You could otherwise damage the

paintwork.

! Use a filter when adding fuel from a fuel can.

: Open the fuel filler flap

The fuel lines and/or the fuel injection system

; Insert the fuel filler cap

could otherwise be blocked by particles from

= Instruction label indicating the fuel type to

the fuel can.

be refuelled

? Tyre pressure table

Refuelling

162

Closing the fuel filler flap

X Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of

arrow :.

X Replace the cap on the filler neck and turn

The fuel filler flap swings open.

clockwise until it engages audibly.

X Turn the fuel filler cap anti-clockwise and

X Close the fuel filler flap.

remove it.

X Insert the fuel filler cap into the holder

Close the fuel filler flap before locking the vehi-

bracket on the inside of the filler flap in the

cle.

direction of arrow ;.

If you drive at speeds above 2 km/h with the fuel

filler flap open, the Fuel filler flap open

X Completely insert the filler neck of the fuel

Driving and parking

pump nozzle into the tank, hook in place and

message is shown on the multifunction display.

refuel.

i Further information on warning and indica-

X Fill the tank only until the pump nozzle

tor lamps on the instrument cluster

switches off.

( Y page 298).

Do not add any more fuel after the pump stops

filling for the first time. Otherwise, fuel may

leak out.

Vehicles with a diesel engine: the filler neck is

designed for refuelling at diesel filling pumps.

Refuelling

163

Problems with the fuel and fuel tank

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

Fuel is leaking from the

G WARNING

vehicle.

The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.

There is a risk of fire or explosion.

X Apply the electric parking brake.

Driving and parking

X Switch off the engine.

X Remove the key from the ignition lock.

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

X Open the driver's door.

The vehicle electronics are now in key position u. This is the same

as the key having been removed.

X Do not restart the engine under any circumstances.

X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

The engine does not

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

start.

dry.

X Refuel the vehicle with at least 5 litres of diesel.

X Turn the ignition on for approximately ten seconds ( Y page 144).

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

runs smoothly.

If the engine does not start:

X Turn the ignition on again for approximately ten seconds

( Y page 144).

X Start the engine again continuously for a maximum of ten seconds

until it runs smoothly.

If the engine does not start after three attempts:

X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

The fuel filler flap cannot The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.

be opened.

X Unlock the vehicle ( Y page 83).

The key battery is weak or discharged.

X Unlock the vehicle using the emergency key element ( Y page 85).

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

X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

When the supply of AdBlue ® is down to approx-

AdBlue ® (BlueTEC vehicles only)

imately 7.0 l, the Top Up AdBlue See Own‐

er's Manual message is shown on the multi-

General notes

function display.

To function properly, BlueTEC exhaust gas after-

X Add at least 7.5 l of AdBlue ® .

treatment must be operated with AdBlue ®

X Switch on the ignition for at least 60 seconds.

reducing agent. Topping up AdBlue ® is part of

X Start the engine.

maintenance work.

Refuelling

164

i You can also have the AdBlue ® tank refilled

AdBlue ® tank can only be filled as intended

at a qualified specialist workshop.

with the vehicle parked on a level surface.

Fluctuations in capacity will thus be avoided.

Before driving your vehicle outside Europe, have

Filling a vehicle standing on an uneven sur-

the AdBlue ® supply checked at a qualified spe-

face is not permitted. There is a danger of

cialist workshop.

overfilling, which can cause damage to Blue-

Further information about BlueTEC exhaust gas

TEC exhaust gas aftertreatment components.

aftertreatment and about AdBlue ® can be

! Immediately rinse off surfaces which come

obtained from any Mercedes-Benz Service

Driving and parking

into contact with AdBlue ® when topping up or

Centre.

remove AdBlue ® with a damp cloth and cold

water. If AdBlue ® has already crystallised,

Important safety notes

clean using a sponge and cold water. AdBlue ®

AdBlue ® is a water-soluble fluid for the exhaust

residue crystallises after a short period and

gas aftertreatment of diesel engines. It is:

contaminates the affected surfaces. Further-

more, electrical components in the vicinity

R non-toxic

may be damaged by AdBlue ® .

R colourless and odourless

! AdBlue ® is not a fuel additive and must not

R non-flammable

be added to the fuel tank. If AdBlue ® is added

If you open the AdBlue ® tank, small amounts of

to the fuel tank, this can lead to engine dam-

ammonia vapour may be released.

age.

Ammonia vapours have a pungent odour and are

particularly irritating to the skin, mucous mem-

Have the AdBlue ® tank refilled at a qualified

branes and eyes. You may experience a burning

specialist workshop. However, you can also top

sensation in your eyes, nose and throat. You

up the AdBlue ® tank:

may also experience coughing and watery eyes.

R at a filling station with an AdBlue ® filling pump

Do not inhale any ammonia vapours that may be

R with AdBlue ® refill bottles

released. Fill the AdBlue ® tank only in well-ven-

R with an AdBlue ® refill canister

tilated areas.

When the pump nozzle switches off automati-

Do not swallow AdBlue ® or let it come into con-

cally during filling at a filling pump, the AdBlue ®

tact with skin, eyes or clothing. Keep AdBlue ®

tank has been completely filled. Do not fill the

away from children.

AdBlue ® tank any further. AdBlue ® may leak

If you or others come into contact with AdBlue ® ,

out.

observe the following:

To avoid transporting already opened refill con-

R Immediately rinse AdBlue ® off your skin with

tainers in the vehicle, completely empty refill

soap and water.

bottles or canisters when filling the AdBlue ®

R If AdBlue ® comes into contact with your eyes,

tank, if possible.

immediately rinse them thoroughly with clean

Further information on AdBlue ® ( Y page 390).

water. Seek medical attention at once.

R If AdBlue ® is swallowed, immediately rinse

your mouth out thoroughly. Drink plenty of

water. Seek medical attention at once.

R Immediately change out of clothing that has

come into contact with AdBlue ® .

! Only use AdBlue ® in accordance with

ISO 22241. Do not mix any additives with

AdBlue ® , and do not dilute AdBlue ® with

water. This may destroy the BlueTEC exhaust

gas aftertreatment system.

! In order to fill the AdBlue ® tank, the vehicle

must be parked on a level surface. The

Refuelling

165

Opening/closing the AdBlue ® filler cap

Driving and parking

X Unscrew the cap from the opening on top of

AdBlue ® refill canister ;.

The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked auto-

X Place disposable hose : on the opening of

matically when you open or close the vehicle

AdBlue ® refill canister ; and screw it on

with the key or using KEYLESS-GO.

clockwise until hand-tight.

X To open: switch the ignition off.

Disposable hose : remains closed until you

X Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of

fasten disposable hose : to the AdBlue ®

arrow :.

filler neck of the vehicle.

The fuel filler flap swings open.

X Turn blue AdBlue ® fuel filler cap ; anti-clock-

wise and remove it.

AdBlue ® filler cap ; is secured with a plastic

strip.

X To close: fit AdBlue ® filler cap ; on the filler

neck and turn it clockwise.

X To close the fuel filler flap, press it in the

direction of arrow :.

X Drive at a speed greater than 15 km/h.

The Top Up AdBlue See Owner's Manual

message disappears after approximately one

minute.

X Place disposable hose : on the filler neck on

i If the Top Up AdBlue See Owner's Man‐

the vehicle and screw it on clockwise until

ual message continues to be shown on the

hand-tight. When you feel resistance, dispos-

able hose : is sufficiently secured.

multifunction display, you must top up with

more AdBlue ® .

X Lift up and tip AdBlue ® refill canister ;.

Filling stops when the AdBlue ® tank is com-

pletely filled. Do not fill the AdBlue ® tank any

AdBlue ® refill canisters

further. AdBlue ® refill canister ; can be

! Do not tighten the disposable hose too

removed when it has been only partially emp-

firmly. The disposable hose could otherwise

tied.

be damaged and AdBlue ® may leak out.

X Turn disposable hose : on the filler neck of

the vehicle anti-clockwise and remove it.

X Turn disposable hose : on the opening of

AdBlue ® refill canister ; anti-clockwise and

remove it.

X Reseal AdBlue ® refill canister ; with the cap.

AdBlue ® refill canisters are available at many

filling stations or at a qualified specialist work-

shop. AdBlue ® refill canisters are often sold with

Parking

166

a filler hose. A filler hose that does not exactly fit

result of overfilling. Mercedes-Benz offers spe-

cial refill bottles with a threaded cap. These are

the vehicle's AdBlue ® tank offers no overfill pro-

available at any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.

tection. AdBlue ® may leak out as a result of

overfilling. Mercedes-Benz offers a special dis-

posable hose with overfill protection. You can

obtain this from any Mercedes-Benz Service

Parking

Centre. AdBlue ® is available in a variety of con-

Important safety notes

tainers and receptacles. Use the disposable

hose only with the Mercedes-Benz AdBlue ® refill

Driving and parking

G WARNING

canisters.

Flammable material such as leaves, grass or

AdBlue ® refill bottle

twigs may ignite if they come into contact with

hot parts of the exhaust system or exhaust

! Only screw on the AdBlue ® refill bottle so

gas flow. There is a risk of fire.

that it is hand-tight. Otherwise, the thread of

Park the vehicle so that no flammable mate-

the AdBlue ® refill bottle could be damaged

rial can come into contact with hot vehicle

and AdBlue ® could leak out.

components. In particular, do not park on dry

grassland or harvested grain fields.

G WARNING

If you leave children unattended in the vehi-

cle, they may be able to set the vehicle in

motion if, for example, they:

R release the parking brake

R shift the automatic transmission out of park

position P

R start the engine

X Unscrew the protective cap from AdBlue ®

In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-

refill bottle :.

ment and become trapped. There is a risk of

X Place AdBlue ® refill bottle : on the filler

an accident and injury.

neck as shown and screw it on clockwise until

hand-tight.

When leaving the vehicle, always take the key

X Press AdBlue ® refill bottle : towards the

with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave

filler neck.

children unattended in the vehicle.

The AdBlue ® tank is filled. This could take up

to one minute.

! Always secure the vehicle correctly against

rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle or its driv-

i When AdBlue ® refill bottle : is no longer

etrain could be damaged.

pressed, filling stops and the bottle may be

taken off again after being only partially emp-

To ensure that the vehicle is safeguarded

tied.

against rolling away unintentionally:

X Release AdBlue ® refill bottle :.

R the electric parking brake must be applied.

X Turn AdBlue ® refill bottle : anti-clockwise

R the transmission must be in position j and

and remove it.

the key must be removed from the ignition

lock

X Screw the protective cap onto AdBlue ® refill

bottle : again.

R the front wheels must be turned towards the

kerb on steep uphill or downhill gradients

AdBlue ® refill bottles are available at many fill-

ing stations or at a qualified specialist work-

shop. Refill bottles without a threaded seal offer

no overfill protection. AdBlue ® may leak out as a

Parking

167

R an empty vehicle must be secured at the front

X Release the electric parking brake.

axle with a wheel chock or similar object, for

X Switch off the ignition and leave the key in the

example, on uphill or downhill gradients

ignition lock.

R a laden vehicle must also be secured at the

i The engine can be switched off while the

rear axle with a wheel chock or similar object,

vehicle is in motion by pressing and holding

for example, on uphill or downhill gradients

the Start/Stop button for about three sec-

onds. This function operates independently of

the ECO start/stop automatic engine switch-

Switching off the engine

off function.

Driving and parking

G WARNING

Electric parking brake

The automatic transmission switches to neu-

tral position N when you switch off the engine.

General notes

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

accident.

G WARNING

After switching off the engine, always switch

If you leave children unattended in the vehi-

to parking position P. Prevent the parked vehi-

cle, they may be able to set the vehicle in

cle from rolling away by applying the parking

motion if, for example, they:

brake.

R release the parking brake

X Apply the electric parking brake.

R shift the automatic transmission out of park

X Shift the transmission to position j.

position P

X With the key: turn the key to key position u

R start the engine

in the ignition lock and remove it.

In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-

The immobiliser is activated.

ment and become trapped. There is a risk of

X With KEYLESS-GO:

an accident and injury.

Press the Start/Stop button ( Y page 144).

When leaving the vehicle, always take the key

The engine stops and all the indicator lamps

on the instrument cluster go out.

with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave

children unattended in the vehicle.

If you switch the engine off with the transmis-

sion in position k or h, the automatic trans-

The function of the electric parking brake is

mission shifts to i automatically.

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

If you then open the driver's door or the front-

board voltage is low or the system is malfunc-

passenger door, the automatic transmission

tioning, it may not be possible to apply the

shifts automatically to j.

released parking brake.

If you want the automatic transmission to

X If this is the case, park the vehicle only on

remain in neutral i, e.g. when having the vehi-

level ground and secure it to prevent it from

cle cleaned in an automatic, tow-through car

rolling away.

wash:

X Shift the automatic transmission to position

X Vehicles with a key: switch on the ignition.

X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the

It may not be possible to release an applied

Start/Stop button from the ignition lock.

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

X Insert the key into the ignition lock.

there is a malfunction in the system. Contact a

X Switch the ignition on.

qualified specialist workshop.

X All vehicles: depress the brake pedal and

i The electric parking brake carries out a func-

keep it depressed.

tion check at regular intervals when the

X Shift to neutral i.

engine is switched off. Noises that occur are

X Release the brake pedal.

normal.

Parking

168

Applying or releasing manually

In addition, at least one of the following condi-

tions must be fulfilled:

R the engine is switched off

R the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the

driver's door is opened

R there is a system malfunction

R the power supply is insufficient

R the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy period

Driving and parking

The red ! indicator lamp on the instrument

cluster lights up.

The electric parking brake is not automatically

applied if the engine is switched off by the ECO

start/stop function.

X To apply: push handle :.

When the electric parking brake is applied,

Releasing automatically

the red ! indicator lamp lights up on the

instrument cluster.

The electric parking brake is released automat-

i The electric parking brake can also be

ically when all of the following conditions are

applied when the key is removed.

fulfilled:

X To release: pull handle :.

R the engine is running

The red ! indicator lamp on the instru-

R the seat belt tongue is engaged in the belt

ment cluster goes out.

buckle

i The electric parking brake can be released

R the transmission is in position h or k and

only:

you depress the accelerator pedal or, on a

level surface, shift from transmission position

R if the key is in key position 1 in the ignition

j to h or k

lock ( Y page 144) or

R if the transmission is in position k, the boot

R if the ignition was switched on using the

lid must be closed.

Start/Stop button

If the seat belt tongue is not engaged in the seat

To ensure that you do not roll backwards when

belt buckle, the following conditions must be

pulling away on an uphill slope, apply the electric

fulfilled:

parking brake ( Y page 147).

R the driver's door is closed

Applying automatically

R you are shifting from transmission position

j or have previously driven at speeds

The electric parking brake is automatically

greater than 3 km/h.

applied when the transmission is in position j

R if the transmission is in position k, the boot

and

lid must be closed.

R the engine is switched off or

When the electric parking brake is released,

R the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the

the ! indicator lamp goes out on the instru-

driver's door is opened

ment cluster.

To prevent the electric parking brake from being

applied automatically, pull handle :.

The electric parking brake is also applied auto-

matically if:

R Distance Pilot DISTRONIC brings the vehicle

to a standstill or

R the HOLD function is keeping the vehicle sta-

tionary or

R Parking Pilot is keeping the vehicle stationary

Driving tips

169

Emergency braking

Driving tips

General notes

Important safety notes

G WARNING

If you switch off the ignition while driving,

safety-relevant functions are only available

Driving and parking

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

The vehicle can also be braked during an emer-

of an accident.

gency by using the electric parking brake.

Do not switch off the ignition while driving.

X While driving, push handle : of the electric

parking brake.

Drive sensibly – save fuel

The vehicle is braked for as long as the handle

of the electric parking brake is pressed. The

Observe the following tips to save fuel:

longer the electric parking brake handle is

X The tyres should always be inflated to the rec-

depressed, the greater the braking force.

ommended tyre pressure.

During braking:

X Remove unnecessary loads.

R a warning tone sounds

X Remove roof carriers when they are not nee-

R the Release park. brake message appears

ded.

R the red ! indicator lamp on the instrument

X Warm up the engine at low engine speeds.

cluster flashes

X Avoid frequent acceleration or braking.

When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-

X Have all service and maintenance work car-

still, the electric parking brake is applied.

ried out at the specified intervals.

Fuel consumption also increases when driving in

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

Parking up the vehicle

neys and in hilly terrain.

If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer than

four weeks, the battery may be damaged by

ECO display

heavy discharging.

If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer than

The ECO display shows you how economical

six weeks, it may suffer from lack of use.

your driving style is. The ECO display assists you

X Contact a qualified specialist workshop and

in achieving the most economical driving style

seek advice.

for the selected settings and prevailing condi-

tions. Consumption can be significantly influ-

i You can obtain information on trickle charg-

enced by your driving style.

ers from a qualified specialist workshop.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles: observe the notes on

the high-voltage battery in the separate Owner's

Manual.

: Acceleration

; Coasting

Driving tips

170

At the beginning of the journey, the three outer

= Constant

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

? Additional range achieved

nomical driving. A higher level indicates a more

Range ? is shown under Bonus fr. start and

economical driving style. If the three outer areas

represents the additional range achieved since

are completely filled at the same time, the driver

the beginning of the journey as a result of an

has adopted the most economical driving style

adapted driving style.

for the selected settings and prevailing condi-

If the fuel level has dropped into the reserve

tions. The ECO display border lights up.

range, the Reserve fuel message is shown in

The ECO display does not indicate the actual fuel

Driving and parking

the multifunction display instead of range ?. In

consumption. The additionally achieved range

displayed under Bonus fr. start does not

addition, the 8 warning lamp in the instru-

ment cluster lights up ( Y page 298).

indicate a fixed consumption reduction.

The ECO display consists of three sections, with

In addition to driving style, the actual consump-

an inner and outer area. The sections corre-

tion is affected by other factors, such as:

spond to the following three categories:

R load

Acceleration (evaluation of all accel-

R tyre pressure

eration processes):

R cold start

R the outer area fills up and the inner

R choice of route

area lights up green: moderate

R the use of electrical consumers

acceleration, especially at higher

These factors are not included in the ECO dis-

speeds

play.

R the outer area empties and the

An economical driving style involves driving at a

inner area is grey: sporty acceler-

moderate engine speed.

ation

To achieve a higher value in the categories

Coasting (evaluation of all decelera-

"Acceleration" and "Constant":

;

tion processes):

R observe the gearshift recommendation

R the outer area fills up and the inner

R drive the vehicle in the Comfort drive pro-

area lights up green: anticipatory

gram.

driving, keeping your distance and

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

early release of the accelerator.

motorway, only the outer area for "Constant"

The vehicle can coast without use

will change.

of the brakes.

The ECO display summarises the driving style

R the outer area empties and the

from the start of the journey to its completion.

inner area is grey: frequent heavy

Therefore, there are more marked changes in

braking

the outer areas at the start of a journey. During

a prolonged driving time, these changes are

Constant (continuous evaluation

smaller. For more marked changes, perform a

over the entire journey):

manual reset ( Y page 245).

R the outer area fills up and the inner

Further information on the ECO display

area lights up green: constant

( Y page 245).

speed and avoidance of unneces-

sary acceleration and deceleration

R the outer area empties and the

Brakes

inner area is grey: fluctuations in

speed

Important safety notes

G WARNING

The three inner areas display the current driving

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

If you shift down on a slippery road surface in

larly economical driving style. Depending on the

an attempt to increase the engine's braking

driving situation, up to two areas may light up

effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.

simultaneously.

Driving tips

171

Wet road surfaces

This increases the risk of skidding and having

an accident.

If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain

without braking, there may be a delayed reac-

Do not shift down for additional engine brak-

tion from the brakes when braking for the first

ing on a slippery road surface.

time. This may also occur after a car wash or

after driving through deep water.

Downhill gradients

You will have to depress the brake pedal more

firmly. Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle

Do not depress the brake pedal continuously

Driving and parking

in front.

while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause

After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle

the brakes to rub by constantly applying light

washed, brake firmly while paying attention to

pressure to the pedal. This results in excessive

the traffic conditions. This will warm up the

and premature wear to the brake pads.

brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly

Use the left-hand gearshift paddle to shift to a

and protecting them against corrosion.

lower gear on long and steep downhill gradients.

Take particular note of this when driving a laden

Limited braking performance on salt-

vehicle.

treated roads

This also applies if you have activated cruise

control, the speed limiter or Distance Pilot

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

DISTRONIC.

may form on the brake discs and pads. This can

This will use the braking effect of the engine, so

increase the braking distance considerably.

less braking will be required to maintain the

R Apply the brakes occasionally in order to pre-

vehicle speed. This relieves the load on the

vent any salt build-up. Ensure that you do not

brake system and prevents the brakes from

endanger other road users when doing so.

overheating and wearing too quickly.

R Carefully depress the brake pedal at the end

of the journey and when starting the next

Heavy and light loads

journey.

G WARNING

R Maintain a much greater distance to the vehi-

cle in front.

The braking system can overheat if you leave

your foot on the brake pedal while driving.

New brake pads/linings

This increases the braking distance and could

Brake pads/linings and discs that are either new

even cause the braking system to fail. There is

or have been replaced only achieve optimum

a risk of an accident.

braking effect after several hundred kilometres

Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do

of driving. Compensate for the reduced braking

not simultaneously depress both the brake

effect by applying greater force to the brake

pedal and the accelerator pedal while driving.

pedal.

For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-

! Depressing the brake pedal constantly

mends that you only have brake pads/linings

results in excessive and premature wear to

fitted to your vehicle which have been approved

the brake pads.

for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which corre-

spond to an equivalent quality standard. Brake

If heavy demands are made on the brakes, do

pads/linings which have not been approved for

not park the vehicle immediately. Drive on for a

Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not of an

short while. This allows the airflow to cool the

equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's

brakes more quickly.

operating safety.

If the brakes have been used only moderately,

you should occasionally test their effectiveness.

To do this, brake more firmly from a higher

speed. This improves the grip of the brakes.

Driving tips

172

High-performance brake system

R avoid sudden steering movements

(Mercedes-AMG vehicles)

R brake carefully

The high-performance brake system is designed

Driving on flooded roads

for high loads. This may lead to noise when

braking. This is dependent on:

! Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in front

R speed

or in the opposite direction create waves. This

may cause the maximum permissible water

R braking force

depth to be exceeded.

R environmental conditions, such as tempera-

Driving and parking

These notes must be observed under all cir-

ture and humidity

cumstances. You could otherwise damage

The wear of individual brake system compo-

the engine, the electronics or the transmis-

nents such as the brake pads/linings or brake

sion.

discs depends on individual driving style and

operating conditions.

If you must drive on stretches of road on which

water has collected, please bear in mind that:

For this reason, it is impossible to state a mile-

age (service life) that will be valid under all cir-

R in the case of standing water, the water level

cumstances. An aggressive driving style will

must be no higher than the lower edge of the

lead to high wear. You can obtain further infor-

vehicle body

mation about this from your Mercedes-Benz

R you should drive no faster than walking pace

Service Centre.

Brake pads/linings and discs that are either new

Off-road fording

or have been replaced only achieve optimum

braking effect after several hundred kilometres

! Under no circumstances should you accel-

of driving. Compensate for the reduced braking

erate before entering the water. The bow

effect by applying greater force to the brake

wave could cause water to enter and damage

pedal. Always be aware of this and adapt your

the engine and neighbouring assemblies.

driving and braking accordingly during the run-

ning-in period.

! Do not open any of the vehicle's doors while

fording. Otherwise, water could get into the

Excessive heavy braking results in correspond-

vehicle interior and damage the vehicle's

ingly high brake wear. Observe the # brake

electronics and interior equipment.

wear warning lamp in the instrument cluster and

note any brake status messages in the multi-

R Establish how deep the water is and the char-

function display. If you regularly drive at high

acteristics of the body of water before ford-

speeds, it is particularly important to have the

ing.

brake system checked and maintained regu-

R Select the highest possible vehicle level.

larly.

R Shift to a lower gear using the left-hand steer-

ing wheel gearshift paddle.

R Avoid high engine speeds.

Driving on wet roads

R Enter and exit the water at a flat place and at

a steady walking pace.

Aquaplaning

R Drive slowly and at a constant speed through

If water has accumulated to a certain depth on

the water.

the road surface, there is a danger of aquaplan-

R Ensure that a bow wave does not form as you

ing occurring, even if:

drive.

R you are driving at low speeds

R Do not stop and do not switch off the engine.

R the tyres have adequate tread depth

Water offers a high degree of resistance, the

ground is slippery and, in some cases, unsta-

For this reason, drive in the following manner in

ble. Therefore, it is difficult and dangerous to

the event of heavy rain or in conditions in which

pull away in the water.

aquaplaning can occur:

R Clean any mud from the tyre tread after ford-

R lower your speed

ing.

R avoid tyre ruts

R Apply the brakes to dry them after fording.

Driving tips

173

Always observe the fording depth values

is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.

( Y page 396).

Changes in the outside temperature are dis-

played after a short delay.

Indicated temperatures just above the freezing

Winter driving

point do not guarantee that the road surface is

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

G WARNING

wooded areas or on bridges. You should pay

special attention to road conditions when tem-

If you shift down on a slippery road surface in

peratures are around freezing point.

an attempt to increase the engine's braking

Driving and parking

Further information on driving with snow chains

effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.

( Y page 370).

This increases the risk of skidding and having

Further information on driving with summer

an accident.

tyres ( Y page 369).

Do not shift down for additional engine brak-

Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"

ing on a slippery road surface.

section ( Y page 375).

G DANGER

Off-road driving

If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate

ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases

Important safety notes

such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the

G WARNING

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

becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of

If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or

fatal injury.

turn on a steep incline, the vehicle could slip

If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating

sideways, tip and overturn. There is a risk of

running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area

an accident.

around the vehicle are clear of snow. To

When driving on an incline, drive into the line

ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a

of fall (upwards or downwards in a straight

window on the side of the vehicle that is not

line) and do not turn.

facing into the wind.

G WARNING

! Take care not to damage the sealing strip

Flammable material such as leaves, grass or

and the moulding on the side of the rear win-

twigs may ignite if they come into contact with

dow when scraping ice off the rear window.

hot parts of the exhaust system. There is a risk

Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified

of fire.

specialist workshop at the onset of winter.

When driving off road or on unpaved roads,

You should drive particularly carefully on slip-

pery road surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration,

check the vehicle's underside regularly. In

steering and braking manoeuvres. Do not use

particular, remove parts of plants or other

cruise control or Distance Pilot DISTRONIC.

flammable materials which have become

If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be

trapped. In the case of damage, contact a

stopped when moving at low speed:

qualified specialist workshop.

X Shift the transmission to position i.

G WARNING

X Try to bring the vehicle under control by using

corrective steering.

If the vehicle level is high, the vehicle centre of

When driving in snow with or without snow

gravity is raised. This could cause the vehicle

chains, select driving program Slippery

to tip over more easily on uphill or downhill

( Y page 151).

gradients. There is a risk of an accident.

The outside temperature indicator is not

Select the lowest possible vehicle level.

designed to serve as an ice-warning device and

Driving tips

174

General notes

! There is a risk of damage to the vehicle if:

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

H Environmental note

kerb or an unpaved road

Protection of the environment is of primary

R you drive too quickly over an obstacle, e.g.

importance. Treat nature with respect.

a kerb, slowing thresholds or a pothole in

the road

Observe all prohibiting signs.

R a heavy object strikes the underbody or

Read this section before driving your vehicle off-

parts of the chassis

road. Practise by driving over more gentle off-

Driving and parking

In situations like this, the body, underbody,

road terrain first.

chassis parts, wheels or tyres could be dam-

The following driving systems are specially

aged without the damage being visible. Com-

adapted to off-road driving:

ponents damaged in this way can unexpect-

edly fail or, in the case of an accident, no lon-

R Off-Road drive program (vehicles without Off-

ger withstand the strain they are designed to

Road Engineering package) ( Y page 226)

withstand.

R Off-Road and Off-Road Plus drive programs

If the underbody panelling is damaged, com-

(vehicles with Off-Road Engineering package)

bustible materials such as leaves, grass or

( Y page 227)

twigs can gather between the underbody and

R LOW RANGE off-road gear (vehicles with the

the underbody panelling. If these materials

Off-Road Engineering package)

come into contact with hot parts of the

( Y page 228)

exhaust system, they can catch fire.

R differential lock (vehicles with the Off-Road

In such situations, have the vehicle checked

Engineering package) ( Y page 227)

and repaired immediately at a qualified spe-

R off-road ABS ( Y page 71)

cialist workshop. If, on continuing your jour-

ney, you notice that driving safety is impaired,

R off-road 4ETS ( Y page 74)

stop the vehicle immediately, paying atten-

R off-road ESP ® ( Y page 76)

tion to road and traffic conditions. In such

R AIRMATIC package (vehicle level)

cases, consult a qualified specialist work-

( Y page 194)

shop.

R DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)

When driving off-road, substances such as sand,

( Y page 225)

mud and water or water mixed with oil may get

Observe the following notes:

into the brakes. This may lead to a reduction in

R Stop the vehicle before driving off-road. If

braking performance or total brake failure as a

necessary, select the off-road program

result of increased wear. The braking charac-

( Y page 227) or shift to the LOW RANGE off-

teristics will vary depending on the substances

road gear ( Y page 228).

that get into the brakes. Clean the brakes after

driving off-road. If you notice grinding noises or

R Select a vehicle level suitable for the off-road

a reduction in braking performance, have the

terrain. To avoid damaging the vehicle, make

brake system checked at a qualified specialist

sure there is always sufficient ground clear-

workshop immediately. Adapt your driving style

ance.

to the altered braking characteristics.

R Make sure that items of luggage and loads are

Driving off-road increases the possibility of dam-

stowed safely and are well secured

age to the vehicle, which may cause assemblies

( Y page 318).

or systems to fail. Adapt your driving style to the

R Always keep the engine running and in gear

conditions of the terrain. Drive carefully. Have

when driving on a downhill gradient. Activate

vehicle damage rectified immediately at a quali-

DSR ( Y page 225).

fied specialist workshop.

R Drive slowly and smoothly, at walking pace if

Do not shift into transmission position N when

necessary.

driving off-road. You could lose control of the

R Ensure that the wheels are in contact with the

vehicle if you attempt to brake the vehicle using

ground at all times.

the service brake. If the gradient is too steep for

R Drive with extreme care on unknown off-road

your vehicle, back up in reverse gear.

routes where visibility is poor. For safety rea-

Driving tips

175

Checklist after off-road driving

sons, get out of the vehicle first and survey

the off-road route.

! If you detect damage to the vehicle after

R Look out for obstacles such as rocks, holes,

driving off-road, have the vehicle checked

tree stumps and furrows.

immediately at a qualified specialist work-

R Take care when turning on an uphill or down-

shop.

hill slope and when driving across a slope.

Driving over rough terrain places greater

Otherwise, the vehicle could tip over.

demands on your vehicle than driving on normal

R Always keep the doors, the tailgate, the side

roads. After driving off-road, check the vehicle.

windows and the sliding sunroof closed while

Driving and parking

This allows you to detect damage promptly and

the vehicle is in motion.

reduce the risk of an accident to yourself and

R Do not stray from marked routes or paths.

other road users.

R Observe the notes on off-road fording

X If the Off-road or Off-road Plus drive pro-

( Y page 172).

gram is selected: select the Individual,

i Information about retrofitting special all-ter-

Sport, Comfort or Slippery drive program

rain tyres is available from any qualified spe-

( Y page 151).

cialist workshop.

X Deactivate the LOW RANGE offroad gear

( Y page 228).

i Do not use the HOLD function when driving

X Deactivate DSR ( Y page 225).

off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gradients

or on slippery or loose surfaces. The HOLD

X Lower the vehicle level again to a level suita-

function cannot hold the vehicle on such sur-

ble to the road conditions, e.g. to the normal

faces.

level.

X Clean the headlamps and rear lights and

Checklist before off-road driving

check for damage.

X Clean the front and rear licence plates.

X Engine oil level: check the engine oil and top

X Clean the wheels and tyres with a water jet

up if necessary.

and remove any foreign objects.

When driving on steep gradients, the oil level

X Clean the wheels, wheel arches and the vehi-

must be sufficiently high to ensure a correct

cle underside with a water jet; check for any

oil supply in the vehicle.

foreign objects and damage.

X AdBlue ® tank (BlueTEC vehicles): check

X Check whether twigs or other parts of plants

the level and top up if necessary

have become trapped. These increase the risk

( Y page 163).

of fire and can damage fuel pipes, brake

X Tyre-change tool kit: check that the jack is

hoses or the rubber bellows of the axle joints

working and make sure that the wheel

and propeller shafts.

wrench, a robust tow cable and a folding

X After the trip, examine without fail the entire

spade are in the vehicle.

undercarriage, wheels, tyres, brakes, body-

X Wheels and tyres: check the tread depth

work structure, steering, chassis and exhaust

and pressure of the tyres.

system for damage.

X Check for damage and remove any foreign

X After driving for extended periods across

objects, e.g. small stones, from the wheels/

sand, mud, gravel, water or in similarly dirty

tyres.

conditions, have the brake discs, wheels,

X Replace any missing valve caps.

brake pads/linings and axle joints checked

and cleaned.

X Replace dented or damaged wheels.

X If you detect strong vibrations after driving

X Wheels: dented or bent wheels can lead to a

off-road, check for foreign objects in the

loss of tyre pressure and damage to the tyre

wheels and drive train and remove them if

bead. Before driving off-road, check the

necessary. Foreign objects can disturb the

wheels and replace them if necessary.

balance and cause vibrations.

Driving tips

176

Driving on sand

Driving over obstacles

Observe the following rules when driving on

! Obstacles could damage the floor of the

sand:

vehicle or components of the chassis. Ask

passengers for guidance when driving over

R Select the Offroad drive program (vehicles

large obstacles. Any damage to the vehicle

with Off-Road Engineering package)

always increases the risk of an accident.

( Y page 227).

Observe the following rules when driving over

R Select the Offroad drive program (vehicles

tree stumps, large stones and other obstacles:

without Off-Road Engineering package)

Driving and parking

( Y page 226).

R Select the Offroad drive program (vehicles

R Select a higher vehicle level.

with Off-Road Engineering package)

( Y page 227).

R Avoid high engine speeds.

R Select the Offroad drive program (vehicles

R Use the left-hand steering wheel gearshift

without Off-Road Engineering package)

paddle to shift to a lower gear appropriate to

( Y page 226).

the terrain.

R Select LOW RANGE offroad gear (vehicles

R Drive quickly to overcome the rolling resist-

with Off-Road Engineering package)

ance. Otherwise, the vehicle could dig itself

( Y page 228)

into the sand.

R Raise the vehicle level.

R Drive in the tracks of other vehicles if possi-

ble. Make sure that:

R Avoid high engine speeds.

- the tyre ruts are not too deep

R Shift to a lower gear using the left-hand steer-

ing wheel gearshift paddle.

- the sand is firm enough

R Drive very slowly.

- your vehicle has sufficient ground clear-

ance

R Drive straight over the centre of obstacles.

Tyre ruts and unpaved roads

Travelling uphill

! Check that the ruts are not too deep and

that your vehicle has sufficient clearance.

Approach/departure angle

Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged or

G WARNING

bottom out and get stuck.

Observe the following rules when driving along

If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or

ruts in off-road terrain or on roads with loose

turn on a steep incline, the vehicle could slip

gravel:

sideways, tip and overturn. There is a risk of

R Select the Offroad drive program (vehicles

an accident.

with Off-Road Engineering package)

When driving on an incline, drive into the line

( Y page 227).

of fall (upwards or downwards in a straight

R Select the Offroad drive program (vehicles

line) and do not turn.

without Off-Road Engineering package)

( Y page 226).

R Observe the warnings for off-road driving

R Select a higher vehicle level.

( Y page 173).

R Avoid high engine speeds.

R Follow the line of fall when driving on slopes

R Shift to a lower gear using the left-hand steer-

and steep inclines.

ing wheel gearshift paddle.

R Select the Offroad drive program (vehicles

R Drive slowly.

with Off-Road Engineering package)

R Where ruts are too deep, drive with the

( Y page 227).

wheels on one side on the middle section of

R Select the Offroad drive program (vehicles

turf if possible.

without Off-Road Engineering package)

( Y page 226).

Driving systems

177

R Before driving on extreme uphill and downhill

R Before tackling steep downhill gradients, use

gradients, select the LOW RANGE offroad

the left-hand steering wheel gearshift paddle

gear (vehicles with Off-Road Engineering

to shift to a lower gear.

package) ( Y page 228).

R Activate DSR. If this is not sufficient, brake

R Drive slowly.

gently. When doing so, make sure that the

vehicle is facing in the direction of the line of

R Accelerate gently and make sure that the

fall.

wheels are gripping.

R Check that the brakes are working normally

R Avoid high engine speeds, except when driv-

after a long downhill stretch.

ing on sandy and muddy routes with high driv-

Driving and parking

ing resistance.

i Off-road ABS is activated when the off-road

R Use the left-hand steering wheel gearshift

program is selected.

paddle to shift to a lower gear appropriate to

At speeds below 30 km/h the front wheels

the gradient.

lock cyclically during braking. The digging-in

R Use the left-hand gearshift paddle to shift to a

effect achieved in the process reduces the

lower gear on long and steep downhill gradi-

stopping distance when driving off-road. The

ents.

steerability of the vehicle is considerably

Hill start assist will aid you when pulling away on

reduced if the wheels lock.

a hill. Further information on hill start assist

( Y page 147).

Do not shift into transmission position N when

Driving systems

driving off-road. You could lose control of the

Intelligent Drive

vehicle if you attempt to brake the vehicle using

the service brake. If the gradient is too steep for

Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive stands for inno-

your vehicle, back up in reverse gear.

vative driver assistance and safety systems

Always observe the approach/departure angle

which enhance comfort and support the driver in

values ( Y page 396).

critical situations. With these intelligent co-ordi-

nated systems Mercedes-Benz has set a mile-

Maximum gradient-climbing ability

stone on the path towards autonomous driving.

Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive embraces all

Always observe the maximum gradient climbing

elements of active and passive safety in one well

ability values ( Y page 397).

thought-out system – for the safety of the vehi-

cle occupants and that of other road users.

Hilltops

Further information on driving safety systems

( Y page 70).

When driving up an uphill gradient, slightly

reduce pressure on the accelerator immediately

before reaching the brow of the hill. Make use of

the vehicle's own impetus to travel over the

Cruise control

brow.

General notes

This style of driving prevents:

R the vehicle from lifting off the ground on the

Cruise control maintains a constant road speed

brow of a hill

for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid

exceeding the set speed. You must select a

R the vehicle from travelling too quickly down

lower gear in good time on long and steep down-

the other side

hill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden or

towing a trailer. By doing so, you will make use of

Driving downhill

the braking effect of the engine. This relieves the

load on the brake system and prevents the

R Drive slowly.

brakes from overheating and wearing too

R Do not drive at an angle down steep inclines.

quickly.

Steer into the line of fall and drive with the

Use cruise control only if road and traffic con-

front wheels aligned straight. Otherwise, the

ditions are appropriate for maintaining a steady

vehicle could slip sideways, tip and overturn.

Driving systems

178

speed for a prolonged period. You can store any

LIM indicator lamp ; on the cruise control lever

road speed above 30 km/h.

indicates which function you have selected:

R LIM indicator lamp ; off: cruise control is

Important safety notes

selected

R LIM indicator lamp ; on: variable speed

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

limiter is selected.

trol can neither reduce the risk of an accident

When you activate cruise control, the stored

nor override the laws of physics. Cruise control

speed is shown in the multifunction display for

cannot take into account road, weather or traffic

Driving and parking

five seconds. In addition, the é symbol

conditions. Cruise control is only an aid. You are

appears in the multifunction display.

responsible for the distance to the vehicle in

front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time

Speedometer with segments: when cruise

and for staying in lane.

control is activated, the segments from the

Do not use cruise control:

stored speed to the maximum permitted speed

light up.

R in road and traffic conditions which do not

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

Selecting cruise control

heavy traffic or on winding roads

R on smooth or slippery roads. Braking or accel-

X Check whether LIM indicator lamp ; is off.

erating can cause the drive wheels to lose

If it is off, cruise control is already selected.

traction and the vehicle could then skid

If it is not, press the cruise control lever in the

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

direction of arrow A .

heavy rain or snow

LIM indicator lamp ; in the cruise control

If there is a change of drivers, advise the new

lever goes out. Cruise control is selected.

driver of the speed stored.

Activation conditions

Cruise control lever

To activate cruise control, all of the following

activation conditions must be fulfilled:

R the electric parking brake must be released.

R you are driving faster than 30 km/h.

R ESP ® must be switched on, but not interven-

ing.

R the transmission must be in position D.

R DSR must be deactivated.

R the Offroad Plus drive program must be deac-

tivated (vehicles with the Off-Road Engineer-

ing package).

: To activate or increase speed

R the cruise control function must be selected

( Y page 178).

; LIM indicator lamp

= To activate at the current speed/last stored

Storing, maintaining and calling up a

speed

? To activate or reduce speed

A To switch between cruise control and the

Storing and maintaining the speed

variable speed limiter

B To deactivate cruise control

X Accelerate the vehicle to the desired speed.

X Briefly press the cruise control lever up : or

You can operate cruise control and the variable

down ?.

speed limiter with the cruise control lever.

X Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.

Cruise control is activated. The vehicle auto-

matically maintains the stored speed.

Driving systems

179

i Cruise control may be unable to maintain

i Cruise control is not deactivated if you

the stored speed on uphill gradients. The

depress the accelerator pedal. For example, if

stored speed is resumed when the gradient

you accelerate briefly to overtake, cruise con-

evens out. Cruise control maintains the

trol adjusts the vehicle's speed to the speed

stored speed on downhill gradients by auto-

stored after you have finished overtaking.

matically braking the vehicle.

Deactivating cruise control

Storing or calling up the speed

There are several ways to deactivate cruise con-

G WARNING

Driving and parking

trol:

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

X Briefly press the cruise control lever forwards

ferent from the current speed, the vehicle

accelerates or brakes. If you do not know

what the stored speed is, the vehicle may

X Brake.

accelerate or brake unexpectedly. There is a

risk of an accident.

X Briefly press the cruise control lever in the

Take the traffic conditions into account

direction of arrow ;.

before calling up the stored speed. If you do

The variable speed limiter is selected. LIM

not know what the stored speed is, store the

indicator lamp : in the cruise control lever

lights up.

desired speed again.

Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

R you apply the electric parking brake

you =.

R you are driving at less than 30 km/h

X Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.

Cruise control is on and, when activated for

R ESP ® engages or you deactivate ESP ®

the first time, accepts the current speed or it

R you activate DSR

adjusts the vehicle's speed to the speed

R you activate the Offroad Plus program (vehi-

stored.

cles with the Off-Road Engineering package)

R you shift the transmission to position N while

Setting a speed

driving

If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear a

Bear in mind that it may take a brief moment

warning tone. You will see the Cruise con‐

until the vehicle has accelerated or braked to

trol off message in the multifunction display

the set speed.

for approximately five seconds.

X Press the cruise control lever up : for a

higher speed or down ? for a lower speed.

i The last speed stored is cleared when you

switch off the engine.

X Keep the cruise control lever pressed until the

desired speed is reached.

X Release the cruise control lever.

Speed limiter

The new speed is stored.

X To adjust the set speed in 1 km/h incre-

General notes

ments: briefly press the cruise control lever

up : or down ? to the pressure point.

The speed limiter brakes automatically so that

The last stored speed increases or decreases

you do not exceed the set speed. You must

in 1 km/h increments.

select a lower gear in good time on long and

X To adjust the set speed in 10 km/h incre-

steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehi-

ments: briefly press the cruise control lever

cle is laden or towing a trailer. By doing so, you

up : or down ? beyond the pressure point.

will make use of the braking effect of the engine.

The last stored speed increases or decreases

This relieves the load on the brake system and

in 10 km/h increments.

prevents the brakes from overheating and wear-

ing too quickly.

Driving systems

180

You can set a variable or permanent limit speed:

LIM indicator lamp ; on the cruise control lever

indicates which function you have selected:

R Variable for a maximum permissible speed,

R LIM indicator lamp ; off: cruise control or

e.g. in built-up areas

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is selected.

R Permanent for long-term maximum permis-

R LIM indicator lamp ; on: variable speed

sible speeds, e.g. when driving with winter

tyres fitted ( Y page 181)

limiter is selected.

You can use the cruise control lever to limit the

i The speed indicated in the speedometer

speed to any speed above 30 km/h while the

may differ slightly from the maximum permis-

Driving and parking

engine is running.

sible speed stored.

Selecting speed limiter

Important safety notes

If there is a change of drivers, advise the new

driver of the limit speed stored.

If you fail to adapt your driving style, the speed

limiter can neither reduce the risk of an accident

X Check whether LIM indicator lamp ; is on.

nor override the laws of physics. The speed lim-

If it is on, the variable speed limiter is already

iter cannot take into account road, weather or

selected.

traffic conditions. The speed limiter is only an

If it is not, press the cruise control lever in the

aid. You are responsible for the distance to the

direction of arrow A.

vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in

LIM indicator lamp ; in the cruise control

good time and for staying in lane.

lever is on. The variable speed limiter is selec-

If a new driver takes over, advise the new driver

ted.

of the speed stored.

Storing the current speed

Variable speed limiter

You can use the cruise control lever to limit the

speed to any speed above 30 km/h while the

Cruise control lever

engine is running.

X Briefly press the cruise control lever up : or

down ?.

The current speed is stored and shown in the

multifunction display.

Speedometer with segments: the seg-

ments light up from the start of the scale up to

the stored speed limit.

The segments in the multifunction display

light up from the start of the scale up to the

stored speed.

Storing the current speed or calling up the

: To activate or increase speed

last stored speed

; LIM indicator lamp

G WARNING

= To activate at the current speed/last stored

speed

If you call up the stored speed and it is lower

? To activate or reduce speed

than the current speed, the vehicle deceler-

A To switch between cruise control or Dis-

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

tance Pilot DISTRONIC and the variable

vehicle could decelerate unexpectedly. There

speed limiter

is a risk of an accident.

B To switch off the variable speed limiter

Pay attention to the road and traffic condi-

With the cruise control lever, you can operate

tions before calling up the stored speed. If you

cruise control or Distance Pilot DISTRONIC and

do not know the stored speed, store the

the variable speed limiter.

desired speed again.

Driving systems

181

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

You cannot switch the variable speed limiter off

you =.

by braking.

i The last speed stored is cleared when you

Setting a speed

switch off the engine.

X To adjust the set speed in 10 km/h incre-

ments: briefly press the cruise control lever

Permanent limiter

up : beyond the pressure point for a higher

You can use the on-board computer to perma-

speed, or down ? for a lower speed.

nently limit the speed to a value between

160 km/h(e.g. for driving on winter tyres) and

Driving and parking

the maximum design speed ( Y page 253).

X Keep the cruise control lever pressed beyond

the pressure point until the desired speed is

Shortly before the stored speed is reached, it

set. Press the cruise control lever up : for a

appears in the multifunction display.

higher speed or down ? for a lower speed.

The permanent speed limiter remains active

even if the variable speed limiter is deactivated.

X To adjust the set speed in 1 km/h incre-

ments: briefly press the cruise control lever

You cannot exceed the stored limit speed, even

up : to the pressure point for a higher speed

if you depress the accelerator pedal beyond the

or down ? for a lower speed.

pressure point (kickdown).

X Keep the cruise control lever pressed to the

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

pressure point until the desired speed is set.

Press the cruise control lever up : for a

General notes

higher speed or down ? for a lower speed.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC regulates the speed

Switching the speed limiter to passive

and automatically helps you maintain the dis-

If you depress the accelerator pedal beyond the

tance to the vehicle detected in front. Vehicles

pressure point (kickdown), the speed limiter is

are detected with the aid of the radar sensor

switched to passive mode. The Limiter pas‐

system. Distance Pilot DISTRONIC brakes auto-

sive message appears in the multifunction dis-

matically so that the set speed is not exceeded.

play.

You must select a lower gear in good time on

You can then exceed the stored speed. The

long and steep downhill gradients, especially if

speed limiter is activated again if you:

the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer. By doing

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

R drive slower than the stored speed without

engine. This relieves the load on the brake sys-

kickdown

tem and prevents the brakes from overheating

R set a new speed or

and wearing too quickly.

R call up the last speed stored again

If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC detects that there is

The Limiter passive message in the multi-

a risk of a collision, you will be warned visually

function display disappears.

and acoustically. Without your intervention, Dis-

tance Pilot DISTRONIC cannot prevent a colli-

Switching off the variable speed limiter

sion. An intermittent warning tone will then

There are several ways to deactivate the varia-

sound and the distance warning lamp will light

ble speed limiter:

up in the instrument cluster. Brake immediately

to increase the distance to the vehicle in front,

X Briefly press the cruise control lever forwards

or take evasive action, provided it is safe to do

so.

For Distance Pilot DISTRONIC to assist you

X Briefly move the cruise control lever in the

when driving, the radar sensor system must be

direction of arrow A.

operational.

LIM indicator lamp ; in the cruise control

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC operates in the range

lever goes out. The variable speed limiter is

between 0 km/h and 200 km/h.

switched off.

Do not use Distance Pilot DISTRONIC while driv-

Cruise control or Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is

ing on roads with steep gradients.

selected.

$Driving systems182Important safety notesTo avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivateDISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function inG WARNINGthe following or similar situations:Distance Pilot DISTRONIC does not recogniseR when towing awayR in a car washR people or animalsThe Distance Pilot DISTRONICR stationary objects on the road, e.g. stoppedor parked vehiclesR can neither reduce the risk of accident noroverride the laws of physics if you fail to adaptDriving and parkingR oncoming vehicles or crossing trafficyour driving a result, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC mayR cannot take into account road, weather orneither give warnings nor intervene in suchtraffic . There is a risk of an accident.R is only an aid. You are responsible for the dis-Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-tance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed,for braking in good time and for staying inuation and be ready to .G WARNINGDo not use Distance Pilot DISTRONIC:R in road and traffic conditions that do not allowDistance Pilot DISTRONIC cannot alwaysyou to maintain a constant speed, e.g. inclearly identify other road users and complexheavy traffic or on winding situations.R on icy or slippery roads. Braking or acceler-In such cases, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC may:ating can cause the drive wheels to lose trac-tion and the vehicle could then skid.R give an unnecessary warning and thenR in poor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy rain orbrake the vehiclesnow.R neither give a warning nor interveneDistance Pilot DISTRONIC may not detect nar-R accelerate or brake unexpectedlyrow vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, orvehicles driving in a staggered is a risk of an particular, the detection of obstacles can beContinue to drive carefully and be ready toimpaired in the following situations:brake, especially if Distance Pilot DISTRONICR dirt on the sensors or obscured sensorswarns you.R snow or heavy rainG WARNINGR interferen$

Driving systems

182

Important safety notes

To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate

DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in

G WARNING

the following or similar situations:

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC does not recognise

R when towing away

R in a car wash

R people or animals

The Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

R stationary objects on the road, e.g. stopped

or parked vehicles

R can neither reduce the risk of accident nor

override the laws of physics if you fail to adapt

Driving and parking

R oncoming vehicles or crossing traffic

your driving style.

As a result, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC may

R cannot take into account road, weather or

neither give warnings nor intervene in such

traffic conditions.

situations. There is a risk of an accident.

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

Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-

tance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed,

for braking in good time and for staying in

uation and be ready to brake.

lane.

G WARNING

Do not use Distance Pilot DISTRONIC:

R in road and traffic conditions that do not allow

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC cannot always

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

clearly identify other road users and complex

heavy traffic or on winding roads.

traffic situations.

R on icy or slippery roads. Braking or acceler-

In such cases, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC may:

ating can cause the drive wheels to lose trac-

tion and the vehicle could then skid.

R give an unnecessary warning and then

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

brake the vehicle

snow.

R neither give a warning nor intervene

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC may not detect nar-

R accelerate or brake unexpectedly

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

vehicles driving in a staggered formation.

There is a risk of an accident.

In particular, the detection of obstacles can be

Continue to drive carefully and be ready to

impaired in the following situations:

brake, especially if Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

R dirt on the sensors or obscured sensors

warns you.

R snow or heavy rain

G WARNING

R interference by other radar sources

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

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC brakes your vehicle

car parks

with up to 50% of the maximum possible

If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC no longer detects a

deceleration. If this deceleration is not suffi-

vehicle in front, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC may

cient, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC alerts you

unexpectedly accelerate to the speed stored.

with a visual and acoustic warning. There is a

This speed can:

risk of an accident.

R be too high for a filter lane or a slip road

Apply the brakes yourself in these situations

R be so high in the right lane that you pass vehi-

and try to take evasive action.

cles driving on the left

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

! When Distance Pilot DISTRONIC or the

cles driving on the right

HOLD function is activated, the vehicle

If a new driver takes over, advise the new driver

brakes automatically in certain situations.

of the speed stored.

Driving systems

183

Cruise control lever

Activating Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

Activation conditions

To activate Distance Pilot DISTRONIC, the fol-

lowing conditions must be fulfilled:

R the engine must be running. It may take up to

two minutes of driving before Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC is ready for use.

Driving and parking

R the electric parking brake must be released.

R ESP ® must be switched on, but not interven-

ing.

R the transmission must be in position D.

R the driver's door must be closed when you

: To activate or increase speed

shift from P to D or your seat belt must be

; To set the specified minimum distance

fastened.

= LIM indicator lamp

R the front-passenger door and the rear doors

? To activate at the current speed/last stored

must be closed.

speed

R the Offroad Plus drive program must be deac-

A To activate or reduce speed

tivated (vehicles with the Off-Road Engineer-

B To switch between Distance Pilot

ing package).

DISTRONIC and the variable limiter

R DSR must be deactivated.

C To deactivate Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

R the vehicle must not be skidding.

With the cruise control lever, you can operate

R the Distance Pilot DISTRONIC function must

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC and the variable lim-

be selected ( Y page 183).

iter.

Activating

LIM indicator lamp = on the cruise control lever

indicates which function you have selected:

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?, up : or down A .

R LIM indicator lamp = off: Distance Pilot

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is activated.

DISTRONIC is selected

X Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.

R LIM indicator lamp = on: variable speed

Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the

limiter is selected

vehicle in front, but only up to the desired

stored speed.

Selecting Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

i If you do not fully release the accelerator

X Check whether LIM indicator lamp = is off.

pedal, the Distance Pilot passive mes-

If it is off, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is already

sage appears in the multifunction display. The

selected.

set distance to a slower-moving vehicle in

If it is not, press the cruise control lever in the

front will then not be maintained. The position

direction of arrow B.

of the accelerator pedal will determine the

LIM indicator lamp = in the cruise control

speed.

lever goes out. Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is

You can also activate Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

selected.

when stationary. The lowest speed that can be

set is 30 km/h.

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?, up : or down A .

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is activated.

Driving systems

184

Activating at the current speed/last

speed. However, the vehicle is only accelerated

up to the speed you have stored.

stored speed

G WARNING

Selecting the drive program

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC supports a sporty

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

driving style if you have selected the Sport or

ferent from the current speed, the vehicle

Sport Plus drive program ( Y page 156). Accel-

accelerates or brakes. If you do not know

eration behind the vehicle in front or to the set

what the stored speed is, the vehicle may

speed is then noticeably more dynamic. If you

Driving and parking

accelerate or brake unexpectedly. There is a

have selected the Comfort drive program, the

risk of an accident.

vehicle accelerates more gently. This setting is

recommended in stop-start traffic.

Take the traffic conditions into account

before calling up the stored speed. If you do

Changing lanes

not know what the stored speed is, store the

If you change to the overtaking lane, Distance

desired speed again.

Pilot DISTRONIC supports you if:

R you are driving faster than 70 km/h

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?.

R you switch on the respective turn signal

X Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.

R Distance Pilot DISTRONIC does not currently

The first time Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is

detect a danger of collision

activated, it stores the current speed or reg-

If these conditions are met, your vehicle accel-

ulates the speed of the vehicle to the stored

erates. Acceleration will be interrupted if chang-

speed.

ing lanes takes too long or if the distance

between your vehicle and the vehicle in front

Driving with Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

becomes too small.

i Vehicles with multimedia system: when

Pulling away and driving

you change lanes, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

X If you want to pull away with Distance

monitors the right lane (on left-side traffic) or

Pilot DISTRONIC: remove your foot from the

the left lane (on right-side traffic).

brake pedal.

Vehicles with COMAND Online

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?.

X Accelerate briefly.

Your vehicle pulls away and adapts its speed

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

detected in front, your vehicle accelerates to

the set speed.

The vehicle can also pull away when it is facing

an unidentified obstacle or is driving on a differ-

ent line from another vehicle. The vehicle then

brakes automatically.

If there is no vehicle in front, Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC operates in the same way as cruise

i The following function is available only in

control.

vehicles with the Driving Assistance Plus

package.

If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC detects a slower-

moving vehicle in front, it brakes your vehicle. In

The function is not operational in all coun-

this way, the distance you have selected is main-

tries.

tained.

If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC detects a faster-

moving vehicle in front, it increases the driving

Driving systems

185

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC uses additional infor-

If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC detects that the

mation from your navigation system so that it

vehicle in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle

can adapt to certain traffic situations. This is the

to a stop.

case while following a vehicle and Distance Pilot

Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains sta-

DISTRONIC is activated and you:

tionary and you do not need to depress the

brake.

R approach or drive around a roundabout

After a short period, the vehicle is secured by

R approach a T-junction

the electric parking brake, thus relieving the

R turn off at a motorway exit

service brake.

Driving and parking

R approach a tollgate

Depending on the specified minimum distance,

Even if the vehicle in front leaves the detection

your vehicle will come to a standstill at a suffi-

range, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC temporarily

cient distance behind the vehicle in front. The

maintains the current driving speed and does

specified minimum distance is set using the

not accelerate. This is based on the current map

control on the cruise control lever.

data in the navigation system.

The transmission is shifted automatically to

Afterwards, the vehicle accelerates back to the

position P if, with Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

set speed you specified.

activated and the vehicle stationary:

The system takes into account the fact that

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

overtaking on the right is not permitted on

belt is unfastened

motorways or high-speed major roads at speeds

R the engine is switched off, unless it is auto-

of more than 80 km/h. The driving speed is

matically switched off by the ECO start/stop

adjusted to the speed of the queue of vehicles in

function

the adjacent lane to the left.

The electric parking brake secures the vehicle

i Prevention of overtaking on the right applies

automatically if, with Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

to countries where traffic drives on the right.

activated and the vehicle stationary:

In countries where traffic drives on the left,

R a system fault occurs

overtaking on the left is prevented accord-

ingly.

R the power supply is insufficient

On steep uphill or downhill inclines or if there is

Stopping

a malfunction, the transmission may also be

G WARNING

automatically shifted into position P.

If you leave the vehicle when it is only being

Setting a speed

braked by Distance Pilot DISTRONIC, it could

roll away if:

Bear in mind that it may take a brief moment

until the vehicle has accelerated or braked to

R there is a malfunction in the system or in

the set speed.

the voltage supply.

X Press the cruise control lever up : for a

R Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is deactivated

higher speed or down A for a lower speed

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

X Keep the cruise control lever pressed until the

cle occupant or from outside the vehicle.

desired speed is reached.

R the electrical system in the engine com-

X Release the cruise control lever.

partment, the battery or the fuses are tam-

The new speed is stored. Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC is activated and adjusts the vehi-

pered with.

cle's speed to the new speed stored.

R the battery is disconnected.

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

occupant.

There is a risk of an accident.

Before leaving the vehicle, always deactivate

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC and secure the

vehicle against rolling away.

Driving systems

186

X To adjust the set speed in 1 km/h incre-

Deactivating Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

ments: briefly press the cruise control lever

up : or down A to the pressure point.

The last stored speed increases or decreases

in 1 km/h increments.

X To adjust the set speed in 10 km/h incre-

ments: briefly press the cruise control lever

up : or down A beyond the pressure point.

The last stored speed increases or decreases

Driving and parking

in 10 km/h increments.

i If you accelerate to overtake, Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC adjusts the vehicle's speed to the

last speed stored after you have finished over-

taking.

There are several ways to deactivate Distance

Pilot DISTRONIC:

Setting the specified minimum distance

X Briefly press the cruise control lever for-

wards :.

X Brake, unless the vehicle is stationary.

X Briefly press the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow =.

The variable limiter is selected. LIM indicator

lamp ; in the cruise control lever lights up.

When you deactivate Distance Pilot DISTRONIC,

the Distance Pilot off message appears on

the multifunction display for approximately five

seconds.

You can set the specified minimum distance for

i The last speed stored remains stored until

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC by varying the time

you switch off the engine.

span between one and two seconds. With this

function, you can set the minimum distance that

i Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is not deactivated

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC maintains to the vehi-

if you depress the accelerator pedal. If you

cle in front, dependent on the vehicle speed. You

accelerate to overtake, Distance Pilot

can see this distance in the multifunction dis-

DISTRONIC adjusts the vehicle's speed to the

play ( Y page 187).

last speed stored after you have finished over-

X To increase: turn control ; in direction =.

taking.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC then maintains a

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is automatically deac-

greater distance between your vehicle and

tivated if:

the vehicle in front.

R you apply the electric parking brake or if the

X To decrease: turn control ; in direction :.

vehicle is automatically secured with the elec-

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC then maintains a

tric parking brake

shorter distance between your vehicle and

the vehicle in front.

R ESP ® intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®

R the transmission is in position P, R or N

i Make sure that you maintain a sufficient and

R you pull the cruise control lever towards you

safe distance from the vehicle in front. Adjust

in order to pull away and the front-passenger

the distance to the vehicle in front if neces-

door or one of the rear doors is open

sary.

R you activate Parking Pilot

R the vehicle is skidding

Driving systems

187

A warning tone sounds. The Distance Pilot

Display in the assistance graphic when

off message will appear on the multifunction

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is deactivated

display for approximately five seconds.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is automatically deac-

tivated if:

R you activate DSR

R you activate the Off-Road Program+ (vehicles

with the Off-Road Engineering package)

Driving and parking

The Ã DSR symbol appears on the multi-

function display.

Displays on the instrument cluster

Displays in the speedometer

: Vehicle in front, if detected

; Distance indicator: current distance to the

vehicle in front

= Specified minimum distance to the vehicle

in front; adjustable

? Own vehicle

X Select the Assistance graphic function

using the on-board computer ( Y page 249).

Display in the assistance graphic when

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is activated

Example: Distance Pilot DISTRONIC displays in the

speedometer

When Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is activated,

one or two segments ; in the stored speed

range light up.

If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC detects a vehicle in

front, segments ; between speed of the vehi-

cle in front = and stored speed : light up.

i For design reasons, the speed displayed in

the speedometer may differ slightly from the

speed stored for Distance Pilot DISTRONIC.

: Vehicle in front, if detected

; Specified minimum distance to the vehicle

in front; adjustable

= Own vehicle

? Distance Pilot DISTRONIC activated

X Select the Assistance graphic function

using the on-board computer ( Y page 249).

You will see the stored speed for approximately

five seconds when you activate Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC.

Driving systems

188

Tips for driving with Distance Pilot

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC with Steering

DISTRONIC

Pilot

General notes

Pay particular attention in the following traffic

situations:

R Cornering, entering and exiting a bend: the

ability of Distance Pilot DISTRONIC to detect

Driving and parking

vehicles when cornering is limited. Your vehi-

cle may brake unexpectedly or late.

R Driving on a different line: Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC may not detect vehicles driving in

a different lane. The distance to the vehicle in

front will be too short.

R Other vehicles changing lane: Distance Pilot

DISTRONIC has not detected the vehicle cut-

ting in yet. The distance to this vehicle will be

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC with Steering Pilot

too short.

aids you in keeping the vehicle in the centre of

the driving lane by means of moderate steering

R Narrow vehicles: Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

interventions in a speed range from

does not detect the vehicle in front on the

0 - 200 km/h.

edge of the carriageway because of its narrow

width. The distance to the vehicle in front will

It monitors the area in front of your vehicle by

be too short.

means of camera system : at the top of the

windscreen.

R Obstacles and stationary vehicles: Distance

Pilot DISTRONIC does not brake for obstacles

In a speed range from 0 - 60 km/h, the extended

or stationary vehicles. If, for example, the

automatic Re-start in traffic jams focuses on the

detected vehicle turns a corner and an obsta-

vehicle in front, taking into account lane mark-

cle or stationary vehicle is revealed, Distance

ings, e.g. when following vehicles in a traffic jam.

Pilot DISTRONIC will not brake for them.

At speeds of more than 60 km/h, Steering Pilot

R Crossing traffic: Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

focuses on detected lane markings (left and

may mistakenly detect vehicles that are

right), only focusing on the vehicle in front if

crossing your lane. Activating Distance Pilot

detected lane markings are not present.

DISTRONIC at, for example, a traffic light with

If these conditions are not present, Steering

crossing traffic, could cause your vehicle to

Pilot cannot provide assistance.

pull away at the wrong time.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC must be active in

In such situations, brake if necessary. Distance

order for the function to be available.

Pilot DISTRONIC is then switched off.

Important safety notes

If you fail to adapt your driving style, Distance

Pilot DISTRONIC and Steering Pilot can neither

reduce the risk of an accident nor override the

laws of physics. It cannot take into account

road, weather or traffic conditions. Distance

Pilot DISTRONIC with Steering Pilot is only an

aid. You are responsible for the distance to the

vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in

good time and for staying in lane.

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC with Steering Pilot

does not detect road and traffic conditions and

does not detect all road users. If you are follow-

ing a vehicle that is driving towards the edge of

the carriageway, your vehicle could come into

contact with the kerb or other road boundaries.

Driving systems

189

Be particularly aware of other road users, e.g.

Steering Pilot cannot provide assistance:

cyclists, that are directly next to your vehicle.

R on very sharp corners

Obstacles such as traffic pylons on the lane or

R when you are towing a trailer

projecting out into the lane are not detected.

R a loss of tyre pressure or a defective tyre has

An inappropriate steering intervention, e.g. after

been detected and displayed

intentionally driving over a lane marking, can be

Observe the important safety notes on Distance

corrected at any time if you steer slightly in the

Pilot DISTRONIC ( Y page 182).

opposite direction.

The steering interventions are carried out with a

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC with Steering Pilot

Driving and parking

limited steering moment. The system requires

cannot continuously keep your vehicle in lane. In

the driver to keep his hands on the steering

some cases, the steering intervention is not suf-

wheel and to steer himself.

ficient to bring the vehicle back to the lane. In

If you do not steer yourself or if you take your

such cases, you must steer the vehicle yourself

hands off the steering wheel for a prolonged

to ensure that it does not leave the lane.

period of time, the system will first alert you with

The system may be impaired in the following

a visual warning. A steering wheel symbol

situations:

appears on the multifunction display. If you have

R poor visibility, e.g. due to insufficient illumi-

still not started to steer and have not taken hold

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

of the steering wheel after five seconds at the

spray

latest, a warning tone also sounds to remind you

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

to take control of the vehicle. Steering Pilot is

sun or reflections (e.g. if the road surface is

then switched to passive. Distance Pilot

wet)

DISTRONIC remains active.

R the windscreen is dirty, misted up, damaged

Activating Steering Pilot

or covered in the vicinity of the camera, e.g.

X Activate Distance Pilot DISTRONIC with

by a sticker

Steering Pilot using the on-board computer

R there are no lane markings, or several unclear

( Y page 250).

lane markings are present for one lane, e.g.

The Steering Pilot On message appears

around construction sites

on the multifunction display. Steering Pilot is

R the lane markings are worn away, dark or cov-

activated.

ered up, e.g. by dirt or snow

R the distance to the vehicle in front is too short

Information on the multifunction display

and thus the lane markings cannot be detec-

ted

R the lane markings change quickly, e.g. lanes

branch off, cross one another or merge

R the road is narrow and winding

R there are highly variable shade conditions on

the road

The system is switched to passive and no longer

assists you by performing steering interventions

If Steering Pilot is activated but not ready for a

if:

steering intervention, steering wheel symbol :

appears in grey. If the system provides you with

R you actively change lane

support by means of steering interventions,

R you switch on the turn signal

symbol : is shown in green.

R you take your hands off the steering wheel or

Deactivating Steering Pilot

do not steer for a prolonged period of time

X Deactivate Distance Pilot DISTRONIC with

i After you have finished changing lanes,

Steering Pilot using the on-board computer

Steering Pilot is automatically active once

( Y page 250).

more.

The Steering Pilot Off message appears

on the multifunction display. Steering Pilot is

deactivated.

Driving systems

190

When Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is deactivated

Always select as low a vehicle level as possi-

or not available, Steering Pilot is deactivated

ble and adjust your driving style accordingly.

automatically.

G WARNING

Level control (vehicles with the Off-

When driving with a lowered or raised chassis

Road Engineering package)

frame, the driving and braking characteristics

may be seriously affected. A raised chassis

Important safety notes

frame may also exceed the permissible vehi-

Driving and parking

cle height. There is a risk of an accident.

Level control adapts the vehicle level automati-

cally to the current operating and driving situa-

Set the driving level before pulling away.

tion. This results in reduced fuel consumption

and improved handling.

G WARNING

Make changes to the vehicle level while the

Due to the high centre of gravity, the vehicle

vehicle is in motion. This enables the vehicle to

may start to skid and overturn in the event of

adjust to the new level as quickly as possible.

abrupt steering manoeuvres and/or when the

The vehicle level may change visibly if you park

vehicle's speed is not adapted to the road

the vehicle and the outside temperature

conditions. There is a risk of an accident.

changes. If the temperature drops, the vehicle

level lowers; with an increase in temperature,

Always adapt your speed and driving style to

the vehicle level rises.

the vehicle's driving characteristics and to the

If you unlock the vehicle or open a door, the

prevailing road and weather conditions.

vehicle begins to compensate for load discrep-

ancies while still parked. However, for signifi-

! When driving on extremely rough terrain,

cant level changes, e.g. after the vehicle has

select a high vehicle level in good time. Make

been stationary for a long period, the engine

sure there is always sufficient ground clear-

must be running. For safety reasons, the vehicle

ance. You will otherwise damage the vehicle.

is only lowered when the doors are closed. Low-

R SUVs overturn considerably more often than

ering is interrupted if a door is opened; it con-

other vehicle types.

tinues once the door has been closed.

If this vehicle is not driven in a safe manner, it

Further information about "Driving off-road"

can lead to an accident, to the vehicle over-

( Y page 173).

turning as well as serious or even fatal inju-

G WARNING

ries.

People's limbs may become trapped if they

R In the event of an accident with the vehicle

overturning, passengers who are not wearing

are located underneath the vehicle or

their seat belt are considerably more likely to

between the vehicle body and the tyres when

die than passengers wearing their seat belt.

the vehicle is lowering. There is a danger of

You and all vehicle occupants should always

injury.

wear your seat belts.

When lowering the vehicle, make sure no one

is underneath the vehicle or in the immediate

Basic settings

vicinity of the wheel arches.

The extent to which the vehicle is raised or low-

G WARNING

ered depends on the basic setting selected.

Select:

When driving at a raised vehicle level, the driv-

R the Comfort or Sport drive program for driv-

ing characteristics may be significantly affec-

ing on normal roads

ted by the vehicle's raised centre of gravity.

R the Offroad drive program for driving on eas-

The vehicle may be more liable to tip when

ily negotiable off-road terrain

cornering, for example. There is a risk of an

R the Offroad Plus drive program for off-road

accident.

driving

Driving systems

191

R Offroad level 1 for driving on easily negotiable

If you press the % or a button on the

off-road terrain

multifunction steering wheel, the message will

disappear. Once normal level has been reached,

R Offroad level 2 for driving on normal off-road

all indicator lamps = go out.

terrain

The vehicle automatically selects normal level if

R Offroad level 3 for freeing the vehicle from

you:

especially difficult off-road terrain at low

speeds

R drive at speeds above 115 km/h or

The individual vehicle levels differ from the nor-

R drive at speeds between 100 km/h and

mal level as follows:

115 km/h for approximately 20 seconds

Driving and parking

R –15 mm in the Sport drive program

The vehicle is lowered to low level if you are

travelling at higher speeds.

R +/–0 mm in the Comfort drive program

R + 30 mm in the Offroad drive program

Normal level

R + 60 mm in the Offroad Plus drive program

R + 30 mm in offroad level 1

R + 60 mm in offroad level 2

R + 90 mm in offroad level 3

Setting the vehicle level

! Make sure there is enough ground clear-

ance when the vehicle is being lowered. It

could otherwise hit the ground, damaging the

underbody.

Setting the vehicle to normal level

X Start the engine.

X Press selector wheel :.

Selector wheel : extends.

X To lower the vehicle: turn selector wheel :

anti-clockwise ?.

The vehicle is lowered.

If one or more indicator lamps = are on:

X Turn selector wheel : anti-clockwise ?

until all indicator lamps = that are lit start to

Setting the vehicle level using the selector

flash.

wheel

The vehicle is lowered to normal level. As

X Start the engine.

soon as the next lowest level is reached, the

X Press selector wheel :.

indicator lamp stops flashing and goes out.

Selector wheel : extends.

X To raise the vehicle: turn selector wheel :

Offroad levels

clockwise ;.

The vehicle is raised.

General notes

X To lower the vehicle: turn selector wheel :

Only select an offroad level if this is appropriate

anti-clockwise ?.

for road conditions. Otherwise, fuel consump-

The vehicle is lowered.

tion may increase and handling performance

During the adjustment, the Lowering or Vehi‐

may be affected.

cle rising message appears in the multifunc-

tion display.

Driving systems

192

You can select the following:

If you press the % or a button on the

multifunction steering wheel, the message will

R Offroad level 1 at speeds up to 100 km/h

disappear.

R Offroad level 2 at speeds up to 65 km/h

i Up to offroad level 2, you can hide the mes-

R Offroad level 3 at speeds up to 20 km/h

sages using the % or a button on the

If you select an offroad level when driving at too

multifunction steering wheel.

high a speed, the Please reduce speed mes-

sage appears in the multifunction display.

While the adjustment from offroad level 2 to off-

road level 3 is taking place, you will see a mes-

Offroad level 3 is only suitable for driving on

Driving and parking

sage such as the following in the multifunction

extremely difficult off-road terrain under partic-

display: Vehicle rising Max. speed

ularly rough conditions.

20 km/h .

R Adjust your driving style to the altered han-

The Max. speed 20 km/h message draws your

dling characteristics.

attention to the maximum speed permitted for

R Do not drive faster than 20 km/h.

offroad level 3.

If you drive above 20 km/h at offroad level 3,

you will see the following message shown in red

in the multifunction display: Lowering Max.

speed 20 km/h .

i You cannot clear these messages.

You also hear a warning tone. The vehicle is low-

ered and offroad level 3 is cancelled.

If you continue to increase your speed, the red

message continues to be shown in the multi-

function display. The newly set level is not dis-

played until the vehicle has been set to a level

Indicator lamps = for the desired offroad level

suitable for the current speed.

flash:

Lowering the vehicle

R the lower indicator lamp flashes, offroad

If you drive faster than 20 km/h while the vehi-

level 1 is selected

cle is being lowered, you will see the following

R the lower and centre indicator lamps flash,

message shown in white in the multifunction

offroad level 2 is selected

display: Lowering Max. speed 20 km/h .

R all three indicator lamps flash, offroad level 3

The vehicle is lowered to offroad level 2.

is selected

You will see a message in the multifunction dis-

The vehicle is being adjusted to the offroad level

play, for example: Lowering .

selected. As soon as an offroad level is reached,

Off-road level 2 is cancelled and the vehicle is

the corresponding indicator lamp stops flashing

lowered to offroad level 1 if you:

and lights up constantly.

R drive at speeds above 80 km/h or

Raising the vehicle

R drive at speeds between 65 km/h and

Setting the vehicle level using the selector

80 km/h for longer than 20 seconds

wheel

Off-road level 1 is cancelled. Depending on the

X To raise the vehicle: turn selector wheel :

vehicle's speed and the selected drive program,

clockwise ;.

the vehicle is automatically lowered to normal

The vehicle is raised to offroad level 1 by

level or low level if you:

30 mm compared to the normal level.

R drive at speeds above 115 km/h or

During the adjustment, the Vehicle rising

R drive at speeds between 100 km/h and

message, for example, appears in the multifunc-

115 km/h for longer than 20 seconds

tion display.

Driving systems

193

Activation conditions

HOLD function

You can activate the HOLD function if:

General notes

R the vehicle is stationary

The HOLD function can assist the driver in the

R the engine is running or if it has been auto-

following situations:

matically switched off by the ECO start/stop

R when pulling away, especially on steep slopes

function

R when manoeuvring on steep slopes

R the driver's door is closed or if your seat belt

is fastened

R when waiting in traffic

Driving and parking

R the electric parking brake is released

The vehicle is kept stationary without the driver

having to depress the brake pedal.

R the transmission is in position h, k or i

The braking effect is cancelled and the HOLD

R Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is deactivated

function deactivated when you depress the

accelerator pedal to pull away.

Activating the HOLD function

i Do not use the HOLD function when driving

off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gradients

or on slippery or loose surfaces. The HOLD

function cannot hold the vehicle on such sur-

faces.

Important safety notes

G WARNING

X Make sure that the activation conditions are

If the vehicle is only braked using the HOLD

met.

function, the vehicle may roll away in the fol-

X Depress the brake pedal.

lowing situations when you leave the vehicle:

X Quickly depress the brake pedal further

until : appears on the multifunction display.

R if there is a malfunction in the system or in

The HOLD function is activated. You can

the voltage supply

release the brake pedal.

R if the HOLD function is deactivated by

i If depressing the brake pedal the first time

depressing the accelerator pedal or brake

does not activate the HOLD function, wait

pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant

briefly and then try again.

R if the electrical system in the engine com-

partment, the battery or the fuses are tam-

Deactivating the HOLD function

pered with or the battery is disconnected

The HOLD function is deactivated automatically

There is a risk of an accident.

if:

Always deactivate the HOLD function and

R you depress the accelerator and the trans-

secure the vehicle against rolling away before

mission is in position h or k

you leave it.

R you shift the transmission to position j

R you depress the brake pedal again with a cer-

! When Distance Pilot DISTRONIC or the

tain amount of pressure until : disappears

HOLD function is activated, the vehicle

from the multifunction display

brakes automatically in certain situations.

R you secure the vehicle using the electric park-

To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate

ing brake

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC and the HOLD

R you activate Distance Pilot DISTRONIC

function in the following or similar situations:

i After a short period, the vehicle is secured

R when towing away

by the electric parking brake, thus relieving

R in a car wash

the service brake.

Deactivate the HOLD function ( Y page 193).

Driving systems

194

Important safety notes

When the HOLD function is activated, the trans-

mission is automatically shifted to position j

G WARNING

if:

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

People's limbs may become trapped if they

belt is unfastened

are located underneath the vehicle or

R the engine is switched off, unless it is auto-

between the vehicle body and the tyres when

matically switched off by the ECO start/stop

the vehicle is lowering. There is a danger of

function

injury.

Driving and parking

The electric parking brake secures the vehicle

When lowering the vehicle, make sure no one

automatically if the HOLD function is activated,

is underneath the vehicle or in the immediate

the vehicle is stationary and:

vicinity of the wheel arches.

R a system fault occurs

R the power supply is insufficient

If you unlock the vehicle or open a door, the

On steep uphill or downhill gradients or if there

vehicle begins to compensate for load discrep-

is a malfunction, the transmission may also be

ancies while still parked. However, for signifi-

automatically shifted to position j.

cant level changes, e.g. after the vehicle has

been stationary for a long period, the engine

must be running. For safety reasons, the vehicle

is lowered only when the doors are closed. Low-

AIRMATIC package

ering is interrupted if a door is opened; it con-

General notes

tinues once the door has been closed.

AIRMATIC is an air suspension system with var-

ADS and ADS PLUS (Adaptive Damping

iable damping for improved driving comfort.

System)

Level control ensures the best possible suspen-

sion and constant ground clearance, even with a

General notes

laden vehicle. When you drive at speed, the

vehicle is lowered automatically to improve driv-

The Adaptive Damping System automatically

ing safety and to reduce fuel consumption. You

controls the calibration of the dampers. The

also have the option of manually adjusting the

damping characteristics adapt to the current

vehicle level.

operating and driving situation.

AIRMATIC consists of:

The damping is adjusted individually to each

wheel and depends on:

R level settings

R your driving style, e.g. sporty

R level control and

R the road surface conditions

R ADS or ADS PLUS (Adaptive Damping Sys-

tem)

R the drive program selected

All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-

R the vehicle level setting

cles): your vehicle may also be equipped with

Selecting Comfort mode

the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM ( Y page 195).

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: your vehicle is equip-

ped with the ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM.

( Y page 195).

Observe the notes on driving with a trailer

( Y page 232).

The vehicle level can be set using the DYNAMIC

SELECT controller ( Y page 151) or the level but-

ton ( Y page 196). The setting always corre-

sponds to the last function selected.

Driving systems

195

In the Comfort drive program, the driving char-

X Select the Sport drive program using

acteristics of your vehicle are more comforta-

DYNAMIC SELECT controller :.

All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-

ble. Therefore, select this drive program if you

cles): the vehicle is lowered by 15 mm com-

prefer a more comfortable driving style. Also

select the Comfort drive program when driving

pared with the normal level.

at speed on straight roads, e.g. on straight

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the vehicle

stretches of motorway.

remains at the normal level.

X Select the Comfort drive program using

Selecting Sport Plus tuning (Mercedes-

DYNAMIC SELECT controller :.

Driving and parking

AMG vehicles)

the vehicle is adjusted to the normal level.

All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-

cles): in the Comfort drive program, the vehicle

is lowered by 15 mm if you:

R drive at speeds above 140 km/h or

R drive at speeds between 120 km/h and

140 km/h for longer than 20 seconds

The vehicle is raised again if you:

R drive at speeds below 40 km/h or

R drive at speeds between 40 km/h and

70 km/h for longer than 20 seconds

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: in the Comfort drive

The very firm suspension tuning in the Sport

program, the vehicle is:

Plus drive program ensures the best possible

R lowered by 10 mm if you drive at speeds

contact with the road. Select this mode when

above 180 km/h

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

R raised again if you drive at speeds below

country roads or, ideally, when driving on closed

140 km/h

race circuits.

DSR is not available in the Sport Plus drive pro-

Selecting Sport mode

gram. Further information on DSR

( Y page 225).

X Select the Sport Plus drive program using

DYNAMIC SELECT controller :.

The vehicle is lowered by 10 mm compared

with the normal level.

ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM

The ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM uses active stabil-

isers to optimise both driving comfort and vehi-

cle dynamics. Depending on the drive program

selected ( Y page 156), the ACTIVE CURVE SYS-

The firmer suspension setting in the Sport drive

TEM also changes the setting.

program ensures even better contact with the

If you have selected the Comfort drive program:

road. Select this drive program when employing

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

R rolling movement is reduced in the event of

roads.

varying surface undulation

DSR is not available in the Sport drive program.

R the roll angle is reduced during cornering

Further information on DSR ( Y page 225).

R the handling characteristics are dynamic

Driving systems

196

If you have selected the Sport drive program:

vehicle's speed is not adapted to the road

R the roll angle is reduced significantly

conditions. There is a risk of an accident.

R the handling characteristics are even more

Always adapt your speed and driving style to

dynamic

the vehicle's driving characteristics and to the

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: if you have selected

prevailing road and weather conditions.

the Sport Plus drive program:

! When driving on extremely rough terrain,

R the roll angle is again reduced significantly

select a high vehicle level in good time. Make

R the handling characteristics are designed to

Driving and parking

sure there is always sufficient ground clear-

offer maximum dynamics

ance. You will otherwise damage the vehicle.

R SUVs have a significantly higher rollover rate

Vehicle level

than other types of vehicle.

Important safety notes

If this type of vehicle is not driven safely, an

accident can occur, the vehicle can overturn

G WARNING

and occupants can suffer serious or even fatal

injuries.

People's limbs may become trapped if they

are located underneath the vehicle or

R In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is sig-

nificantly more likely to die than a person

between the vehicle body and the tyres when

wearing a seat belt.

the vehicle is lowering. There is a danger of

You and all vehicle occupants should always

injury.

wear your seat belts.

When lowering the vehicle, make sure no one

General notes

is underneath the vehicle or in the immediate

vicinity of the wheel arches.

Select raised level only if this is appropriate for

the road conditions. Otherwise, fuel consump-

G WARNING

tion may increase and handling may be affected.

Make changes to the vehicle level while the

When driving at a raised vehicle level, the driv-

vehicle is in motion. This enables the vehicle to

ing characteristics may be significantly affec-

adjust to the new level as quickly as possible.

ted by the vehicle's raised centre of gravity.

The vehicle level may change visibly if you park

The vehicle may be more liable to tip when

the vehicle and the outside temperature

cornering, for example. There is a risk of an

changes. If the temperature drops, the vehicle

accident.

level lowers; if the temperature increases, the

vehicle level rises.

Always select as low a vehicle level as possi-

If you unlock the vehicle or open a door, the

ble and adjust your driving style accordingly.

vehicle begins to compensate for load discrep-

ancies while still parked. However, for signifi-

G WARNING

cant level changes, e.g. after the vehicle has

When driving with a lowered or raised chassis

been stationary for a long period, the engine

must be running. For safety reasons, the vehicle

frame, the driving and braking characteristics

is lowered only when the doors are closed. Low-

may be seriously affected. A raised chassis

ering is interrupted if a door is opened; it con-

frame may also exceed the permissible vehi-

tinues once the door has been closed.

cle height. There is a risk of an accident.

Vehicles with no trailer coupled: below a

Set the driving level before pulling away.

speed of 65 km/h, you can choose between

normal and raised vehicle levels. Select the nor-

G WARNING

mal vehicle level for normal road conditions and

the raised vehicle level when using snow chains

Due to the high centre of gravity, the vehicle

or if the road conditions are very poor. Your

may start to skid and overturn in the event of

selection remains stored even if you remove the

abrupt steering manoeuvres and/or when the

key from the ignition lock. If you try to select

raised level at a speed above 65 km/h, the

Driving systems

197

Please reduce speed message appears on

R Mercedes-AMG vehicles: You drive for

the multifunction display.

approximately 20 seconds between 65 km/h

and 70 km/h.

Vehicles with a trailer coupled: below a speed

of 30 km/h, you can choose between the nor-

R You drive with a trailer at speeds greater than

mal and raised vehicle level.

30 km/h.

The raised level remains saved when you are not

Setting the raised vehicle level

driving within these speed ranges.

Setting the normal vehicle level

Driving and parking

! Make sure there is enough ground clear-

ance when the vehicle is being lowered. It

could otherwise hit the ground, damaging the

underbody.

X Start the engine.

If indicator lamp ; is lit:

X Press button :.

Indicator lamp ; flashes while the vehicle is

being lowered, and goes out as soon as the

desired vehicle level is reached.

X Start the engine.

Vehicles with no trailer coupled: the vehi-

If indicator lamp ; is not lit:

cle is adjusted to the height of the selected

X Press button :.

drive program ( Y page 151).

Indicator lamp ; flashes while the vehicle is

Vehicles with a trailer coupled: the vehicle

being raised, and lights up continuously as

is adjusted to normal level regardless of the

soon as the vehicle reaches the desired level.

drive program selected ( Y page 151). The

All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-

vehicle remains at normal level even if you

cles): the vehicle is raised by 60 mm com-

change drive programs.

pared with the normal level.

During adjustment, the Lowering message

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the vehicle is

appears on the multifunction display.

raised by 50 mm compared with the normal

If you press the % or a button on the

level.

multifunction steering wheel, the message will

The Vehicle rising message appears on the

disappear.

multifunction display.

The message remains until the raised level is

reached.

AMG RIDE CONTROL

If you press the % or a button on the

General notes

multifunction steering wheel, the message will

disappear.

i AMG RIDE CONTROL is available for

The raised vehicle level setting is cancelled in

Mercedes-AMG vehicles and for the

the following cases:

Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 4MATIC.

R you are driving faster than 80 km/h

The electronically controlled damping system

R Mercedes-AMG vehicles: you are driving

works continuously. This improves driving

faster than 70 km/h.

safety and ride comfort.

R All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-

The damping is tuned individually to each wheel

cles): You drive for approximately 20 seconds

and depends on:

between 65 km/h and 80 km/h.

R your driving style, e.g. sporty

R the road surface condition, e.g. bumps

R your individual selection of Sport, Sport + or

Comfort

Driving systems

198

Comfort mode

The suspension setting can be adjusted using

button : in the centre console or the DYNAMIC

In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics of

SELECT controller ( Y page 151).

your vehicle are more comfortable. Select this

If the ignition is switched off for less than four

mode if you prefer a more comfortable driving

hours, the previously selected drive program is

style, but also when driving at speed on straight

activated when the engine is next started. If the

roads, e.g. motorways.

ignition is switched off for more than four hours,

X Press button : repeatedly until indicator

Comfort mode is activated when the engine is

lamps ; and = go out.

next started.

Driving and parking

You have selected Comfort mode.

The AMG Ride Control COMFORT message

Sport mode

appears in the multifunction display.

PARKTRONIC Parking Assist

Important safety notes

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is an electronic

parking aid with ultrasound. It monitors the area

around your vehicle using six sensors in the

front bumper and six sensors in the rear

bumper. Parking Assist PARKTRONIC visually

and audibly indicates the distance between your

vehicle and an object.

The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is

Sport mode ensures even better contact with

not a substitute for your attention to the imme-

the road. Select this mode when employing a

diate surroundings. The responsibility for safe

sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country

manoeuvring and parking remains with you.

roads.

Make sure that there are no persons, animals or

X Press button : repeatedly until indicator

objects in range while manoeuvring and parking.

lamp = lights up.

You have selected Sport mode.

! When parking, pay particular attention to

The AMG Ride Control SPORT message

objects above or below the sensors, such as

flower pots or trailer drawbars. PARKTRONIC

appears in the multifunction display.

does not detect such objects when they are in

the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. You

Sport + mode

could damage the vehicle or the objects.

The sensors may not detect snow and objects

The very firm setting of the suspension setting in

which absorb ultrasonic sources.

Sport + mode ensures the best possible contact

with the road. Select this mode only when driv-

Ultrasonic sources, such as an automatic car

ing on race circuits.

wash, a lorry's compressed-air brakes or a

pneumatic drill, could cause PARKTRONIC to

If indicator lamps ; and = are off:

malfunction.

X Press button : repeatedly until indicator

PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on

lamp ; lights up.

uneven terrain.

You have selected Sport + mode.

The AMG Ride Control SPORT + message

! Fold in the ball coupling if the trailer tow

appears in the multifunction display.

hitch is not required. PARKTRONIC measures

the minimum detection range to an obstacle

In "Sport +" mode, the vehicle is lowered by

from the bumper, not the ball coupling.

10 mm compared to the normal level.

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is deactivated for

the rear area when you establish an electrical

connection between your vehicle and a trailer.

Driving systems

199

Range

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is activated auto-

matically when you:

R switch on the ignition

R shift the transmission to position D, R or N

R release the electric parking brake

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is deactivated at

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

speeds.

Driving and parking

Range of the sensors

General notes

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC does not take into

account obstacles located:

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

mals or objects

R above the detection range, e.g. overhanging

loads, tail sections or loading ramps of goods

vehicles

: Approx. 60 cm (corners)

; Approx. 80 cm (corners)

= Approx. 120 cm (centre)

? Approx. 100 cm (centre)

Minimum distance

Centre

Approx. 20 cm

: Sensors on the front bumper, left-hand side

Corners

Approx. 15 cm

(example)

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

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

Otherwise, they may not function correctly.

evant warning displays light up and a warning

Clean the sensors regularly, taking care not to

tone sounds. If the distance falls below the min-

scratch or damage them ( Y page 345).

imum, the distance may no longer be shown.

Driving systems

200

Warning displays

One or more segments light up as the vehicle

approaches an obstacle, depending on the vehi-

cle's distance from the obstacle.

From the:

R sixth segment onwards, you will hear an inter-

mittent warning tone for approximately two

seconds.

R seventh segment onwards, you will hear a

Driving and parking

warning tone for approximately two seconds.

This indicates that you have now reached the

minimum distance.

Activating/deactivating Parking Assist

: Segments on the left-hand side of the vehi-

PARKTRONIC

cle

; Segments on the right-hand side of the vehi-

cle

= Segments showing operational readiness

The warning displays show the distance

between the sensors and the obstacle. The

warning display for the front area is located on

the dashboard above the centre air vents. The

warning display for the rear area is located on

the roof lining in the rear compartment.

The warning display for each side of the vehicle

is divided into five yellow and two red segments.

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is operational if yel-

: Indicator lamp

low segments showing operational readiness =

; To deactivate/activate Parking Assist

light up.

PARKTRONIC

The selected transmission position and the

If indicator lamp : lights up, Parking Assist

direction in which the vehicle is rolling deter-

PARKTRONIC is deactivated. Parking Pilot is

mine which warning display is active when the

then also deactivated.

engine is running.

i Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is automati-

Transmission posi- Warning display

cally activated when you turn the key to posi-

tion

tion 2 in the ignition lock.

Front area activated

R, N or the vehicle is Rear and front areas

rolling backwards

activated

No areas activated

Driving systems

201

Problems with Parking Assist PARKTRONIC

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

Only the red segments in Parking Assist PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has been deacti-

the Parking Assist

vated.

PARKTRONIC warning

X If problems persist, have Parking Assist PARKTRONIC checked at a

displays are lit. You also

qualified specialist workshop.

hear a warning tone for

Driving and parking

approximately two sec-

onds.

Parking Assist

PARKTRONIC is deacti-

vated after approx-

imately five seconds,

and the indicator lamp in

the Parking Assist

PARKTRONIC button

lights up.

Only the red segments in

The Parking Assist PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is inter-

the Parking Assist

ference.

PARKTRONIC warning

X Clean the Parking Assist PARKTRONIC sensors ( Y page 345).

displays are lit. Parking

X Switch the ignition back on.

Assist PARKTRONIC is

deactivated after

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

approximately five sec-

sound waves.

onds.

X Check to see if Parking Assist PARKTRONIC works at a different

location.

G WARNING

Parking Pilot

While parking or pulling out of a parking

General notes

space, the vehicle swings out and can drive

Parking Pilot is an electronic parking aid with

onto areas of the oncoming lane. This could

ultrasound. It measures the road on both sides

cause you to collide with other road users.

of the vehicle. A parking symbol indicates a suit-

There is a risk of an accident.

able parking space. Active steering intervention

Pay attention to other road users. Stop the

and brake application can assist you during

parking. Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is also

vehicle if necessary or cancel the Parking Pilot

available ( Y page 198).

parking procedure.

Important safety notes

! If you cannot avoid driving over obstacles,

e.g. kerbs, do so slowly and at an obtuse angle

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

only. You could otherwise damage the wheel

for your attention to the immediate surround-

rims and tyres.

ings. The responsibility for safe manoeuvring

Parking Pilot may show parking spaces which

and parking remains with you. Make sure that no

are not suitable for parking, e.g.:

persons, animals or objects are in the manoeu-

vring range.

R in a zone where parking or stopping is pro-

hibited

When Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is deactiva-

ted, Parking Pilot is also unavailable.

R in front of driveways or entrances and exits

R on unsuitable surfaces

$Driving systems202Parking tips:Further information about the detection range( Y page 199).R on narrow roads, drive as closely as possibleParking Pilot does not assist you parking inpast the parking spacespaces at a right angle to the direction of travelR parking spaces that are littered or overgrownif:might be identified or measured incorrectlyR two parking spaces are located directly nextR parking spaces that are partially occupied byto one anothertrailer drawbars might not be identified assuch or be measured incorrectlyR the parking space is directly next to a lowDriving and parkingobstacle such as a low kerbR snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parkingspace being measured inaccuratelyR you forward-parkR pay attention to the Parking AssistParking Pilot does not assist you parking inPARKTRONIC warning messagesspaces parallel or at a right angle to the direction( Y page 198) during the parking procedureof travel if:R you can intervene in the steering procedure toR the parking space is on a kerbcorrect it at any time. Parking Pilot will then beR the system reads the parking space as , such as by foliage or grass pavingR when transporting a load that protrudes fromblocksyour vehicle, you should not use Parking PilotR the area is too small for the vehicle toR never use Parking Pilot when snow chains aremanoeuvre intofittedR the parking space is bordered by an obstacle,R make sure that the tyre pressures are alwayse.g. a tree, a post or a trailercorrect. This has a direct influence on theparking characteristics of the vehicleUse Parking Pilot for parking spaces that are:R parallel or at right angles to the direction oftravelR on straight roads, not bendsR on the same level as the road, e.g. not on thepavement: Detected parking space on the left; Parking symbolDetecting parking spaces= Detected parking space on the rightObjects located above the detection range ofParking Pilot is activated automatically whenParking Pilot will not be detected when t$

Driving systems

202

Parking tips:

Further information about the detection range

( Y page 199).

R on narrow roads, drive as closely as possible

Parking Pilot does not assist you parking in

past the parking space

spaces at a right angle to the direction of travel

R parking spaces that are littered or overgrown

if:

might be identified or measured incorrectly

R two parking spaces are located directly next

R parking spaces that are partially occupied by

to one another

trailer drawbars might not be identified as

such or be measured incorrectly

R the parking space is directly next to a low

Driving and parking

obstacle such as a low kerb

R snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking

space being measured inaccurately

R you forward-park

R pay attention to the Parking Assist

Parking Pilot does not assist you parking in

PARKTRONIC warning messages

spaces parallel or at a right angle to the direction

( Y page 198) during the parking procedure

of travel if:

R you can intervene in the steering procedure to

R the parking space is on a kerb

correct it at any time. Parking Pilot will then be

R the system reads the parking space as being

cancelled.

blocked, such as by foliage or grass paving

R when transporting a load that protrudes from

blocks

your vehicle, you should not use Parking Pilot

R the area is too small for the vehicle to

R never use Parking Pilot when snow chains are

manoeuvre into

fitted

R the parking space is bordered by an obstacle,

R make sure that the tyre pressures are always

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

correct. This has a direct influence on the

parking characteristics of the vehicle

Use Parking Pilot for parking spaces that are:

R parallel or at right angles to the direction of

travel

R on straight roads, not bends

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

pavement

: Detected parking space on the left

; Parking symbol

Detecting parking spaces

= Detected parking space on the right

Objects located above the detection range of

Parking Pilot is activated automatically when

Parking Pilot will not be detected when the park-

you drive forwards. The system is operational at

ing space is measured. These are not taken into

speeds of up to approximately 35 km/h. While

account when the parking/exiting procedure is

in operation, the system independently locates

calculated, e.g. overhanging loads, tail sections

and measures parking spaces on both sides of

or loading ramps of goods vehicles. Parking Pilot

the vehicle.

may therefore guide you into the parking space

Parking Pilot will detect only parking spaces that

too early.

are:

G WARNING

R parallel or at right angles to the direction of

travel

If there are objects above the detection range:

R parallel to the direction of travel and at least

R Parking Pilot may steer in too early

1.5 m wide

R the vehicle may not stop in front of these

R parallel to the direction of travel and at least

objects

1.0 m longer than your vehicle

R at right angles to the direction of travel and at

This could cause a collision. There is a risk of

least 1.0 m wider than your vehicle

an accident.

If objects are located above the detection

i Note that Parking Pilot PARKTRONIC cannot

measure the depth of parking spaces if they

range, stop and deactivate Parking Pilot.

Driving systems

203

are at right angles to the direction of travel.

X Stop the vehicle when the parking symbol

You will need to judge whether your vehicle

shows the desired parking space on the

will fit in the parking space.

instrument cluster.

X Shift the transmission to position R.

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

The Start Parking Pilot? Yes: OK No:

see parking symbol ; as a status indicator on

% message appears on the multifunction

the instrument cluster. When a parking space

display.

has been detected, an arrow towards the right or

the left also appears. Parking Pilot displays only

X To cancel the procedure: press the %

parking spaces on the front-passenger side as

button on the multifunction steering wheel or

Driving and parking

standard. Parking spaces on the driver's side

pull away.

are displayed as soon as the turn signal on the

driver's side is activated. When parking on the

X To park using Parking Pilot: press the a

driver's side, you must keep this activated until

button on the multifunction steering wheel.

you confirm the use of Parking Pilot by pressing

The Parking Pilot active Accelerate

the a button on the multifunction steering

and brake Observe surroundings mes-

wheel. The system automatically determines

sage appears on the multifunction display.

whether the parking space is parallel or at right

X Release the multifunction steering wheel.

angles to the direction of travel.

X Reverse the vehicle, being ready to brake at

A parking space is displayed while you are driv-

all times. When reversing, drive at a speed

ing past it, and until you are approximately 15 m

below approximately 10 km/h. Otherwise,

away from it.

Parking Pilot is cancelled.

Parking Pilot brakes the vehicle to a standstill

Parking

when the vehicle approaches the rear border

of the parking space.

G WARNING

Manoeuvring may be required in tight parking

If you leave the vehicle when it is only being

spaces.

braked by Active Parking Assist it could roll

The Parking Pilot active Select D

away if:

Observe surroundings message appears on

the multifunction display.

R there is a malfunction in the system or in

the voltage supply.

X Shift the transmission to position D while the

vehicle is stationary.

R the electrical system in the engine com-

Parking Pilot steers immediately in the other

partment, the battery or the fuses are tam-

direction.

pered with.

The Parking Pilot active Accelerate

and brake Observe surroundings mes-

R the battery is disconnected.

sage appears on the multifunction display.

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

occupant.

i You will achieve the best results by waiting

for the steering procedure to complete before

There is a risk of an accident.

pulling away.

Before leaving the vehicle, always secure it

X Drive forwards and be ready to brake at all

against rolling away.

times.

Parking Pilot brakes the vehicle to a standstill.

i If Parking Assist PARKTRONIC detects

The Parking Pilot active Select R

obstacles, Parking Pilot brakes automatically

Observe surroundings message appears on

whilst the vehicle is parking. You are respon-

the multifunction display.

sible for braking in good time.

As soon as the parking procedure is complete,

the Parking Pilot ended message appears

and a warning tone sounds. The vehicle is now

parked. The vehicle is kept stationary without

the driver having to depress the brake pedal.

Driving systems

204

X Shift the transmission to position D or R.

The braking effect is cancelled when you

The Start Parking Pilot? Yes: OK No:

depress the accelerator pedal.

% message appears on the multifunction

Parking Pilot no longer supports you with steer-

display.

ing interventions and brake applications. When

Parking Pilot is finished, you must steer and

X To cancel the procedure: press the %

brake again yourself. Parking Assist

button on the multifunction steering wheel or

PARKTRONIC is still available.

pull away.

Parking tips:

X To exit a parking space using Parking

Driving and parking

R The way your vehicle is positioned in the park-

Pilot: press the a button on the multi-

ing space after parking is dependent on vari-

ous factors. These include the position and

function steering wheel.

The Parking Pilot active Accelerate

shape of the vehicles parked in front of and

and brake Observe surroundings mes-

behind it and the conditions of the location. It

is possible that Parking Pilot could guide you

sage appears on the multifunction display.

too far or not far enough into a parking space.

X Release the multifunction steering wheel.

In some cases, it may also lead you across or

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

onto the kerb. Cancel the parking procedure

not exceed a maximum speed of approx-

with Parking Pilot if necessary.

imately 10 km/h when exiting a parking

R You can also preselect transmission position

space. Otherwise, Parking Pilot is cancelled.

D. The vehicle redirects and does not drive as

X Shift the transmission to position D or R as

far into the parking space. Should the trans-

required or according to the message while

mission change take place too early, the park-

the vehicle is stationary.

ing procedure is cancelled. A sensible parking

Parking Pilot steers immediately in the other

position can no longer be achieved from this

direction. The Parking Pilot active

position.

Accelerate and brake Observe sur‐

roundings message appears on the multi-

Exiting a parking space

function display.

i You will achieve the best results by waiting

In order for Parking Pilot to assist you:

for the steering procedure to complete before

R the border of the parking space must be high

pulling away.

enough at the front and the rear, for example,

If you reverse after activation, the steering

a kerb is too small

wheel is moved to the straight-ahead posi-

R the border of the parking space must not be

tion.

too wide, Your vehicle can be manoeuvred

X Drive forwards and reverse as prompted by

into a position at a maximum of 45° to the

the Parking Assist PARKTRONIC warning dis-

starting position in the parking space.

plays, several times if necessary.

R a manoeuvring distance of at least 1.0 m must

Once you have exited the parking space com-

be available.

pletely, the steering wheel is moved to the

Parking Pilot can assist you with exiting a park-

straight-ahead position. You hear a tone and the

ing space only if you have parked the vehicle

Parking Pilot ended message appears on

parallel to the direction of travel using Parking

the multifunction display. You will then have to

Pilot.

steer and merge into traffic on your own. Park-

i If Parking Assist PARKTRONIC detects

ing Assist PARKTRONIC is still available. You can

obstacles, Parking Pilot brakes automatically

take over the steering before the vehicle has

whilst the vehicle is exiting the parking space.

exited the parking space completely. This is

You are responsible for braking in good time.

useful, for example, when you recognise that it

is already possible to pull out of the parking

X Start the engine.

space.

X Release the electric parking brake.

X Switch on the turn signal in the direction you

will drive out of the parking space.

Driving systems

205

Cancelling Parking Pilot

vehicle with guide lines on the multimedia sys-

tem.

X Stop the movement of the multifunction

The area behind the vehicle is displayed as a

steering wheel or steer yourself.

mirror image, as in the rear-view mirror.

Parking Pilot is cancelled at once. The Park‐

ing Pilot cancelled message appears in

i The text shown on the multimedia system

the multifunction display.

display depends on the language setting. The

following are examples of reversing camera

displays on the multimedia system.

X Press the Parking Assist PARKTRONIC button

Driving and parking

( Y page 200).

Important safety notes

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is switched off

and Parking Pilot is immediately cancelled.

The Parking Pilot cancelled message

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

substitute for your attention to the immediate

appears in the multifunction display.

surroundings. The responsibility for safe

Parking Pilot is cancelled automatically when:

manoeuvring and parking remains with you.

Make sure that there are no persons, animals or

R the electric parking brake is applied

objects in the manoeuvring area while manoeu-

R transmission position P is selected

vring and parking in parking spaces.

R parking using Parking Pilot is no longer pos-

The reversing camera will not function or will

sible

function only in a limited manner:

R you are driving faster than 10 km/h

R if the boot lid is open

R a wheel spins and ESP ® intervenes or fails.

R if there is heavy rain, snow or fog

The ÷ warning lamp lights up in the instru-

R at night or in very dark places

ment cluster

R if the camera is exposed to very bright light

A warning tone sounds. The parking symbol dis-

appears and the multifunction display shows the

R if the area is lit by fluorescent lamps or LED

Parking Pilot cancelled message.

lighting (the display may flicker)

When Parking Pilot is cancelled, you must steer

R if there is a sudden change in temperature,

and brake again yourself.

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

ter

If a system malfunction occurs, the vehicle is

braked to a standstill. To drive on, depress the

R if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed.

accelerator pedal again.

Observe the notes on cleaning

( Y page 346)

R if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this

Reversing camera

case, have the camera position and setting

checked at a qualified specialist workshop.

General notes

The field of vision and other functions of the

reversing camera may be restricted due to addi-

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

licence plate holder, bicycle rack).

For technical reasons, leaving the standard

height can result in inaccuracies in the guide

lines on vehicles with a height-adjustable chas-

sis.

i The reversing camera is protected from rain-

drops and dust by a flap. When the reversing

camera is activated, this flap opens.

The flap closes again when:

R you have finished the manoeuvring process

Reversing camera : is a visual parking and

R you switch off the engine

manoeuvring aid. It shows the area behind your

R you open the luggage compartment

Driving systems

206

Observe the notes on cleaning ( Y page 346).

! Objects not at ground level may appear to

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

For technical reasons, the flap may remain

open briefly after the reversing camera has

R the bumper of a parked vehicle

been deactivated.

R the drawbar of a trailer

R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch

Activating/deactivating the reversing

R the rear section of an HGV

camera

R a slanted post

Use the guidelines only for orientation.

Driving and parking

Approach objects no further than the bottom-

most guideline.

X To activate: make sure that the key is in

position 2 in the ignition lock.

X Make sure that the Activation by R gear

function is selected on the multimedia system

: Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-

(see the Digital Owner's Manual).

imately 4.0 m from the rear of the vehicle

X Engage reverse gear.

; White guide line without turning the steering

The reversing camera flap opens. The multi-

wheel, vehicle width including the exterior

media system shows the area behind the vehi-

mirrors (static)

cle with guide lines.

= Yellow guide line for the vehicle width

The image from the reversing camera is avail-

including the exterior mirrors, for current

able throughout the manoeuvring process.

steering wheel angle (dynamic)

? Yellow lanes marking the course the tyres

X To switch the function mode for vehicles

will take for current steering input (dynamic)

with trailer tow hitch: using the controller,

select symbol : for the "Reverse parking"

function or symbol ; for "Coupling up a

trailer".

The symbol of the selected function is high-

lighted.

To deactivate: the reversing camera deacti-

vates if you shift the transmission to j or after

driving forwards a short distance.

Displays on the multimedia system

The reversing camera may show a distorted view

A Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-

of obstacles, show them incorrectly or not at all.

imately 1.0 m from the rear of the vehicle

Obstacles are not shown by the reversing cam-

era in the following locations:

B Vehicle centre axis (locating aid)

C Bumper

R very close to the rear bumper

D Red guide line at a distance of approximately

R under the rear bumper

0.30 m from the rear of the vehicle

R in the area immediately above the recessed

tailgate handle

Driving systems

207

"Reverse parking" function

The guide lines are shown when the transmis-

sion is in position k .

Reversing straight into a parking space

The distance specifications apply only to

without steering input

objects that are at ground level.

Driving and parking

: Front warning displays

: White guide line without steering input, vehi-

; Additional measurement operational readi-

cle width including the exterior mirrors

ness indicator for Parking Assist

(static)

PARKTRONIC

; Yellow guide line for the vehicle width

= Rear warning displays

including the exterior mirrors, for current

steering wheel angle (dynamic)

Vehicles with Parking Assist PARKTRONIC:

= Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-

when Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is opera-

imately 1.0 m from the rear of the vehicle

tional ( Y page 199), additional measurement

? Red guide line at a distance of approximately

operational readiness indicator ; appears on

0.30 m from the rear of the vehicle

the multimedia system. If the Parking Assist

PARKTRONIC warning displays are active or

X Make sure that the reversing camera is

light up, warning displays : and = are also

switched on ( Y page 206).

active or light up correspondingly on the multi-

The lane and the guide lines are shown.

media system.

X With the help of white guide line :, check

whether the vehicle will fit into the parking

space.

X Using white guide line : as a guide, carefully

reverse until you reach the end position.

Red guide line ? is then at the end of the

parking space. The vehicle is almost parallel

in the parking space.

Driving systems

208

Reverse perpendicular parking with steer-

ing input

Driving and parking

: White guide line at current steering angle

; Parking space marking

X Turn the steering wheel to the centre position

: Parking space marking

while the vehicle is stationary.

; Yellow guide line for the vehicle width

including the exterior mirrors, for current

steering wheel angle (dynamic)

X Drive past the parking space and bring the

vehicle to a standstill.

X Make sure that the reversing camera is

switched on ( Y page 206).

The lane and the guide lines are shown.

X While the vehicle is stationary, turn the steer-

ing wheel in the direction of the parking space

until yellow guide line ; reaches parking

space marking :.

X Maintain the steering input and reverse care-

: Red guide line at a distance of approximately

fully.

0.30 m from the rear of the vehicle

; White guide line without steering angle

= End of parking space

X Reverse carefully until you have reached the

end position.

Red guide line : is then at the end of parking

space =. The vehicle is almost parallel in the

parking space.

: Yellow guide line for the vehicle width

including the exterior mirrors, for current

steering wheel angle (dynamic)

X Stop the vehicle when it is almost exactly in

front of the parking space.

The white lane should be as close as possible

to parallel with the parking space marking.

Driving systems

209

"Coupling up a trailer" function

only to objects that are at the same level as

the ball coupling.

X Reverse carefully, making sure that trailer

drawbar locating aid ; points approximately

in the direction of trailer drawbar =.

X Reverse carefully until trailer drawbar = rea-

ches the red guide line.

The distance between the trailer drawbar and

the red guide line is now approximately

Driving and parking

0.30 m.

X Couple up the trailer ( Y page 232).

180° view

: Vehicle centre point on the yellow guide line

at a distance of approximately 1.0 m from

the rear of the vehicle

; Trailer drawbar

This function is available only on vehicles with a

trailer tow hitch.

X Before coupling up a trailer, set the height of

trailer drawbar ; so that it is slightly higher

than the ball coupling.

X Position the vehicle centrally in front of trailer

drawbar ;.

: Symbol for the 180° view function

; Own vehicle

= Warning displays for Parking Assist

PARKTRONIC

You can also use the reversing camera to select

a 180° view.

When Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is opera-

tional ( Y page 199), a symbol for your own vehi-

cle appears on the multimedia system. If the

Parking Assist PARKTRONIC warning displays

are active, warning displays = light up on the

: Red guide line at a distance of approximately

multimedia system in yellow or red accordingly.

0.30 m from the ball coupling

; Trailer drawbar locating aid

360° camera

= Trailer drawbar

? Symbol for the "Coupling up a trailer" func-

General notes

tion

A Ball coupling

The 360° camera is a camera system compris-

ing four cameras.

i For technical reasons, the ball coupling of

the trailer tow hitch on the multimedia system

The system evaluates images from the following

display is either only partially visible or not at

cameras:

all.

R reversing camera

X Select symbol ? using the controller.

R front camera

The "Coupling up a trailer" function is selec-

R two cameras in the exterior mirrors

ted. The distance specifications now apply

Driving systems

210

The cameras cover the immediate surroundings

The flap is closed again in the following situa-

of the vehicle. The 360° camera assists you, for

tions:

instance when parking or at exits with reduced

R you have finished the manoeuvring process

visibility.

R you switch off the engine

You can show pictures from the 360° camera in

R you open the luggage compartment

full-screen mode or in seven different split-

Observe the notes on cleaning ( Y page 346).

screen views on the multimedia system display.

A split-screen view also includes a top view of

For technical reasons, the flap may remain

the vehicle. This view is calculated from the data

open briefly after the camera has been deac-

Driving and parking

supplied by the installed cameras (virtual cam-

tivated.

era).

The seven split-screen views are:

Important safety notes

R top view and image from the reversing cam-

The 360° camera is only an aid and may show a

era (130° viewing angle)

distorted view of obstacles, show them incor-

R top view and image from the front camera

rectly or not show them at all. The 360° camera

(130° viewing angle without displaying the

is not a substitute for attentive driving.

maximum steering wheel angle)

The responsibility for safe manoeuvring and

R top view and enlarged rear view

parking remains with you. Make sure that there

R top view and enlarged front view

are no persons, animals or objects in the

R top view and trailer view (vehicles with trailer

manoeuvring area while manoeuvring and park-

tow hitch)

ing in parking spaces.

R top view and rear-view images from the exte-

You are responsible for safety at all times and

rior mirror cameras (rear wheel view)

must always pay attention to your immediate

surroundings when parking and manoeuvring.

R top view and forward-view images from the

This applies to the areas behind, in front of and

exterior mirror cameras (front wheel view)

beside the vehicle. You could otherwise endan-

i The top view and trailer view are available

ger yourself and others.

for vehicles equipped with a trailer tow hitch.

The 360° camera will not function or will func-

When the function is active and you shift the

tion only to a limited extent:

transmission from h or k to i, the dynamic

R if the doors are open

guide lines are hidden.

R if the exterior mirrors are folded in

When you shift between transmission positions

R the tailgate is open

h and k, you see the previously selected front

R in heavy rain, snow or fog

or rear view.

R at night or in very dark places

Distances measured by Parking Assist

PARKTRONIC will also be displayed:

R if the cameras are exposed to very bright light

R if the area is lit by fluorescent lamps or LED

R as red or yellow brackets around the vehicle

lighting (the display may flicker)

symbol in top view in split-screen mode or

R if there is a sudden change in temperature,

R at the bottom right as red or yellow brackets

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

around the vehicle symbol in full-screen mode

ter

The line thickness and colour of the brackets

R if the camera lenses are dirty or covered

show how far the vehicle is from an object:

R if the vehicle components in which the cam-

R yellow brackets with thin lines: Parking Assist

eras are fitted are damaged. In this event,

PARKTRONIC is active

have the camera position and setting checked

R yellow brackets with normal lines: an object is

at a qualified specialist workshop.

present in close range of the vehicle

Do not use the 360° camera under such cir-

R red line: an object is present in the immediate

cumstances. You could otherwise injure others

close range of the vehicle

or damage objects when parking the vehicle.

i The camera in the rear area is protected

Guide lines are always shown at road level. In

from raindrops and dust by means of a flap.

trailer mode, the guide lines are shown at the

When the camera is activated, this flap opens.

level of the trailer coupling.

Driving systems

211

The field of vision and other functions of the

X Ensure that the key is in key position 2 in the

camera system may be restricted due to addi-

ignition lock.

X Make sure that the Activation by R gear

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

licence plate holder, bicycle rack).

function is selected on the multimedia system

On vehicles with height-adjustable suspension,

(see the Digital Owner's Manual).

due to the technical conditions, leaving the

X To show the 360° camera image: engage

standard height can result in the following:

reverse gear.

The multimedia system shows the area

R inaccuracies in the guide lines

behind the vehicle in split-screen mode. You

R inaccuracies in the display of generated

Driving and parking

see the top view of the vehicle and the image

images (top view)

from the reversing camera.

Activation conditions

Selecting the split-screens or 180° view

The 360° camera image can be displayed if:

Selecting split-screen view

R your vehicle is equipped with a 360° camera

X To switch to the line with the vehicle icons:

R the key is in key position 2 in the ignition

slide 5 the controller.

lock

X To select one of the vehicle icons: turn 3

R the multimedia system is activated

the controller.

X To switch to 180° view : turn 3 the con-

Switching on the 360° camera

troller to select 180° view and press 7 to

X Press the Ø button in the centre console

confirm.

for longer than two seconds.

i The 180° view option is only available in the

The following appears depending on whether

transmission position h or k is selected:

following views:

R a split screen with top view and the image

R top view with image from the reversing

from the front camera or

camera

R a split screen with top view and the image

R top view with image from the front camera

from the reversing camera

Displays on the multimedia system

X Press the Ø button in the centre console.

The vehicle menu appears.

Important safety notes

X Select 360° camera and press 7 to confirm.

The camera system may show a distorted view

The following appears depending on whether

of obstacles, show them incorrectly or not show

transmission position h or k is selected:

them at all. Obstacles in the following locations

R a split screen with top view and the image

are not shown by the system:

from the front camera or

R under the front and rear bumpers

R a split screen with top view and the image

R very close to the front and rear bumpers

from the reversing camera

R in the area immediately above the recessed

tailgate handle

Switching on the 360° camera using

R very close to the exterior mirrors

reverse gear

R in the transitional areas between the various

cameras in the virtual top view

You can show images from the 360° camera

automatically by engaging reverse gear.

! Objects not at ground level may appear to

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

R the bumper of a parked vehicle

R the drawbar of a trailer

R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch

Driving systems

212

Top view with image from the front cam-

R the rear section of an HGV

era

R a slanted post

Use the guidelines only for orientation.

Approach objects no further than the bottom-

most guideline.

Top view with image from the reversing

camera

Driving and parking

: Symbol for the split-screen setting with top

view and front camera image

; Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-

imately 4.0 m from the front of the vehicle

= Yellow guide line for the vehicle width

including the exterior mirrors, for current

: Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-

steering wheel angle (dynamic)

imately 4.0 m from the rear of the vehicle

? Yellow lanes marking the course the tyres

; Symbol for the split-screen setting with top

will take for current steering input (dynamic)

view and reversing camera image

A Red guide line at a distance of approximately

= Guide line for the maximum steering angle

0.30 m from the front of the vehicle

? Yellow lanes marking the course the tyres

B Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-

will take for current steering input (dynamic)

imately 1.0 m from the front of the vehicle

A Yellow guide line for the vehicle width

Top view and enlarged rear view

including the exterior mirrors, for current

steering wheel angle (dynamic)

: Symbol for the split-screen setting with top

view and reversing camera image enlarged

B Vehicle centre axis (locating aid)

; Red guide line at a distance of approximately

C Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-

0.30 m from the rear of the vehicle

imately 1.0 m from the rear of the vehicle

D Bumper

This view assists you in estimating the distance

E Red guide line at a distance of approximately

to the vehicle behind you.

0.30 m from the rear of the vehicle

i This setting can also be selected as an

The guide lines are shown when the transmis-

enlarged front view.

sion is in position k .

The distance specifications apply only to

objects that are at ground level.

Driving systems

213

Top view with image from the camera in

180° view

the exterior mirrors

Driving and parking

: Symbol for the full-screen setting with the

: Symbol for setting the top view with image

reversing camera image

from the forward camera in the exterior mir-

; Own vehicle

rors

= Warning displays for Parking Assist

; Yellow guide line for the vehicle width

PARKTRONIC

including the exterior mirror (right side of

i 180° view can also be selected as front

vehicle)

view.

= Yellow guide line for the vehicle width

including the exterior mirror (left side of

Select this view when you are driving out of an

vehicle)

exit and the view of crossing traffic is restricted,

for example.

i You can also select the camera setting in the

exterior mirrors for the rear-facing view.

Stopping the 360° camera display

Top view with trailer view

The 360° camera display is stopped:

R when you select transmission position j or

R when you are driving at moderate speeds

The previous display appears on the multimedia

system. You can also switch the display by

selecting the & symbol in the display and

pressing the controller to confirm.

ATTENTION ASSIST

General notes

: Symbol for the trailer view setting

ATTENTION ASSIST helps you during long,

; Trailer drawbar locating aid

monotonous journeys such as on motorways

= Ball coupling

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

? Red guide line at a distance of approximately

200 km/h speed range. If ATTENTION ASSIST

0.30 m from the ball coupling

detects typical indicators of fatigue or increas-

ing lapses in concentration on the part of the

The lines are shown at the level of the trailer

driver, it suggests taking a break.

coupling.

i For technical reasons, the ball coupling of

Important safety notes

the trailer tow hitch is only partially visible on

the multimedia system display.

ATTENTION ASSIST is only an aid. It may not

always detect fatigue or lapses in concentration

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

Driving systems

214

system is not a substitute for a well-rested and

The following information is displayed:

attentive driver.

R The length of the journey since the last break

The functionality of ATTENTION ASSIST is

R The attention level determined by ATTENTION

restricted, and warnings may be delayed or not

ASSIST, displayed in a bar display in five levels

occur at all:

from high to low

R the length of the journey is less than approx-

R If ATTENTION ASSIST is unable to calculate

imately 30 minutes

the attention level and cannot output a warn-

ing, the System suspended message

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

Driving and parking

is uneven or contains potholes

appears. The bar display then changes the

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

R in the event of strong crosswinds

60 km/h or above 200 km/h.

R if you have adopted a sporty driving style with

high cornering speeds or high rates of accel-

Activating ATTENTION ASSIST

eration

R if you are predominantly driving at a speed

X Activate ATTENTION ASSIST using the on-

below 60 km/h or above 200 km/h

board computer ( Y page 250).

R if you are driving with the Steering Pilot of

The system determines the attention level of

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC activated

the driver depending on the setting selected:

R if the time has been set incorrectly

Standard selected: the sensitivity with which

R in active driving situations, such as when you

the system determines the attention level is set

change lanes or change your speed

to normal.

The evaluation of your attention level is deleted

Sensitive selected: the sensitivity is set higher.

and restarted when continuing the journey, if:

The attention level detected by ATTENTION

ASSIST is adapted accordingly and the driver is

R you switch off the engine

warned earlier.

R you take off your seat belt and open the driv-

When ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated, the

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

À symbol and OFF appear on the multifunc-

take a break

tion display in the assistance graphics display

when the engine is running.

Displaying the attention level

When ATTENTION ASSIST has been deactivated,

it is automatically reactivated after the engine

has been switched off. The sensitivity selected

corresponds to the last selection activated

(standard/sensitive).

Warning on the multifunction display

If fatigue or increasing lapses in concentration

are detected, a warning appears on the multi-

function display: Attention Assist: Take a

break!

In addition to the message shown on the multi-

function display, you will then hear a warning

You can have current status information dis-

tone.

played in the assistance menu ( Y page 249) of

the on-board computer.

X If necessary, take a break.

X Confirm the message by pressing the a

X Select the assistant display for ATTENTION

button on the steering wheel.

ASSIST using the on-board computer

( Y page 249).

On long journeys, take regular breaks in good

time to allow yourself to rest. If you do not take

a break, you will be warned again after

15 minutes at the earliest. This will happen only

if ATTENTION ASSIST still detects typical indi-

Driving systems

215

cators of fatigue or increasing lapses in concen-

The camera also detects traffic signs with a

tration.

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

wet conditions).

Vehicles with COMAND Online: if a warning is

output on the multifunction display, a service

The traffic signs are only displayed with the

station search is performed in COMAND Online.

restriction if:

You can select a service station and you will then

R the regulation must be observed with the

be navigated to this service station. This func-

restriction, or

tion can be activated or deactivated in COMAND

R Traffic Sign Assist is unable to determine

Online.

whether the restriction applies

Driving and parking

If Traffic Sign Assist is unable to determine a

maximum permitted speed from any of the avail-

Traffic Sign Assist

able sources, no speed limit is displayed in the

instrument cluster either.

General notes

Traffic Sign Assist is not available in all coun-

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

assistance graphic display ( Y page 249).

Important safety notes

Traffic Sign Assist displays the maximum speed

Traffic Sign Assist is only an aid and is not always

permitted and overtaking restrictions to the

able to correctly display speed limits and over-

driver in the instrument cluster. Driving onto a

taking restrictions. Traffic signs always have pri-

section of road in the wrong direction triggers a

ority over the Traffic Sign Assist display.

warning. Traffic Sign Assist detects traffic signs

with camera system : attached behind the top

The system may be either functionally impaired

of the windscreen. The data and general traffic

or temporarily unavailable in the following sit-

regulations stored in the navigation system are

uations:

also used to determine the current speed limit.

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

If a traffic sign that is relevant to your vehicle is

spray

passed, the display of the speed limits and over-

R glare, e.g. from the sun being low in the sky

taking restrictions is updated.

R dirt, ice or misting on the windscreen in the

The display can also be updated without a visible

vicinity of the camera

traffic sign in the following situations:

R traffic signs are hard to detect (dirt, ice, snow)

R the vehicle changes roads (e.g. motorway exit

R the traffic signs are insufficiently lit at night

or slip road)

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

R a village or town boundary that is stored in the

struction sites or in adjacent lanes)

digital map is passed

R the information in the digital street map of the

R the last traffic sign detected by the camera

navigation system is incorrect or out of date

has not been repeated

If a sign indicating the end of a restriction (speed

Switching the message function on/off

limit or overtaking restriction) is passed, the

sign is displayed for five seconds. The currently

If you have activated the Traffic Sign Assist dis-

applicable traffic regulation continues to be

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

shown in the assistance graphic display.

lations (speed limits and overtaking restrictions)

are displayed in the instrument cluster for five

Driving systems

216

seconds in each case. The wrong-way warning

hear a warning tone. You should immediately

and the traffic sign display for speed limits and

check your direction of travel in order to avoid

overtaking restrictions remain active even when

danger to yourself and other road users.

the display has been deactivated.

i This function is not available in all countries.

X Switch on the Traffic Sign Assist message

function via the on-board computer

( Y page 250).

Lane Tracking package

Instrument cluster display

General notes

Driving and parking

The Lane Tracking package consists of Blind

Showing the assistance graphic

Spot Assist ( Y page 216) and Lane Keeping

X Call up the assistance graphic function using

Assist ( Y page 218).

the on-board computer ( Y page 249).

X Select the Traffic Sign Assist display.

Blind Spot Assist

Detected traffic signs are displayed in the

instrument cluster.

General notes

Speed limit with unknown restriction

Blind Spot Assist monitors the areas on either

side of the vehicle that are not visible to the

driver with two lateral, rear-facing radar sen-

sors. A warning display in the exterior mirrors

draws your attention to vehicles detected in the

monitored area. If you then switch on the cor-

responding turn signal to change lanes, you will

also receive a visual and audible warning.

Blind Spot Assist supports you from a speed of

approximately 30 km/h.

Important safety notes

G WARNING

: Maximum permissible speed

Blind Spot Assist does not react to vehicles:

; Maximum permissible speed for vehicles for

R overtaken too closely on the side, placing

which the restriction in the additional sign is

them in the blind spot area

relevant

R when the difference in the speed of

= Additional sign for unknown restriction

approach and overtaking is too great

A maximum permissible speed of 80 km/h

As a result, Blind Spot Assist cannot warn

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

with an unknown restriction apply.

drivers in these situations. There is a risk of an

accident.

No entry (wrong-way warning)

Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-

uation and maintain a safe distance at the side

of the vehicle.

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

detect some vehicles and is not a substitute for

attentive driving. Always ensure that there is

sufficient distance to the side for other road

users and obstacles.

Warning message : is displayed in the instru-

ment cluster if Traffic Sign Assist detects that

you are passing a "no entry" sign and you are

driving in the wrong direction. You will then also

Driving systems

217

Radar sensors

Due to the nature of the system:

The radar sensors for Blind Spot Assist are inte-

R warnings may be issued in error when driving

grated into the rear bumper. Make sure that the

close to crash barriers or similar solid boun-

bumpers are free from dirt, ice or slush. The

daries

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

R warnings may be interrupted when driving

or overhanging loads. Following a severe impact

alongside long vehicles, e.g. lorries, for a pro-

or in the event of damage to the bumpers, have

longed time

the function of the radar sensors checked at a

Warning lamp

qualified specialist workshop. Blind Spot Assist

Driving and parking

may no longer work properly in such cases.

Blind Spot Assist is not active at speeds below

approximately 30 km/h. Vehicles in the moni-

Monitoring range

toring range are then not indicated.

In particular, the detection of obstacles can be

impaired in the following situations:

R dirt on the sensors or obscured sensors

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

snow or spray

R narrow vehicles, e.g. motorcycles or bicycles

R very wide lanes

R narrow lanes

R vehicles not driving in the middle of their lane

R crash barriers or other road boundaries

Vehicles in the monitoring range are then not

indicated.

: Warning lamp

If Blind Spot Assist is activated, warning lamp :

in the exterior mirrors lights up yellow up to a

speed of 30 km/h. At speeds above 30 km/h,

the warning lamp goes out and Blind Spot Assist

is operational.

If a vehicle is detected within the monitoring

range of Blind Spot Assist at speeds above

30 km/h, warning lamp : on the correspond-

ing side lights up red. This warning always

occurs when a vehicle enters the blind spot

monitoring range from behind or from the side.

When you overtake a vehicle, the warning only

occurs if the difference in speed is less than

12 km/h.

If you select reverse gear, Blind Spot Assist is

not operational.

The brightness of the warning lamps is auto-

matically adapted to the brightness of the sur-

At a distance of around 0.5 m ; from the vehi-

roundings.

cle, Blind Spot Assist monitors the area up to

Collision warning

3.0 m next to = and behind : your vehicle, as

shown in the picture.

If a vehicle is detected in the blind spot moni-

If the lanes are narrow, vehicles driving in the

toring range and you switch on the correspond-

lane beyond the lane next to your vehicle may be

ing turn signal, a double warning tone sounds.

indicated, especially if the vehicles are not driv-

Red warning lamp : flashes. If the turn signal

ing in the middle of their lane. This may be the

remains on, detected vehicles are indicated by

case if the vehicles are driving on the inner side

the flashing of red warning lamp :. There are

of their lane.

no further warning tones.

Driving systems

218

Activating Blind Spot Assist

A warning may be given if a front wheel passes

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

X Make sure that Blind Spot Assist is activated

intermittent vibration through the steering

in the on-board computer ( Y page 250).

wheel for up to 1.5 seconds.

X Turn the key to key position 2 in the ignition

lock.

Important safety notes

Warning lamps : in the exterior mirrors light

G WARNING

up red for approximately 1.5 seconds and

then turn yellow.

Lane Keeping Assist cannot always clearly

Driving and parking

detect lane markings.

Towing a trailer

In such cases, Lane Keeping Assist can:

If you couple up a trailer, make sure that you

have correctly established the electrical con-

R issue an unnecessary warning

nection. This can be accomplished by checking

R not issue a warning

the trailer lighting. Blind Spot Assist is then

There is a risk of an accident.

deactivated. The warning lamp in the exterior

mirrors lights up yellow and the Blind Spot

Always pay particular attention to the traffic

Assist not available when towing a

situation and keep within the lane, especially

trailer See Owner's Manual message

if Lane Keeping Assist alerts you.

appears in the multifunction display.

G WARNING

i You can deactivate the warning lamp in the

exterior mirrors.

The Lane Keeping Assist warning does not

To do so, you will need to deactivate Blind

return the vehicle to the original lane. There is

Spot Assist if:

a risk of an accident.

R the key is in key position 2 in the ignition

Always steer, apply the brakes or accelerate

lock

the vehicle yourself, especially if Lane Keep-

R the engine is not running

ing Assist alerts you.

Lane Keeping Assist

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

ing Assist can neither reduce the risk of an acci-

General notes

dent nor override the laws of physics. Lane

Keeping Assist cannot take into account road,

weather or traffic conditions. Lane Keeping

Assist is only an aid. You are responsible for the

distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle

speed, for braking in good time and for staying in

lane.

Lane Keeping Assist does not keep your vehicle

in its lane.

The system may be impaired or may not function

in the following situations:

R poor visibility, e.g. due to insufficient illumi-

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

: Lane Keeping Assist camera

spray

Lane Keeping Assist monitors the area in front of

R glare, e.g. from oncoming traffic, the sun or

your vehicle by means of camera : at the top of

reflections (e.g. if the road surface is wet)

the windscreen. Lane Keeping Assist detects

R the windscreen is dirty, misted up, damaged

lane markings on the road and can warn you

or covered in the vicinity of the camera, e.g.

before you leave your lane unintentionally.

by a sticker

This function is available within a speed range

R there are no lane markings, or several unclear

between 60 km/h and 200 km/h.

lane markings are present for one lane, e.g.

around construction sites

Driving systems

219

R the lane markings are worn away, dark or cov-

The warning vibration occurs later if:

ered up, e.g. by dirt or snow

R the road has narrow lanes

R the distance to the vehicle in front is too short

R you cut the corner on a bend

and thus the lane markings cannot be detec-

ted

R the lane markings change quickly, e.g. lanes

Driving Assistance Plus package

branch off, cross one another or merge

R the road is very narrow and winding

General notes

R there are highly variable shade conditions on

Driving and parking

The Driving Assistance Plus package consists of

the road

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ( Y page 181), Active

Activating Lane Keeping Assist

Blind Spot Assist ( Y page 219) and Active Lane

Keeping Assist ( Y page 222).

X Activate Lane Keeping Assist using the on-

board computer; to do so, select Standard or

Adaptive ( Y page 251).

Active Blind Spot Assist

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

General notes

markings are detected, the lines on the assis-

tant display are shown in green ( Y page 249).

Active Blind Spot Assist monitors the areas on

Lane Keeping Assist is ready for use.

either side of the vehicle that are not directly

visible to the driver with two lateral, rear-facing

Standard

radar sensors. A warning lamp lights up on the

If Standard is selected, no warning vibration

exterior mirrors and draws your attention to

occurs if:

vehicles detected in the monitored area. If you

then switch on the corresponding turn signal to

R you have switched on the turn signal. In this

change lanes, you will also receive a visual and

event, the warnings are suppressed for a cer-

audible collision warning. If a risk of side impact

tain period of time

is detected, a course-corrective brake applica-

R a driving safety system such as ABS, BAS or

tion may help you avoid a collision. Active Blind

ESP ® intervenes

Spot Assist evaluates the free space in the direc-

tion of travel and to the side before making a

Adaptive

course-correcting brake application. For this,

When Adaptive is selected, no warning vibra-

Active Blind Spot Assist uses the forward-facing

tion occurs if:

radar sensors.

R you have switched on the turn signal. In this

Active Blind Spot Assist supports you from a

event, the warnings are suppressed for a cer-

speed of approximately 30 km/h.

tain period of time

Important safety notes

R a driving safety system such as ABS, BAS or

ESP ® intervenes

Active Blind Spot Assist is only an aid and is not

R you accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown.

a substitute for attentive driving.

R you brake hard

G WARNING

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

Active Blind Spot Assist does not react to

obstacle or change lane quickly

vehicles:

R you cut the corner on a sharp bend.

To ensure that you are warned only when nec-

R overtaking too closely on the side, placing

essary and in good time if you cross the lane

them in the blind spot area

marking, the system detects certain conditions

R if the difference in the speed of approach

and warns you accordingly.

and overtaking is too great

The warning vibration occurs earlier if:

As a result, Active Blind Spot Assist may nei-

R you approach the outer lane marking on a

ther give warnings nor intervene in such sit-

bend

uations. There is a risk of an accident.

R the road has very wide lanes, e.g. a motorway

R the system detects solid lane markings

Driving systems

220

Vehicles in the monitoring range are then not

Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-

reliably indicated.

uation and maintain a safe distance at the side

Active Blind Spot Assist may not detect narrow

of the vehicle.

vehicles, such as motorcycles or bicycles, or

may detect them too late.

Radar sensors

If the lanes are narrow, vehicles driving in the

The Active Blind Spot Assist radar sensors are

lane beyond the lane next to your vehicle may be

integrated into the front and rear bumpers and

indicated, especially if the vehicles are not driv-

behind a cover in the radiator trim. Make sure

ing in the middle of their lane. This may be the

Driving and parking

that the bumpers and the cover in the radiator

case if vehicles are driving on the inner side of

trim are free of dirt, ice or slush. The sensors

their lane.

must not be covered, e.g. by cycle racks or over-

On very wide lanes, vehicles in the lane next to

hanging loads. Following an accident or in the

your vehicle may not be displayed if the vehicles

event of damage to the bumpers, have the func-

are too far away.

tion of the radar sensors checked at a qualified

Due to the nature of the system:

specialist workshop. Active Blind Spot Assist

might otherwise no longer function properly.

R warnings may be issued in error when driving

close to crash barriers or similar solid boun-

Monitoring range

daries

G WARNING

R warnings may be interrupted when you are

driving alongside particularly long vehicles,

Active Blind Spot Assist does not detect all

for example lorries, for a prolonged time

traffic situations and road users. There is a

risk of an accident.

Warning lamp

Always make sure that there is sufficient dis-

tance to the side for other traffic or obstacles.

: Warning lamp

Active Blind Spot Assist is not operational at

speeds of below approximately 30 km/h. Vehi-

cles in the monitoring range are then not indi-

cated.

If Active Blind Spot Assist is activated, warning

lamp : in the exterior mirrors lights up yellow

at speeds of up to 30 km/h. At speeds above

30 km/h, the warning lamp goes out and Active

At a distance of approximately 0.5 m ; from

Blind Spot Assist is operational.

the vehicle, Active Blind Spot Assist monitors

If a vehicle is detected within the monitoring

the area up to 3.0 m next to = and behind :

range at speeds above 30 km/h, warning

your vehicle, as shown in the picture.

lamp : on the corresponding side lights up red.

In particular, the detection of obstacles can be

This warning lamp always lights up when a vehi-

impaired in the following situations:

cle enters the blind spot monitoring range from

R dirt on the sensors or obscured sensors

behind or from the side. When you overtake a

R poor visibility, e.g. due to rain, snow or spray

Driving systems

221

vehicle, the warning occurs only if the difference

Either a course-correcting brake application

in speed is less than 12 km/h.

appropriate to the driving situation, or none at

all, may occur in the following situations:

If you select reverse gear, Active Blind Spot

Assist is not operational.

R vehicles or obstacles, e.g. crash barriers, are

The brightness of the warning lamps is auto-

located on both sides of your vehicle

matically adapted to the brightness of the sur-

R a vehicle approaches too closely on the side

roundings.

R you have adopted a sporty driving style with

high cornering speeds

Visual and audible collision warning

Driving and parking

R you brake or accelerate significantly

If you switch on the turn signals to change lanes

R a driving safety system engages, such as

and a vehicle is detected in the side monitoring

ESP ® or PRE-SAFE ® Brake

range, you receive a visual and acoustic collision

warning. You then hear a double warning tone

R ESP ® is deactivated

and red warning lamp : flashes. If the turn sig-

R the Offroad program is activated (vehicles

nal remains on, detected vehicles are indicated

without the Off-Road Engineering package)

by the flashing of red warning lamp :. There are

R the Offroad or Offroad Plus drive program is

no further warning tones.

activated (vehicles with the Off-Road Engi-

neering package)

Course-correcting brake application

R the LOW RANGE off-road gear is activated

If Active Blind Spot Assist detects a risk of a side

(vehicles with the Off-Road Engineering pack-

impact in the monitoring range, a course-cor-

age)

recting brake application is carried out. This is

R a loss of tyre pressure or a defective tyre is

designed to help you avoid a collision.

detected

G WARNING

Activating Active Blind Spot Assist

A course-correcting brake application cannot

always prevent a collision. There is a risk of an

X Make sure that Active Blind Spot Assist

accident.

( Y page 250) is activated on the on-board

computer.

Always steer, brake or accelerate yourself,

X Turn the key to key position 2 in the ignition

especially if Active Blind Spot Assist warns

lock.

you or makes a course-correcting brake appli-

Warning lamps : in the exterior mirrors light

cation. Always maintain a safe distance at the

up red for approximately 1.5 seconds and

sides.

then turn yellow.

If a course-correcting brake application occurs,

Towing a trailer

red warning lamp : flashes on the exterior mir-

If you couple up a trailer, make sure that you

ror and a double warning tone sounds. In addi-

have correctly established the electrical con-

tion, a display underlining the danger of a side

nection. This can be accomplished by checking

collision appears on the multifunction display.

the trailer lighting. Active Blind Spot Assist is

In very rare cases, the system may make an

then deactivated. The indicator lamps in the

exterior mirrors light up yellow and the Active

inappropriate brake application. A course-cor-

Blind Spot Assist not available when

recting brake application may be interrupted at

towing a trailer See Owner's Manual

any time by countersteering slightly or acceler-

ating.

message appears in the multifunction display.

The course-correcting brake application is avail-

able within a speed range between 30 km/h and

200 km/h.

Driving systems

222

Active Lane Keeping Assist

In such cases, Active Lane Keeping Assist

can:

General notes

R give an unnecessary warning and then

make a course-correcting brake application

to the vehicle

R neither give a warning nor intervene

There is a risk of an accident.

Driving and parking

Always pay particular attention to the traffic

situation and keep within the lane, especially

if Active Lane Keeping Assist alerts you. Ter-

minate the intervention in a non-critical driv-

ing situation.

The system may be impaired or may not function

Active Lane Keeping Assist monitors the area in

in the following situations:

front of your vehicle by means of multifunction

camera : at the top of the windscreen. Various

R poor visibility, e.g. due to insufficient illumi-

different areas to the front, rear and side of your

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

vehicle are also monitored with the aid of the

spray

radar sensor system. Active Lane Keeping

R glare, e.g. from oncoming traffic, the sun or

Assist detects lane markings on the road and

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

can warn you before you leave your lane unin-

surface is wet)

tentionally. If you do not react to the warning, a

R the windscreen is dirty, misted up, damaged

lane-correcting brake application can bring the

or covered, for instance by a sticker, in the

vehicle back into the original lane.

vicinity of the camera

This function is available within a speed range

R there are no lane markings, or several unclear

between 60 km/h and 200 km/h.

lane markings for one lane are present, e.g.

For Active Lane Keeping Assist to assist you

around construction sites

when driving, the radar sensor system must be

R the lane markings are worn away, dark or cov-

operational.

ered up, e.g. by dirt or snow

Important safety notes

R the distance to the vehicle in front is too short

and thus the lane markings cannot be detec-

Active Lane Keeping Assist can neither reduce

ted

the risk of an accident if you fail to adapt your

driving style nor override the laws of physics.

R the lane markings change quickly, e.g. lanes

Active Lane Keeping Assist cannot take into

branch off, cross one another or merge

account road, weather or traffic conditions.

R the road is very narrow and winding

Active Lane Keeping Assist is only an aid. You

R there are highly variable shade conditions on

are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in

the road surface

front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time

R no vehicle is detected in the adjacent lane and

and for staying in lane.

there are broken lane markings

Active Lane Keeping Assist cannot continuously

keep your vehicle in its lane.

Warning vibration through the steering

wheel

G WARNING

A warning may be given if a front wheel passes

Active Lane Keeping Assist cannot always

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

clearly detect lane markings.

intermittent vibration through the steering

wheel for up to 1.5 seconds.

To ensure that you are warned only when nec-

essary and in good time if you cross the lane

Driving systems

223

marking, the system detects certain conditions

If you leave your lane, under certain circumstan-

and warns you accordingly.

ces, the vehicle will brake briefly on one side.

This is intended to help you return the vehicle to

The warning vibration occurs earlier in the fol-

the original lane.

lowing situations if:

If a lane-correcting brake application occurs,

R you approach the outer lane marking on a

display : appears on the multifunction display.

bend

A lane-correcting brake application can be made

R the road has very wide lanes, e.g. a motorway

after driving over a lane marking recognised as

R the system detects solid lane markings

being solid or broken. Before this, a warning

Driving and parking

The warning vibration occurs later in the follow-

must have been issued by means of intermittent

ing situations if:

vibration through the steering wheel. In addi-

tion, a lane with lane markings on both sides

R the road has narrow lanes

must be detected.

R you cut the corner on a bend

In the case of a broken lane marking being

Lane-correcting brake application

detected, a lane-correcting brake application

can only be made if a vehicle has been detected

G WARNING

in the adjacent lane. The following vehicles can

A lane-correcting brake application cannot

have an influence on brake application: oncom-

ing traffic, vehicles that are overtaking and vehi-

always bring the vehicle back into the original

cles that are driving parallel to your vehicle.

lane. There is a risk of an accident.

i A further lane-correcting brake application

Always steer, brake or accelerate yourself,

can occur only after your vehicle has returned

especially if Active Lane Keeping Assist warns

to the original lane.

you or makes a lane-correcting brake appli-

No lane-correcting brake application occurs in

cation.

the following situations:

G WARNING

R you clearly and actively steer, brake or accel-

erate

Active Lane Keeping Assist does not detect

R you cut the corner on a sharp bend

traffic conditions or road users. In very rare

R you have switched on the turn signal

cases, the system may make an inappropriate

R a driving safety system engages, such as

brake application, e.g. after intentionally driv-

ESP ® , PRE-SAFE ® Brake or Active Blind Spot

ing over a solid lane marking. There is a risk of

Assist

an accident.

R you have adopted a sporty driving style with

An inappropriate brake application may be

high cornering speeds or high rates of accel-

interrupted at any time if you steer slightly in

eration

the opposite direction. Always make sure that

R ESP ® is deactivated

there is sufficient distance to the side for

R the transmission is not in position h

other traffic or obstacles.

R on vehicles with a trailer tow hitch, the elec-

trical connection to the trailer has been cor-

rectly established

R the Offroad program is activated (vehicles

without the Off-Road Engineering package)

R the Offroad or Offroad Plus drive program is

activated (vehicles with the Off-Road Engi-

neering package)

R the LOW RANGE off-road gear is activated

(vehicles with the Off-Road Engineering pack-

age)

Driving systems

224

Towing a trailer

R an obstacle has been detected in the lane in

which you are driving

If you couple up a trailer, make sure that you

R a loss of tyre pressure or a defective tyre has

have correctly established the electrical con-

been detected and displayed

nection. This can be accomplished by checking

the trailer lighting. Lane-correcting brake appli-

There is a possibility that the Active Lane Keep-

cation does not take place when towing a trailer.

ing Assist could misjudge the given traffic sit-

Active Lane Keeping Assist is not activated and

uation. An inappropriate brake application may

the lines in the assistance graphic are grey.

be interrupted at any time in the following sit-

uations:

Driving and parking

R you steer slightly in the opposite direction

Off-road driving systems

R you switch on the turn signal

R you brake or accelerate significantly

4MATIC (permanent all-wheel drive)

A lane-correcting brake application is interrup-

4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are perma-

ted automatically in the following situations:

nently driven. Together with ESP ® and 4ETS, it

R a driving safety system engages, such as

improves the traction of your vehicle whenever

ESP ® , PRE-SAFE ® Brake or Active Blind Spot

a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip.

Assist

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

R lane markings are no longer detected

neither reduce the risk of an accident nor over-

ride the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot take

Activating Active Lane Keeping Assist

account of road, weather and traffic conditions.

X Activate Active Lane Keeping Assist using the

4MATIC is only an aid. You are responsible for

on-board computer; to do so, select Stand‐

the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle

ard or Adaptive ( Y page 251).

speed, for braking in good time and for staying in

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

lane.

markings are detected, the lines in the assis-

tance graphic are shown in green

! Never tow the vehicle with one axle raised.

( Y page 249). Active Lane Keeping Assist is

This may damage the transfer case. Damage

ready for use.

of this sort is not covered by the Mercedes-

If Standard is selected, no warning vibration

Benz implied warranty. All wheels must

remain either on the ground or be fully raised.

occurs if:

Observe the instructions for towing the vehi-

R you have switched on the turn signal: in this

cle with all wheels in full contact with the

event, the warnings are suppressed for a

ground.

certain period of time

R a driving safety system such as ABS, BAS or

! A function or performance test should only

be carried out on a twin-axle dynamometer.

ESP ® intervenes

When Adaptive is selected, no warning vibra-

Before you operate the vehicle on such a

dynamometer, please consult a qualified

tion occurs if:

workshop. You could otherwise damage the

R you have switched on the turn signal: in this

drive train or the brake system.

event, the warnings are suppressed for a

certain period of time

i In wintry road conditions, the maximum

effect of 4MATIC can be achieved only if you

R a driving safety system such as ABS, BAS or

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

ESP ® intervenes

chains if necessary.

R you accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown.

Further information about "Driving off-road"

R you brake hard

( Y page 173).

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

obstacle or change lane quickly

R you cut the corner on a sharp bend.

Driving systems

225

DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)

Activating DSR

General notes

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 brak-

ing effect on the vehicle. When driving on flat

stretches of road or on an uphill gradient, the

Driving and parking

DSR braking effect is minimal or non-existent.

DSR controls the vehicle’s speed when it is acti-

vated and the transmission is in position D, R or

N. By accelerating or braking, you can always

drive at a higher or a lower speed than that set

X Press button :.

on the on-board computer.

Indicator lamp ; lights up.

Important safety notes

The Ã DSR symbol appears in the multi-

function display.

G WARNING

You can only activate DSR when driving at

If the speed driven and the set speed deviate

speeds below 40 km/h.

and you activate DSR on a slippery road sur-

If the current vehicle speed is too high, the Ã

face, the wheels may lose traction. This

DSR symbol appears in the multifunction display

with the Max. speed 40 km/h message.

increases the risk of skidding and having an

accident.

If you have activated DSR and then change drive

programs, DSR is deactivated. If you switch

Before switching DSR on, please take into

between the offroad and offroad plus drive pro-

consideration the road surface and the differ-

grams, DSR remains activated.

ence between driving speed and the set

Deactivating DSR

speed.

X Press button :.

If you fail to adapt your driving style, DSR can

Indicator lamp ; goes out.

neither reduce the risk of accident nor override

The Ã DSR symbol appears in the multi-

the laws of physics. DSR cannot take account of

function display with the off message.

road, weather and traffic conditions. DSR is only

an aid. You are responsible for the distance to

DSR switches off automatically if you drive

the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for brak-

faster than 45 km/h. The Ã DSR symbol

ing in good time and for staying in lane.

appears in the multifunction display with the

off message. The status indicator in the multi-

You are always responsible for keeping control

function display goes out. You also hear a warn-

of the vehicle and for assessing whether the

ing tone.

downhill gradient can be managed. DSR may not

always be able to keep to the set speed, depend-

On vehicles with the Offroad Engineering pack-

ing on road surface and tyre conditions. Select a

age, if you select a different drive program, DSR

set speed suitable for the prevailing conditions

is also deactivated. If you switch between the

and when necessary, apply the brakes manually.

offroad programs, DSR remains activated.

Driving systems

226

Changing the set speed

Do not use the Offroad drive program on roads

that are snow-covered or icy, or if you have fitted

your vehicle with snow chains.

Selecting the Offroad drive program

Driving and parking

X To increase or reduce the set speed in

1 km/h increments: briefly press the cruise

control lever up : for a higher set speed or

down ; for a lower set speed.

Selecting the Offroad drive program

The set speed appears in the multifunction

display with the Ã DSR symbol.

X To select a drive program: turn DYNAMIC

SELECT controller : until indicator lamp ;

When DSR is activated, you can change the set

lights up.

speed to a value between 2 km/h and 18 km/h.

The Drive program "Offroad" Max.

speed 100 km/h message appears in the

i The DSR set speed is always changed in

1 km/h increments. This is regardless of

multifunction display.

whether you press the cruise control lever to

The vehicle is raised by 60 mm.

or beyond the pressure point.

The vehicle is lowered to normal level again if

you:

Off-road program (vehicles without the

R drive at speeds above 80 km/h (all vehicles

Off-Road Engineering package)

except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)

General notes

R drive at speeds above 70 km/h (Mercedes-

AMG vehicles)

Select the Offroad drive program for easily

R drive at speeds between 65 km/h and

negotiable offroad terrain, e.g. dirt tracks, gravel

80 km/h for approximately 20 seconds (all

or sandy surfaces. The engine's torque is restric-

vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)

ted to a limited degree and the drive wheels can

R drive at speeds between 65 km/h and

spin. The spinning of the wheels results in a cut-

70 km/h for approximately 20 seconds

ting action for better traction. ABS, ESP ® and

(Mercedes-AMG vehicles)

4ETS programs especially adapted to off-road

The vehicle changes from the Offroad drive pro-

driving are activated. A gentle accelerator pedal

curve is also selected, i.e. the accelerator pedal

gram to the Comfort drive program if you drive

must be depressed much further in order to

faster than 110 km/h.

accelerate.

The Please reduce speed message appears in

You can select the Offroad drive program at

the multifunction display.

speeds below 100 km/h. The Drive program

Further information about "Driving off-road"

"Offroad" Max. speed 100 km/h message

( Y page 173).

appears in the multifunction display. If you drive

at speeds of more than 100 km/h and select the

Offroad drive program, the Please reduce

speed message appears in the multifunction

display. The last active drive program is selected

again.

Driving systems

227

Off-road programs (vehicles with the

display. The last active drive program is selected

Off-Road Engineering package)

again.

Selecting the Offroad drive program

General notes

X To select a drive program: turn DYNAMIC

The Offroad and Offroad Plus drive programs

SELECT controller : until indicator lamp ;

assist you when driving off-road. The engine’s

lights up.

performance characteristics and the gearshift-

The Drive program "Offroad" Max.

ing characteristics of the automatic transmis-

speed 100 km/h message appears in the

sion are adapted for this purpose. ABS, ESP ®

Driving and parking

multifunction display.

and 4ETS programs especially adapted to off-

The vehicle is raised by 30 mm.

road driving are activated. An accelerator pedal

The vehicle changes from the Offroad drive pro-

curve suitable for the terrain is selected, i.e. the

accelerator pedal must be depressed further to

gram to the Comfort drive program if you drive

accelerate.

faster than 110 km/h.

The Please reduce speed message appears in

Do not use the Offroad or Offroad Plus drive

programs on roads that are snow-covered or icy,

the multifunction display.

or if you have fitted your vehicle with snow

Offroad Plus drive program

chains.

Offroad drive program

: DYNAMIC SELECT controller

; Offroad Plus drive program indicator lamp

: DYNAMIC SELECT controller

Select the Offroad Plus drive program for rough

; Offroad drive program indicator lamp

terrain, e.g. for steep and/or uneven terrain or

Select the Offroad drive program for easily

for driving on rocky terrain.

negotiable offroad terrain, e.g. dirt tracks, gravel

Your vehicle has an automatically activated dif-

or sandy surfaces. The engine's torque is restric-

ferential lock for the transfer case. It controls

ted to a limited degree and the drive wheels can

the balance between the front and rear axles.

spin. The spinning of the wheels results in a cut-

The differential lock improves the vehicle's trac-

ting action for better traction. ABS, ESP ® and

tion. 4ETS ( Y page 74) controls the balance

4ETS programs especially adapted to off-road

between both wheels on an axle.

driving are activated. A gentle accelerator pedal

curve is also selected, i.e. the accelerator pedal

Selecting the Offroad Plus drive program

must be depressed much further in order to

X To select a drive program: turn DYNAMIC

accelerate.

SELECT controller : until indicator lamp ;

You can select the Offroad drive program at

lights up.

speeds below 100 km/h. The Drive program

The Drive program "Offroad Plus"

"Offroad" Max. speed 100 km/h message

Max. speed 40 km/h message appears in

appears in the multifunction display. If you drive

the multifunction display.

at speeds of more than 100 km/h and select the

Offroad drive program, the Please reduce

speed message appears in the multifunction

Driving systems

228

R The Offroad Plus drive program is selected

General notes

and the vehicle is raised by 30 mm com-

pared with the Offroad drive program.

R DSR is switched on.

R The differential lock is closed.

You can select the Offroad Plus drive program at

speeds below 40 km/h.

The Offroad Plus drive program automatically

Driving and parking

switches to the Offroad drive program if you

drive faster than 45 km/h. The Please reduce

speed message appears in the multifunction

display.

Further information about "Driving off-road"

: LOW RANGE off-road gear button

( Y page 173).

; LOW RANGE off-road gear indicator lamp

LOW RANGE off-road gear (vehicles

HIGH RANGE

Position for all normal on-

with the Off-Road Engineering package)

road driving conditions.

LOW RANGE

Off-road position for driving

Important safety notes

off-road and fording.

G WARNING

The transmission ratio

If you select the LOW RANGE off-road gear on

between the engine and

wheels is only approx-

a slippery road surface, the wheels could lose

imately one third of that in

traction:

the HIGH RANGE road posi-

R if you release the accelerator pedal when

tion. The drive torque is cor-

respondingly higher as a

the vehicle is in motion

result.

R if Off-road ABS intervenes when braking

Do not use LOW RANGE:

If the wheels lose traction, it will no longer be

R on slippery road surfaces,

possible to steer the vehicle. This increases

e.g. in the event of slush

the risk of skidding and having an accident.

R on snow or ice-covered

Never select the LOW RANGE off-road gear

roads

when driving on slippery road surfaces.

R if you have snow chains

on your vehicle

G WARNING

If you do not wait for the transfer case gear

The LOW RANGE off-road gear assists you when

change process to complete, the transfer

driving off-road and when fording. When LOW

RANGE is engaged, the engine’s performance

case could remain in the neutral position. The

characteristics and the gearshifting character-

power transmission to the driven wheels is

istics of the automatic transmission are adapted

then interrupted. There is a danger of the

for this purpose.

vehicle rolling away unintentionally. There is a

Further information about "Driving off-road"

risk of an accident.

( Y page 173). You will find information about

Wait until the transfer case shift process is

driving safety systems in conjunction with

LOW RANGE in the "Safety" section ( Y page 70).

completed.

Do not turn off the engine while changing gear

and do not shift the automatic transmission to

another position.

Driving systems

229

From HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE

! Only change from HIGH RANGE to LOW

RANGE if:

R the engine is running

R the transmission is in position N

R you are driving at speeds below 40 km/h

X Press LOW RANGE button :.

Indicator lamp ; flashes.

Driving and parking

When the gear change is complete, indicator

lamp ; lights up. LOW RANGE indicator

appears in the multifunction display and in the

X Press LOW RANGE button :.

status indicator.

Indicator lamp ; flashes.

While indicator lamp ; is flashing, you can

When the gear change is complete, indicator

cancel the gear change by pressing LOW

lamp ; goes out. In the multifunction dis-

RANGE button : again.

play, the LOW RANGE Off message appears

and the status indicator goes out.

i You cannot activate LOW RANGE if the

SPORT drive program is activated. The LOW

While indicator lamp ; is flashing, you can

RANGE Not in drive program SPORT mes-

cancel the gear change by pressing LOW

RANGE button : again.

sage then appears in the multifunction dis-

play.

From LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE

! Only change from HIGH RANGE to LOW

RANGE if:

R the engine is running

R the transmission is in position N

R if you are driving at speeds below

50 km/h

Messages in the multifunction display

If a gear change process has not been successful, the following messages may be displayed in the

multifunction display:

Display messages

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

LOW RANGE Max.

You have been driving faster than 40 km/h. Additionally, the indicator

speed 40 km/h

lamp on the button in the centre console blinks.

X Slow down to change gear.

LOW RANGE Shift to

The transmission is in position D and you are driving at below

position N briefly

40 km/h.

X Shift the transmission to N to complete the gear change process.

Towing a trailer

230

Display messages

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

LOW RANGE Shifting

The gear change process was not carried out.

cancelled Please

X Maintain all gear change conditions and carry out the gear change

reactivate

process again.

LOW RANGE Stop

A warning tone also sounds. The gear change process has not been

Apply parking brake

completed. LOW RANGE is in the neutral position. There is no con-

nection between the engine and the drive wheels.

Driving and parking

! Do not drive any further. You could otherwise damage the vehi-

cle’s drive train.

X Stop the vehicle. Take into account the road and traffic conditions

when doing so.

X Apply the electric parking brake ( Y page 167).

X Repeat the gear change process.

If the gear change process has been carried out, the LOW RANGE

Stop Apply parking brake message disappears.

Driving dynamics display in the

Activating the driving dynamics display

COMAND display (vehicles with the Off-

Road Engineering package)

General notes

The driving dynamics display allows you to see

the selected drive program and additional infor-

mation about the vehicle's operating status on

the COMAND display.

X Switch on COMAND Online (see the Digital

Owner's Manual).

X Press button :.

The driving dynamics display appears in the

COMAND display.

Towing a trailer

: Drive program selected

; Status of the differential lock for the transfer

Important safety notes

case

G WARNING

= Accelerator pedal position shown as %

? Brake pedal position shown as %

Vehicles with level control:

A Status of the LOW RANGE off-road gear

The vehicle level may be changed uninten-

B Angle of inclination

tionally, e.g. by other persons. If this happens

C Steering angle

while you are coupling or decoupling a trailer,

D Uphill or downhill gradient as percentage

you could become trapped. In addition, other

E Level control

people could become trapped if their limbs

F Compass with angle scale

Towing a trailer

231

To avoid hazardous situations:

are between the vehicle body and the wheels

or underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of

R make sure to check the noseweight before

each journey

injury.

R use a drawbar noseweight as close as possi-

When coupling or decoupling a trailer, make

ble to the maximum noseweight

sure that no one:

R do not exceed the maximum permissible

R opens or closes the doors or the tailgate

noseweight

R initiates a level change or turns the

R do not use a noseweight lower than the min-

Driving and parking

imum noseweight

DYNAMIC SELECT Controller

When reversing the vehicle towards the trailer,

R locks or unlocks the vehicle

make sure there is nobody between the trailer

and the vehicle.

G WARNING

Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If you

You could lose control of the vehicle/trailer

do not couple the trailer to the towing vehicle

combination if it begins to swerve. The vehi-

correctly, the trailer could become detached.

cle/trailer combination could even overturn.

Make sure that the following values are not

exceeded:

There is a risk of an accident.

On no account should you attempt to

R the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight

straighten out the vehicle/trailer combina-

R the permissible trailer load

tion by increasing speed. Decrease your

R the permissible rear axle load of the towing

vehicle

speed and do not countersteer. Brake if nec-

essary.

R the maximum permissible gross vehicle

weight of both the towing vehicle and the

G WARNING

trailer

The applicable permissible values, which must

If the maximum permissible load for a carrier

not be exceeded, can be found:

system is exceeded, the carrier could come

R in your vehicle documents

loose from the vehicle and endanger other

R on the identification plates of the trailer tow

road users. There is a risk of an accident and

hitch and the trailer

injury.

R on the vehicle identification plate

Never exceed the maximum permissible load

If the values differ, the lowest value applies.

when using a carrier.

You will find the values approved by the manu-

facturer on the vehicle identification plates and

Exceeding the maximum permissible nose-

those for the towing vehicle under "Technical

weight of the trailer drawbar on the ball coupling

data" ( Y page 397).

may cause damage to the following:

When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling

R your vehicle

characteristics will be different in comparison to

R the trailer

when driving without a trailer.

R the ball coupling

The vehicle/trailer combination:

R trailer tow hitch

R is heavier

The vehicle/trailer combination could become

R is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-

unstable.

climbing capability

If the noseweight used is lower than the mini-

R has an increased braking distance

mum permissible noseweight, the vehicle/

R is affected more by strong crosswinds

trailer combination could also become unstable.

R demands more sensitive steering

R has a larger turning circle

This can impair the vehicle's handling charac-

teristics. Adapt your driving style accordingly.

Maintain a safe distance. Drive carefully.

Towing a trailer

232

When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed

trailer combination may not exceed a maximum

to the current road and weather conditions. Do

speed of 100 km/h for reasons concerning the

not exceed the maximum permissible speed for

operating permit. This also applies in countries

your vehicle/trailer combination.

in which the maximum permissible speed for

vehicle/trailer combinations is above

100 km/h.

Notes on towing a trailer

When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling

characteristics will be different from when driv-

General notes

ing without a trailer and the vehicle will consume

Driving and parking

more fuel.

! If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,

Use the left-hand gearshift paddle to shift to a

changes to the engine cooling system may be

lower gear on long and steep downhill gradients.

necessary, depending on the vehicle type.

This also applies if you have activated cruise

If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,

control, the speed limiter or Distance Pilot

observe the anchorage points on the chassis.

DISTRONIC.

Check the tyre pressures when towing a trailer.

This will use the braking effect of the engine, so

You will find the values in the tyre pressure table

less braking will be required to maintain the

in the vehicle fuel filler flap ( Y page 370).

vehicle speed. This relieves the load on the

brake system and prevents the brakes from

Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-

overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need

lowing driving systems have limited availability

additional braking, depress the brake pedal

or are not available at all:

repeatedly rather than continuously.

R Parking Assist PARKTRONIC ( Y page 198)

R Blind Spot Assist ( Y page 216)

Driving tips

R Active Lane Keeping Assist ( Y page 222)

If the trailer swings from side to side:

R Parking Pilot ( Y page 201)

On vehicles without level control, the height of

X Do not accelerate under any circumstances.

the ball coupling will alter according to the load

X Do not countersteer.

placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer

X Brake, if necessary.

with a height-adjustable drawbar.

R Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in

You will find permissible trailer loads under

front than when driving without a trailer.

"Technical data" ( Y page 397).

R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen-

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

Driving tips

increase the braking force rapidly.

Observe the information on ESP ® trailer stabili-

R The values given for gradient-climbing capa-

sation ( Y page 76) and on pulling away with a

bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.

trailer ( Y page 147).

When driving in mountainous areas, note that

the power output of the engine, and conse-

Select the Comfort drive program using the

quently the vehicle's gradient-climbing capa-

DYNAMIC SELECT controller ( Y page 151).

bility from a standstill, decrease with increas-

The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/

ing altitude.

trailer combinations depends on the type of

trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the

trailer's documents to see what the maximum

Swivelling the ball coupling out/in

permissible speed is for your trailer. Observe the

legally permissible maximum speed in the rele-

Using the switch in the driver's door

vant country.

For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-

Plug-in hybrid: be sure to read the separate

mum permissible rear axle load is increased

Owner's Manual.

when towing a trailer. See the "Technical data"

section to find out whether this applies to your

vehicle ( Y page 397). If when towing, the rear

axle load is increased even partly, the vehicle/

Towing a trailer

233

G WARNING

The ball coupling swivels back into the starting

position when:

If the ball coupling is not engaged, the trailer

R you drive off before the Trailer coupling

may come loose. There is a risk of an accident.

extending... display message has disap-

Make sure that the ball coupling is securely

peared from the multifunction display

engaged and locked in position.

R the ball coupling encounters an obstacle in

the swivel range

! Do not attempt to speed the up the swing-

Swivelling in (all vehicles, except plug-in

out procedure by applying additional pressure

hybrid):

Driving and parking

with your foot. The system could otherwise be

X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and

mechanically damaged.

the trailer cables are disconnected.

To swivel out the ball coupling, you have two

X Place the protective cap on the ball coupling.

options:

X Shift the transmission to position P.

R use the switch on the driver's door (all vehi-

X Switch the ignition on.

cles except plug-in hybrid vehicles)

X Pull switch : briefly.

R use the switch on the tailgate

After a short time, the ball coupling swivels in

The trailer socket is integrated into the ball cou-

under the rear bumper. It can take up to seven

pling and swivels out with it.

seconds before the ball coupling visibly swiv-

Release the ball coupling only when the swivel

els in.

range is unobstructed.

Until the ball coupling engages in a securely

locked position under the bumper:

R indicator lamp ; flashes

R the multifunction display shows the Trailer

coupling extending... display message

The ball coupling swivels back into the starting

position when:

R you drive off before the Trailer coupling

extending... display message has disap-

peared from the multifunction display

R the ball coupling encounters an obstacle in

the swivel range

Swivelling out (all vehicles, except plug-in

hybrid):

Using the switch on the tailgate

X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.

X Shift the transmission to position P.

X Switch the ignition on.

X Pull switch : briefly.

After a short time, the ball coupling swivels

out from under the rear bumper. It can take up

to seven seconds before the ball coupling

visibly swivels out.

X Remove the protective cap from the ball cou-

pling and store it in a safe place.

Until the ball coupling vertically engages in a

securely locked position:

Swivelling out:

R indicator lamp ; flashes

R the multifunction display shows the Trailer

X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.

coupling extending... display message

X Open the tailgate.

Towing a trailer

234

X Pull switch : briefly.

If you disconnect the trailer cable, the vehicle

After a short time, the ball coupling swivels

is lowered. This can cause you or others to

out from under the rear bumper. It can take up

become trapped between the vehicle body

to seven seconds before the ball coupling

and tyres, or underneath the vehicle. This

visibly swivels out.

poses a risk of injury.

X Remove the protective cap from the ball cou-

pling and store it in a safe place.

Make sure that no-one is in the immediate

Until the ball coupling vertically engages in a

vicinity of the wheel arch or underneath the

securely locked position:

vehicle when disconnecting the trailer cable.

Driving and parking

R indicator lamp ; flashes

R the multifunction display shows the Trailer

Steel-sprung vehicles

coupling extending... display message

X Shift the transmission to position P.

The ball coupling swivels back into the starting

X Apply the electric parking brake.

position when:

R you drive off before the Trailer coupling

X Position the trailer horizontally behind the

extending... display message has disap-

vehicle.

X Couple up the trailer.

peared from the multifunction display

X Establish the electrical connection between

R the ball coupling encounters an obstacle in

the vehicle and the trailer.

the swivel range

X Check that the trailer lighting system is work-

Swivelling in:

ing.

X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and

X Push the combination switch upwards and

the trailer cables are disconnected.

downwards and check whether the corre-

X Place the protective cap on the ball coupling.

sponding turn signal indicator on the trailer is

X Open the tailgate.

flashing.

X Pull switch : briefly.

A connected trailer is detected only when the

After a short time, the ball coupling swivels in

electrical connection is established correctly

under the rear bumper. It can take up to seven

and when the lighting system is working prop-

seconds before the ball coupling visibly swiv-

erly. The function of other systems also depends

els in.

on this, for example:

Until the ball coupling engages in a securely

R ESP ®

locked position under the bumper:

R PARKTRONIC Parking Assist

R indicator lamp ; flashes

R Parking Pilot

R the multifunction display shows the Trailer

R Active Blind Spot Assist

coupling extending... display message

R Active Lane Keeping Assist

The ball coupling swivels back into the starting

position when:

Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package

R you drive off before the Trailer coupling

extending... display message has disap-

! Before beginning the journey, make sure

peared from the multifunction display

that the trailer support wheel is completely

raised. Otherwise, the trailer or the vehicle

R the ball coupling encounters an obstacle in

could be damaged by the lowered trailer sup-

the swivel range

port wheel during the journey.

X Shift the transmission to position P.

Coupling up a trailer

X Apply the electric parking brake.

X Start the engine.

Important safety notes

X Vehicles with the Off-Road Engineering

G WARNING

package: set the vehicle level to normal level

( Y page 190).

Vehicles with level control:

Towing a trailer

235

X Vehicles without the Off-Road Engineer-

Uncoupling a trailer

ing package: select the Comfort drive pro-

Important safety notes

gram using the DYNAMIC SELECT controller

( Y page 194).

G WARNING

X Switch off the engine.

X Close the doors and tailgate.

If you uncouple a trailer with an engaged over-

X Position the trailer horizontally behind the

run brake, you could trap your hand between

vehicle.

the vehicle and the trailer drawbar. This poses

Driving and parking

X Couple up the trailer.

a risk of injury.

X Establish the electrical connection between

Do not uncouple a trailer with an engaged

the vehicle and the trailer.

overrun brake.

X Check that the trailer lighting system is work-

ing.

G WARNING

X Push the combination switch upwards and

Vehicles with level control:

downwards and check whether the corre-

sponding turn signal indicator on the trailer is

If you disconnect the trailer cable, the vehicle

flashing.

is lowered. This can cause you or others to

A connected trailer is detected only when the

become trapped between the vehicle body

electrical connection is established correctly

and tyres, or underneath the vehicle. This

and when the lighting system is working prop-

poses a risk of injury.

erly. The function of other systems also depends

Make sure that no-one is in the immediate

on this, for example:

vicinity of the wheel arch or underneath the

R ESP ®

vehicle when disconnecting the trailer cable.

R PARKTRONIC Parking Assist

R Parking Pilot

! Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged

R Active Blind Spot Assist

overrun brake. Otherwise, your vehicle could

be damaged by the rebounding of the overrun

R Active Lane Keeping Assist

brake.

i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package: if

! Remove the adapter cable before folding in

you couple up a trailer, the vehicle initially

the ball coupling. You could otherwise dam-

remains at the selected level of the drive pro-

age the rear bumper and the adapter cable.

gram set. Observe the following when cou-

pling up a trailer:

Steel-sprung vehicles

R If the normal level was not selected previ-

ously, the vehicle automatically adopts the

X Shift the transmission to position P.

normal level starting from a speed of

30 km/h. Even at higher speeds, it does not

X Apply the electric parking brake.

drop below the normal level.

X Secure the trailer against rolling away.

R Vehicle levels below the normal level are

X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the

not available.

trailer.

R The raised level is available up to a speed of

30 km/h.

Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package

R This also applies when using accessories

X Shift the transmission to position P.

that are plugged into the socket of the

trailer tow hitch (e.g. a bicycle rack).

X Apply the electric parking brake.

R Before driving with a trailer, please observe

X Start the engine.

the information on the trailer support

X Close the doors and tailgate.

wheel.

X Secure the trailer against rolling away.

Towing a trailer

236

X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the

Trailer with 7-pin connector

trailer.

General notes

X Switch off the engine.

Trailer with 7-pin connector: you can connect

to the 13-pin socket on the ball coupling using

Trailer power supply

an adapter or, if necessary, an adapter cable.

Both can be obtained at a qualified specialist

! You can connect accessories with a power

workshop.

rating of up to 180 W to the permanent power

Driving and parking

supply and with a power rating of up to 180 W

Fitting the adapter

to the power supply that is switched on via the

ignition lock.

! Make sure that there is sufficient cable play

The trailer battery may not be charged from

so that the cable cannot become detached

the power supply.

when cornering.

When it leaves the factory, your vehicle's trailer

! Remove the adapter cable before folding in

socket is equipped with a permanent power

the ball coupling. You could otherwise dam-

supply and a power supply that is switched on

age the rear bumper and the adapter cable.

via the ignition lock.

The permanent power supply is supplied via

trailer socket pin 9.

The power supply that is switched on via the

ignition lock is supplied via trailer socket pin 10.

The trailer's permanent power supply is

switched off in the event of low on-board voltage

and after six hours at the latest.

You can find more information about installing

the trailer electrics at a qualified specialist work-

shop.

X To switch the connected power supply on

or off: turn the key in the ignition lock to

X Open the socket cover.

position 2 or u( Y page 144).

X Insert the plug connector with lug : into

groove = on the socket.

X Turn bayonet connection ; clockwise to the

Failure check for LEDs

stop.

X Let the cover engage.

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

tion message may appear in the multifunction

X If you are using an adapter cable, secure the

display even if there is no fault. The reason for

cable to the trailer with cable ties.

the error message may be that the current has

fallen below the minimum of 50 mA.

To ensure reliable indication of the failure, each

LED chain in the trailer lighting must be guaran-

teed a minimum current of 50 mA.

Towing a trailer

237

Problems towing a trailer

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

The displaced ball cou-

R The indicator lamp on the button flashes.

R The Check trailer hitch lock message appears on the multi-

pling does not reach the

securely locked position.

function display.

X Initiate a new swivelling procedure.

Driving and parking

If the ball coupling does not reach the securely locked position as a

result:

X Start the engine.

X Pull and hold the switch during the whole swivelling procedure.

If the unlocked ball coupling does not reach the securely locked posi-

tion even after several attempts:

X Make sure that there is sufficient ground clearance before continu-

ing the journey.

X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

As long as the Check trailer hitch lock display message is

shown on the multifunction display, no trailer should be attached.

Unlocking using the

The on-board voltage is too low

button on the tailgate: X Start the engine.

The ball coupling does

not swivel, even though: If the ball coupling still does not unlock:

X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

R the vehicle is station-

ary

R no trailer cable is con-

nected

R the switch was briefly

pulled

Bicycle rack

238

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions

Unlocking using the

The on-board voltage is too low

button in the driver's

X Engage parking position j .

door (all vehicles

except plug-in hybrid): X Switch on the power supply.

The ball coupling does

not swivel, even though: X Start the engine.

If the ball coupling still does not unlock:

Driving and parking

R the vehicle is station-

ary

X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

R no trailer cable is con-

nected

The ball coupling does

There is a malfunction in the release electronics.

not swivel. The indicator X When the ball coupling is swivelled in: pull and hold the switch

lamp in the switch is

on the tailgate until the ball coupling vertically engages in a securely

flashing permanently.

locked position and then engages again under the bumper.

The Check trailer

hitch lock message

When

the ball coupling is swivelled out: pull and hold the switch

on the tailgate until the ball coupling engages under the bumper.

appears on the multi-

function display.

If the ball coupling still does not unlock:

X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

To transport bicycles with a gross weight

Bicycle rack

between 75 kg and 100 kg, use only bicycle

General notes

racks with additional anchorage on guide pin ;.

Important safety notes

G WARNING

The bicycle rack can detach from the vehicle if

you

R exceed the permissible payload of the

trailer tow hitch

R use the bicycle rack incorrectly

R attach the bicycle rack to the ball coupling

Trailer tow hitch (example with additional

beneath the ball head

guide pin)

There is a risk of an accident.

Depending on the bicycle rack's design, you can

For your safety and that of other road users,

transport up to four bicycles on it:

observe the following:

R When attached by clamping onto the ball cou-

R Always observe the permissible payload of

pling :, the maximum payload is 75 kg. You

can transport up to three bicycles.

the trailer tow hitch.

R When attached to ball coupling : and also

R Use the bicycle rack only to transport bicy-

guide pin ;, the maximum payload is 100 kg.

cles.

You can transport up to four bicycles.

The payload is calculated from the weight of the

bicycle rack and the load on the bicycle rack.

$Bicycle rack239Bicycle racks cause your vehicle's driving char-R Always attach the bicycle rack correctly byacteristics to change. The vehicle:clamping onto the ball head and, if possible,R is heavierto the guide pin on the ball coupling as well.R is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-R To transport four bicycles, always use bicy-climbing capabilitycle racks with additional support on the ballR has an increased braking distancecoupling's guide can impair the vehicle's handling charac-R Use only bicycle racks approved byteristics. Adapt your driving style and parkingMaintain a safe distance and drive carefully.R Always comply with the bicycle rack's oper-When using bicycle racks, set the tyre pressureon the rear axle of the vehicle for the maximumating . Further information on tyre pressure canbe found in the tyre pressure table! Using unsuitable bicycle racks or using( Y page 370).them incorrectly can cause damage to andfractures in the trailer tow only bicycle racks approved instructionsThe greater the distance between the load's centre of gravity and the ball head, the higher the loadexerted on the trailer tow , observe the following notes:R attach heavy bicycles as close as possible to the vehicleR always distribute the load on the bicycle rack as symmetrically as possible to the vehicle longi-tudinal axisBefore loading the bicycle rack, Mercedes-Benz advises you to remove all add-on parts from thebicycles, e.g. bicycle baskets, child seats or batteries. This will allow you to improve the aerody-namic resistance and the bicycle rack's centre of secure bicycles against slipping and check that they are firmly seated at regular not use tarpaulins or other covers. This could impair the driving characteristics and rear aerodynamic resistance would also rise, and so would the load exerted on the trailer tow hitchas a$

Bicycle rack

239

Bicycle racks cause your vehicle's driving char-

R Always attach the bicycle rack correctly by

acteristics to change. The vehicle:

clamping onto the ball head and, if possible,

R is heavier

to the guide pin on the ball coupling as well.

R is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-

R To transport four bicycles, always use bicy-

climbing capability

cle racks with additional support on the ball

R has an increased braking distance

coupling's guide pin.

This can impair the vehicle's handling charac-

R Use only bicycle racks approved by

teristics. Adapt your driving style accordingly.

Mercedes-Benz.

Driving and parking

Maintain a safe distance and drive carefully.

R Always comply with the bicycle rack's oper-

When using bicycle racks, set the tyre pressure

on the rear axle of the vehicle for the maximum

ating manual.

load. Further information on tyre pressure can

be found in the tyre pressure table

! Using unsuitable bicycle racks or using

( Y page 370).

them incorrectly can cause damage to and

fractures in the trailer tow hitch.

Use only bicycle racks approved by

Mercedes-Benz.

Loading instructions

The greater the distance between the load's centre of gravity and the ball head, the higher the load

exerted on the trailer tow hitch.

Therefore, observe the following notes:

R attach heavy bicycles as close as possible to the vehicle

R always distribute the load on the bicycle rack as symmetrically as possible to the vehicle longi-

tudinal axis

Before loading the bicycle rack, Mercedes-Benz advises you to remove all add-on parts from the

bicycles, e.g. bicycle baskets, child seats or batteries. This will allow you to improve the aerody-

namic resistance and the bicycle rack's centre of gravity.

Always secure bicycles against slipping and check that they are firmly seated at regular intervals.

Do not use tarpaulins or other covers. This could impair the driving characteristics and rear visibility.

The aerodynamic resistance would also rise, and so would the load exerted on the trailer tow hitch

as a result.

Bicycle rack

240

Driving and parking

Load distribution on the bicycle rack

: Height between the centre of gravity and the ball coupling

; Distance at the rear between the centre of gravity and the ball coupling

= Centre of gravity is located on the central axis of the vehicle

When loading the bicycle rack, comply with the following notes:

Number of bicycles

Gross weight of bicy-

Max. distance :

Max. distance ;

cle rack and load

up to 75 kg

420 mm

300 mm

420 mm

400 mm

4 5

up to 100 kg 5

When transporting four bicycles or a gross weight between 75 kg and 100 kg, use only bicycle racks with

additional support on the guide pin of the trailer tow hitch.

Driving and parking for Your Mercedes GLE SUV First Generation (2016-2019)

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