2003 Mercedes-benz E Class Owners Manual

The activated charcoal filter should be switched off when windows fog up on the inside, or if the passenger compartment needs to be quickly heated or cooled down.

Rear window defroster

The rear window defroster uses a large amount of power. To keep the battery drain to a minimum, switch off the defrost- er as soon as the rear window is clear. The defroster is automatically deactivated af- ter approximately 6 to 17 minutes of oper- ation depending on the outside temperature.

Activating 왘 Press button F.

The indicator lamp on the button comes on.

Deactivating 왘 Press button F again.

The indicator lamp on the button goes out.

Warning!

Air conditioner

Any accumulation of snow and ice should be removed from the rear window before driv- ing. Visibility could otherwise be impaired, endangering you and others.

If the rear window defroster switches off too soon and the indicator lamp starts blinking, this means that too many electrical consumers are operat- ing simultaneously and there is insuffi- cient voltage in the battery. The system responds automatically by deactivating the rear window defroster. As soon as the battery has sufficient voltage, the rear window defroster au- tomatically turns itself back on.

The air conditioner is operational while the engine is running and cools the interior air to the temperature set by the operator.

Condensation may drip out from under- neath the vehicle. This is normal and not an indication of a malfunction.

Deactivating It is possible to deactivate the air condi- tioning (cooling) function of the automatic climate control system. The air in the vehi- cle will then no longer be cooled or dehu- midified. 왘 Press button ACOFF.

The indicator lamp on the button ACOFF lights up.

Controls in detail Automatic climate control*

Activating Moist air can fog up the windows. You can dehumidify the air with the air conditioner. 왘 Press ACOFF again.

The indicator lamp on the ACOFF button goes out.

The air conditioner uses the refrigerant R134a. This refrigerant is free of CFCs which are harmful to the ozone layer.

If the air conditioner cannot be turned on again, this indicates that the air con- ditioner is losing refrigerant. The com- pressor has turned itself off. Have the air conditioner checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

181

Controls in detail Automatic climate control*

Residual heat and ventilation

With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue to heat or ventilate the interior for up to 30 minutes. This feature makes use of the residual heat produced by the engine.

Activating 왘 Turn the key in the starter switch to

position 1 or remove it from the starter switch.

왘 Press button T.

The indicator lamp on button T comes on.

Deactivating 왘 Press button T.

The indicator lamp on button T goes out.

182

The residual heat is automatically turned off 앫 when the ignition is switched on 앫 after about 30 minutes 앫 if the battery voltage drops

How long the system will provide heat- ing depends on the coolant tempera- ture and the temperature set by the operator. The blower will run at speed setting 1 regardless of the air distribu- tion control setting.

Rear air conditioning

1 Swiveling left rear center air outlet 2 Swiveling right rear center air outlet 3 Thumbwheel, left rear center air outlet 4 Temperature rocker switch, left 5 Display 6 Temperature rocker switch, right 7 Thumbwheel, right rear center air out-

let

Controls in detail Automatic climate control*

The temperature display disappears ap- proximately 5 seconds after the last key confirmation and switches back to the nor- mal display.

The normal display will appear when the ™ button is pressed again.

Adjusting the rear settings with the front control panel

Display 왘 Press the ™ button (컄 page 174).

The display switches over.

The temperature for the rear left- and right-hand sides of the vehicle can be set with temperature rocker switches 3 and 5.

183

Display 1 Temperature, left 2 Temperature, right

Basic settings We recommend setting the temperature on both the left- and right-hand sides to 72°F. This ensures a pleasant temperature in the rear of the vehicle. The temperatures for the left- and right-hand sides can be set using tempera- ture rocker switches 4 and 6.

The rear air conditioning will not cool the air when economy mode ACOFF has been selected in the front control panel.

Controls in detail Power windows Power windows Opening and closing the windows

The side windows can be opened and closed electrically. The switches for all of the side windows are on the driver’s door. The switches for the respective windows are on the front passenger and the rear doors.

1 Rear window override switch

(컄 page 71)

2 Right front window 3 Right rear window 4 Left rear window 5 Left front window

184

Warning!

왘 Turn key in the starter switch to

position 1 or 2.

When closing the windows, be sure that there is no danger of anyone being harmed by the closing procedure.

In case of obstruction, the automatic rever- sal will not operate if a door window is being closed by pulling the switch and holding it, or when using the SmartKey.

The closing procedure of door windows can be immediately reversed by either pressing or pulling the switch, or pressing button Πon the SmartKey and holding it.

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key from starter switch, take it with you, and lock your vehicle. Do not leave children un- attended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehi- cle equipment can cause serious personal injury.

Opening the windows 왘 Press switch to resistance point.

The window will move downwards until you release the switch.

Closing the windows 왘 Pull on switch.

The window will move upwards until you release the switch.

Fully opening windows 왘 Press switch past resistance point and

release. The window opens completely.

Fully closing windows 왘 Pull switch past resistance point and

Stopping windows 왘 Press or pull respective switch again.

release. The window closes completely.

If the upward movement of the window is blocked during the closing procedure, the window will stop and open slightly.

Warning!

Driver’s door only: If within five seconds switch 1 is again pulled past the resistance point and re- leased, the automatic reversal will not oper- ate.

You can also open or close the win- dows using the following: 앫 SmartKey (summer opening/con-

venience feature), see below

앫 Button O in the control panel of the climate control (컄 page 164) or automatic climate control (컄 page 174)

앫 Button e in the control panel of

the automatic climate control (컄 page 174)

Controls in detail Power windows

Opening and closing the windows with the Smartkey The sliding/pop-up roof* will also be opened or closed when the power windows are operated with the key (컄 page 188).

Warning!

Never operate the windows or slid- ing/pop-up roof* if there is the possibility of anyone being harmed by the opening or closing procedure.

In case the procedure causes potential dan- ger, the procedure can be immediately halt- ed by releasing the control button. To reverse direction of movement press button Œ for opening or ‹ for clos- ing.

왘 Aim transmitter eye at the front door

handle.

185

Controls in detail Power windows

Opening (Summer opening feature) 왘 Press and hold button Œ after un-

Closing (Convenience feature) 왘 Press and hold button ‹ after lock-

locking the vehicle. The windows and sliding/pop-up roof* begin to open after approximately one second.

ing the vehicle. The windows and sliding/pop-up roof* begin to close after approximately one second.

왘 Release transmit button to interrupt

왘 Release transmit button to interrupt

procedure.

procedure.

Synchronizing power windows

The power windows must be resynchro- nized each time after the battery has been disconnected. 왘 Pull the power window switches until the side windows are closed and hold the switches for approximately one second.

Ensure that all side windows and the slid- ing/pop-up roof* are properly closed be- fore leaving the vehicle.

186

Sliding/pop-up roof* Opening and closing the sliding/pop-up roof*

The sliding/pop-up roof can be opened and closed electrically. The switch for the sliding/pop-up roof is on the overhead control panel.

1 Push back to slide roof open 2 Push forward to slide roof closed 3 Push up to raise roof at rear 4 Pull down to lower roof at rear

Controls in detail Sliding/pop-up roof*

왘 Turn the key in the starter switch to

position 1 or 2.

Opening and closing the sliding/pop-up roof 왘 To open, close, raise or lower the slid- ing/pop-up roof, move the switch to the resistance point in the required di- rection. Release the switch when the roof has reached the required position.

Opening and closing the sliding/pop-up roof automatically 왘 Move the switch past the resistance point in the direction required and re- lease. The sliding/pop-up roof opens or clos- es completely.

With the roof closed or tilted open, a screen can be slid into the roof opening to guard against sun rays. When sliding the roof open, the screen will also retract.

Warning!

When closing the sliding/pop-up roof, be sure that there is no danger of anyone being harmed by the closing procedure.

The closing procedure of the sliding/pop-up roof can be immediately reversed by either moving the switch in any direction, or press- ing button Πon the key and holding it. When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key from starter switch, take it with you, and lock your vehicle. Do not leave children un- attended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehi- cle equipment can cause serious personal injury.

187

Controls in detail Sliding/pop-up roof*

Stopping the sliding/pop-up roof 왘 Move the switch in any direction.

If the movement of the sliding/pop-up roof is blocked during the closing pro- cedure, the roof will stop and reopen slightly. You can also open or close the slid- ing/pop-up roof using the following: 앫 SmartKey, see below 앫 Button O in the control panel of the climate control (컄 page 164) or automatic climate control (컄 page 174)

앫 Button e in the control panel of

the automatic climate control (컄 page 174)

188

To avoid damaging the seals, do not transport any objects with sharp edges which can stick out of the slid- ing/pop-up roof. Open the sliding/pop-up roof only if the roof is clear of snow or ice. The sliding/pop-up roof can be opened or closed manually should an electrical malfunction occur (컄 page 331).

Opening and closing the sliding/pop-up roof with the SmartKey The power windows will also be opened or closed when the sliding/pop-up roof is op- erated with the key (컄 page 185).

Warning!

Never operate the windows or slid- ing/pop-up roof if there is the possibility of anyone being harmed by the opening or closing procedure.

In case the procedure causes potential dan- ger, the procedure can be immediately halt- ed by releasing the remote control button. To reverse direction of movement press Œ for opening or ‹ for closing.

왘 Aim transmitter eye at the front door

handle.

Opening (Summer opening feature) 왘 Press and hold button Œ after un-

Closing (Convenience feature) 왘 Press and hold button ‹ after lock-

locking the vehicle. The windows and sliding/pop-up roof begin to open after approximately one second.

ing the vehicle. The windows and sliding/pop-up roof begin to close after approximately one second.

왘 Release transmit button to interrupt

왘 Release transmit button to interrupt

procedure.

procedure.

Ensure that all side windows and the slid- ing/pop-up roof are properly closed before leaving the vehicle.

Controls in detail Sliding/pop-up roof*

Synchronizing the sliding/pop-up roof

The power sliding/pop-up roof must be re- synchronized each time 앫 after the battery has been disconnect-

ed

앫 the sliding/pop-up roof has been

closed manually (컄 page 331)

앫 the sliding/pop-up roof does not open

smoothly

앫 a malfunction

Synchronizing 왘 Turn the key in the starter switch to

position 1 or 2.

왘 Press the switch in the "raise" direction

until the sliding/pop-up roof is fully raised at the rear (컄 page 187). Hold the switch for approximately one second.

189

If the vehicle rolls over, there is a danger of occupants without fastened seat belts being thrown out of the opening.

In this case there is an increased risk of in- jury even for passengers with fastened seat belts, as entire body parts or portions of them may protrude from the passenger compartment.

Opening and closing the roller sunblind The roller sunblinds can only be opened or closed when the panorama sliding/pop-up roof is closed. The front and rear roller sun- blind cannot be operated individually.

Panorama sliding/pop-up roof switch 1 Open 2 Close

Controls in detail Panorama sliding/pop-up roof* Panorama sliding/pop-up roof* Panorama sliding/pop-up roof*

Warning!

When closing the panorama sliding/pop-up roof, ensure that no one is in danger of being injured.

If the panorama sliding/pop-up roof is closed with the convenience closing feature and becomes blocked, it will not open auto- matically.

Should this occur, press the release button on the key and hold it down; the panorama sliding/pop-up roof opens again.

Make sure to remove the key from the igni- tion lock even when leaving the vehicle for only a brief period of time.

In the event of an accident, the glass in ve- hicles with a glass roof may shatter.

190

Controls in detail Panorama sliding/pop-up roof*

Warning!

Opening and closing the panorama slid- ing/pop-up roof

When closing the roller sunblinds, make sure that no one is in danger of being injured by the closing procedure.

Opening the roller sunblinds automati- cally 왘 Press the switch past the resistance

point in direction 1 and release it again. The roller sunblinds open completely.

Stopping the roller sunblinds 왘 Press the switch again in any direction.

Roller sunblind switch, rear 1 Open 2 Close 왘 Make sure that the ignition is turned on

or press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button*.

왘 Press the switch in the desired direc-

tion. The sun roller sunblinds open.

왘 Release the switch when the roller sun- blinds have reached the desired posi- tion.

1 Push back to slide roof open 2 Push forward to slide roof closed 3 Push back to raise roof 4 Push forward to lower roof 왘 Make sure that the ignition is turned on

or press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button*.

왘 Push the switch to the resistance point

in the required direction. The panorama sliding/pop-up roof opens.

191

Controls in detail Panorama sliding/pop-up roof*

왘 Release the switch once the roof has

reached the desired position.

Opening and closing the panorama slid- ing/pop-up roof automatically 왘 Press the switch past the resistance

point in the desired direction. The panorama sliding/pop-up roof opens completely.

Do not transport any objects that pro- trude out of the panorama slid- ing/pop-up roof as the seals could be damaged.

Stopping the panorama sliding/pop-up roof 왘 Press the switch again in any direction.

192

Opening and closing windows and pan- orama sliding/pop-up roof with the SmartKey The power windows will also be opened or closed when the panorama sliding/pop-up roof is operated with the key (컄 page 185).

Opening (Summer opening feature) If roller blinds are closed: 왘 Press and hold button Œ after un-

locking the vehicle. The windows and roller blinds begin to open after approximately one second.

Warning!

왘 Press and hold button Œ again.

Never operate the windows or slid- ing/pop-up roof if there is the possibility of anyone being harmed by the opening or closing procedure.

In case the procedure causes potential dan- ger, the procedure can be immediately halt- ed by releasing the remote control button. To reverse direction of movement press Œ for opening or ‹ for closing.

왘 Aim transmitter eye at the front door

handle.

The panorama sliding/pop-up roof tilts and opens.

If roller blinds are already open: 왘 Press and hold button Œ after un-

locking the vehicle. The windows move down and the pan- orama sliding/pop-up roof tilts and opens after approximately one second.

왘 Release transmit button to interrupt

procedure.

Closing (Convenience feature) 왘 Press and hold button ‹ after lock-

ing the vehicle. The windows and panorama slid- ing/pop-up roof begin to close after approximately one second.

왘 Press and hold button Œ again.

The roller blinds close.

왘 Release transmit button to interrupt

procedure.

Ensure that all side windows and the pan- orama sliding/pop-up roof are properly closed before leaving the vehicle.

Synchronizing the panorama slid- ing/pop-up roof It is necessary to resynchronize the pan- orama sliding/pop-up roof after: 앫 voltage supply interruption due to a disconnected or discharged battery 앫 the roof has been closed manually 앫 the roof has been opened with an

abrupt movement

앫 a malfunction 왘 Remove the fuse from the main fuse

box.

왘 Replace the fuse in the main fuse box. 왘 Turn the ignition on. 왘 Press the switch in direction 3. 왘 Wait until the panorama sliding/pop-up roof is raised and then keep the switch pressed for approximately 1 second.

Controls in detail Panorama sliding/pop-up roof*

Solar panel*

Combined with the panorama slid- ing/pop-up roof a solar panel is available. The solar cells convert natural light into electrical energy. When the engine is switched off, the energy generated auto- matically switches on the ventilation fan. The constant air flow creates a cooler tem- perature for cars parked in the sunlight. The air flow depends on the intensity of the solar radiation. The ventilation starts 2 minutes after switching off the engine.

193

Controls in detail Driving systems Driving systems The following driving systems are ex- plained on the following pages: 앫 Cruise control 앫 Distronic* 앫 AIRMATIC DC* 앫 Park assist (Parktronic*) The BAS, ABS, ESP and SBC driving sys- tems are described in the "Safety and Se- curity" section (컄 page 73).

Cruise control

Cruise control automatically maintains the speed you set for your vehicle. Use of cruise control is recommended for driving at a constant speed for extended periods of time. You can set any speed over 20 mph (30 km/h). The cruise control function is operated by means of the cruise control lever. The cruise control lever is the uppermost lever found on the left-hand side of the steering column (컄 page 20).

194

Warning!

Cruise control is a convenience system de- signed to assist the driver during vehicle op- eration. The driver must always remain responsible for the vehicle speed and for safe brake operation.

Only use cruise control if the traffic and weather conditions make it advisable to travel at a steady speed. 앫 The use of cruise control can be danger- ous on winding roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not allow safe driving at a steady speed.

앫 The use of cruise control can be danger- ous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction can result in wheel spin and loss of control.

앫 Deactivate cruise control when driving

in fog.

The "Resume" function should only be oper- ated if the driver is fully aware of the previ- ously set speed and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.

i On uphill or downhill grades, cruise control may not be able to maintain the set speed. Once the grade eases, the set speed will be resumed.

Canceling cruise control There are several ways to cancel cruise control: 왘 Step on the brake pedal. or 왘 Briefly push the cruise control lever to

position 3. Cruise control will be canceled. The last speed set will be stored for later use.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Vehicles with automatic transmission: Moving gear selector lever to position N while driving also cancels cruise control. However, the gear se- lector lever should not be moved to position N while driving except to coast when the vehicle is in danger of skid- ding (e.g. on icy roads).

Vehicles with manual transmission: The set cruise controlled speed is switched off when declutching exceeds four seconds during downshifting a gear.

The last stored speed is canceled when you turn off the engine.

195

1 Set current or higher speed 2 Set current or lower speed 3 Cancel cruise control 4 Resume at previously set speed

Saving current speed 왘 Accelerate or decelerate to the desired

speed.

왘 Briefly lift 1 or depress 2 the cruise

control lever. The current speed is set.

왘 Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal. Cruise control is activated.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Setting stored speed ("Resume" function)

Setting a higher speed 왘 Lift the cruise control lever to

Warning!

position 1 and hold it up until the de- sired speed is reached.

The speed stored in memory should only be set again if prevailing road conditions per- mit. Possible acceleration or deceleration differences arising from returning to preset speed could endanger yourself and others.

왘 Briefly push the cruise control lever to

position 4. The cruise control will resume the last previously set speed.

왘 Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal.

왘 Release the cruise control lever.

The new speed is set. Depressing the accelerator pedal does not deactivate cruise control. After brief acceleration (e.g. for passing), cruise control will resume the last speed set.

Setting a lower speed 왘 Depress the cruise control lever to position 2 and hold it down until the desired speed is reached.

왘 Release the cruise control lever.

The new speed is set.

Vehicles with automatic transmission: When you use the cruise control lever to decelerate, the transmission will au- tomatically downshift if the engine’s braking power does not brake the vehi- cle sufficiently.

Fine adjustment in 0.6 mph (1 km/h) increments

Faster 왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow 1.

Slower 왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow 2.

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Distronic*

When activated, the Distronic adaptive cruise control system increases driving convenience afforded by the cruise control during travel on expressways and other major roads. 앫 If the Distronic distance sensor detects a slower moving vehicle directly ahead, your vehicle speed will be reduced so that you follow that vehicle at a preset distance.

앫 If there is no vehicle directly ahead of you, Distronic will function in the same way as cruise control (컄 page 201).

Warning!

Distronic adaptive cruise control is no sub- stitute for active driving involvement. It does not react to stationary objects, nor recog- nize or predict the curvature and lane layout or the movement of vehicles ahead. Distron- ic can only apply a maximum of 20% of the vehicle’s braking power.

It is the driver’s responsibility at all times to be attentive to traffic and road conditions and to provide the steering, braking and oth- er driving inputs necessary to retain control of the vehicle.

Warning!

Distronic is a convenience system. Its speed adjustment reduction capability is intended to make cruise control more effective and usable when traffic speeds vary. However, it is not intended to, nor does it, replace the need for extreme care. The responsibility for the vehicle speed and the distance to the ve- hicle ahead, including most importantly brake operation to assure safe stopping dis- tance, always rests with the driver.

Distronic cannot take street and traffic con- ditions into account.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Warning!

Distronic requires familiarity with its opera- tional characteristics. We strongly recom- mend that you review the following information carefully before operating the system.

For operation in the USA only: This de- vice complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 앫 This device may not cause harmful

interference, and

앫 this device must accept any inter- ference received, including interfer- ence that may cause undesired operation.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

197

Distronic is designed and intended only to maintain a set speed and keep a set dis- tance from moving objects in front of it.

Warning!

The "Resume" function should only be oper- ated if the driver is fully aware of the previ- ously set speed and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Warning!

Warning!

Distronic cannot take street and traffic con- ditions into account. Only use Distronic if the weather and traffic conditions make it advisable to travel at a steady speed.

Warning!

Use of Distronic can be dangerous on slip- pery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction can result in wheel spin and loss of control.

Distronic does not act upon adverse sight distance conditions. Do not use Distronic during conditions of fog and heavy rain, snow or sleet.

Close attention to road and traffic condi- tions is imperative at all times, regardless of whether or not Distronic is activated.

Use of Distronic can be dangerous on wind- ing roads or in heavy traffic because condi- tions do not allow safe driving at a steady speed.

Distronic will not react to stationary objects in the roadway (e.g. a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam or a disabled vehicle). Distronic will also not respond to oncoming vehicles.

Switch off Distronic: 앫 when changing from the left to the right lane if vehicles are moving more slowly in the left lane

앫 when entering a turn lane or highway off

ramp

앫 in complex driving situations, such as in

highway construction zones

In these situations, Distronic will continue to maintain the set speed unless deactivated.

198

Distronic displays in the speedometer dial

1 Set speed If Distronic is activated, one or two seg- ments light up around the set speed.

The vehicle speed displayed on the speedometer can briefly vary from the speed setting on the Distronic system.

1 Segments If Distronic detects a vehicle directly ahead, the segments from the speed of the vehicle ahead to the set speed light up. If Distronic calculates that there is a dan- ger of collision: 앫 The DTR warning lamp l in the in-

strument cluster lights up red.

앫 An intermittent warning sounds. 왘 Immediately brake the vehicle to avoid

a collision.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Under no circumstances should the driver await the intermittent warning sound before braking. See warning note on the next page. The intermittent warning sound ceases and the red DTR warning lamp l goes out when the necessary distance to the vehicle ahead is again estab- lished.

199

Distronic menu in the control system In the Distronic menu you can read the cur- rent settings for Distronic. What appears in the display depends on whether Distronic and the distance warning function are turned on or off. 왘 Press button è or ÿ repeatedly

until you see one of the following dis- plays.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Warning!

Warning!

Distronic brakes your vehicle with a maxi- mum deceleration of 6.5 ft/s2 (2 m/s2). This corresponds to about 20% of the maxi- mum deceleration ability of your vehicle.

Distronic brakes the vehicle in an effort to restore the preset distance or to maintain the speed. The brake pedal is automatically applied as this happens which results in the brake pedal moving.

Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times, in- cluding the area under the brake pedal. Ob- jects stored in this area may impair pedal movement which could interfere with the braking ability of the Distronic system.

Do not place your foot under the brake pedal – your foot could become caught.

An intermittent warning sounds and the DTR warning lamp in the instrument cluster is illuminated if the Distronic system calcu- lates that the distance to the vehicle ahead and your vehicle’s current speed indicate that Distronic will not be capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to maintain the pre- set following distance, which creates a dan- ger of a collision.

Immediately brake the vehicle to increase the distance to the vehicle in front of you. The warning sound is intended as a final cau- tion that you have not interceded with your own braking inputs to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Do not wait for the op- eration of the warning signal to intercede with your own braking, as that will result in potentially dangerous emergency braking which will not always result in an impact be- ing avoided.

Tailgating increases the risk of an accident.

200

Controls in detail Driving systems

Distronic deactivated If Distronic is deactivated you can see the standard display of Distronic in the multi- function display.

Distronic activated If you turn Distronic on, you will see the set speed in the multifunction display for about five seconds. If Distronic is activated, you can see the following dis- play in the multifunction display.

Cruise control lever The Distronic system is operated by means of the cruise control lever. The cruise control lever is the uppermost lever found on the left-hand side of the steering column.

1 Vehicle ahead, if detected 2 Actual distance to vehicle ahead 3 Should-be distance to vehicle ahead 4 Your vehicle 5 Symbol for activated distance warning

function

1 Distronic activated

1 Set current or higher speed 2 Set current or lower speed 3 Deactivate Distronic 4 Resume at previously set speed

201

Controls in detail Driving systems

Activating Distronic You can activate Distronic if: 앫 you are driving between 25 mph (Canada:40 km/h) and 110 mph (Canada:180 km/h)

앫 the ESP is activated (컄 page 75) If Distronic has not been activated after pressing the cruise control lever you will see the message --- in the multifunction display. In the following cases you cannot activate Distronic: 앫 Up to two minutes after starting the en-

gine

앫 When you brake 앫 If you have set the parking brake 앫 If the gear selector lever is in

position P, R or N

앫 If the ESP is switched off

202

Setting the current speed 왘 Accelerate or decelerate to the desired

speed.

왘 Briefly lift or depress the cruise control

lever. Distronic is activated and the current speed is set.

왘 Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal. If you do not take your foot off of the accelerator completely, the following message will appear in the multifunc- tion display: Distronic override. The distance to a slower moving vehicle in front of you will not be set. Your vehicle speed will then be determined only by the accel- erator pedal position.

Setting a higher speed 왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the direction of arrow 1 (컄 page 201) to in- crease vehicle speed in increments of 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h). The new speed is set. The stored speed is displayed in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds (컄 page 201), and one or two segments around the stored speed light up on the speedometer (컄 page 199). Depressing the accelerator pedal does not deactivate Distronic. After brief ac- celeration (e.g. for passing), cruise con- trol will resume the last speed set.

Setting a lower speed 왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow 2 (컄 page 201) to decrease vehicle speed in increments of 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h). The new speed is set. The stored speed is displayed in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds (컄 page 199), and one or two segments around the stored speed light up on the speedometer (컄 page 199). When you use the cruise control lever to decelerate, the transmission will au- tomatically downshift if the rate of de- celeration is too low.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Fine adjustment in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments

Resetting stored speeds

Faster 왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow 4 (컄 page 201).

Warning!

The speed stored in memory should only be set again if prevailing road conditions per- mit. Possible acceleration or deceleration differences arising from returning to preset speed could endanger yourself and others.

왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow 4 (컄 page 201). Distronic is set to the last stored speed.

왘 Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal.

203

Controls in detail Driving systems

Deactivating Distronic There are several ways to deactivate the Distronic system: 왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow 3 (컄 page 201).

or 왘 Step on the brake pedal.

Distronic will be deactivated. The last speed set will be stored into memory. The following message will appear in the multifunction display for approxi- mately five seconds: Distronic off. The last stored speed is deleted when you turn off the engine.

204

Distronic deactivates automatically when: 앫 you set the parking brake 앫 you drive slower than 25 mph

(Canada: 40 km/h)

앫 the ESP is active (컄 page 75) or you de-

activate the ESP

앫 you move the transmission selector le-

ver into position N A signal will sound. The Distronic off message appears in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds.

Setting the following distance in Distronic You can set the specified following dis- tance for Distronic by varying the time set- ting between 1.0 and 2.0 seconds. Using this time setting and the current speed of your vehicle, Distronic calculates and sets the required following distance to the vehi- cle ahead. The set distance will be shown in the multifunction display field. The thumbwheel for making the time set- ting is located on the lower section of the center console.

Warning!

Warning!

Distronic switches off and releases the brakes when the vehicle decelerates below the minimum speed of approx. 25 mph ( 40 km/h) by operation of the system. At that time the driver must apply the brakes in order to reduce vehicle speed further or bring it to a stop.

It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to select the appropriate setting given road conditions, traffic, driver’s preferred driving style and applicable laws and driving recom- mendations for safe following distance.

Decreasing distance Decreasing the distance setting tells Dis- tronic to maintain a shorter following dis- tance to the vehicle ahead. 왘 Turn thumbwheel 3 towards ®.

Distance warning function When Distronic is deactivated, this func- tion will continue to warn you when recog- nizing a stationary obstacle or a slower vehicle moving in the vehicle’s path and the danger of a collision exists: 앫 The distance warning lamp l in the

instrument cluster comes on.

앫 An intermittent warning sounds. If these warnings are issued, you must brake manually to maintain a safe distance and avoid a collision with the vehicle ahead. When pressing the brake pedal, the warn- ing sound stops. The warning sound also stops when the distance to the vehicle

Controls in detail Driving systems

ahead is sufficient again without applying the brake pedal. In this case the distance warning lamp also extinguishes.

Warning!

If the DTR warning lamp l in the instru- ment cluster lights up while driving and/or an intermittent warning sounds, immediate attention on the part of the driver is re- quired.

As required by the traffic situation, apply the brakes and navigate around a possible ob- stacle. However, do not drive by relying on the distance warning function, as this will re- sult in an emergency braking application. Especially depending on road surface condi- tions and driver reaction, this will not always enable you to avoid a collision.

Complex driving situations are not al- ways fully recognized by Distronic. This could result in wrong or missing dis- tance warnings.

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1 Distance warning function on/off

switch

2 Control lamp 3 Thumbwheel for setting distance

Increasing distance Increasing the distance setting tells Dis- tronic to maintain a greater following dis- tance to the vehicle ahead. 왘 Turn thumbwheel 3 towards ¯.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Activating 왘 Press button 1.

Indicator lamp 2 on the button lights up. A loudspeaker symbol appears in the multifunction display (컄 page 201).

Deactivating 왘 Press button 1.

Indicator lamp 2 on the button goes out. No loudspeaker symbol appears in the multifunction display.

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Driving with Distronic This section describes a number of driving situations where special precaution is re- quired on the part of the driver. Be pre- pared to brake in such situations. This will deactivate the Distronic system.

Warning!

Distronic works to maintain the speed se- lected by the driver unless a moving obsta- cle proceeding directly ahead of it in the same travel direction is detected (e.g. fol- lowing another vehicle ahead of you at a dis- tance set by Distronic). This means that: 앫 your vehicle can pass another vehicle af-

ter you change lanes

앫 while in a sharp turn or if the vehicle in front is in a sharp turn, Distronic could lose sight of a vehicle traveling in front of it, then your vehicle could accelerate to the previously selected speed.

Distronic regulates only the distance be- tween your vehicle and those directly ahead of it, but does not register stationary objects in the road, e.g.: 앫 a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam 앫 a disabled vehicle 앫 an oncoming vehicle The driver must always be on the alert, ob- serve all traffic and intercede as required by steering or braking the vehicle.

Warning!

Distronic should not be used in snowy or icy road conditions.

The most likely cause for a malfunctioning system is a dirty sensor (located behind the hood grille), especially at times of snow and ice or heavy rain. In such a case, Dis- tronic will switch off, and the message Distronic - Clean sensor! see oper. Manual appears in the multifunction dis- play. For cleaning and care of the Distronic sen- sor, see "Cleaning the Distronic system sensor" (컄 page 283).

Controls in detail Driving systems

Turns and bends

If the message "Distronic - clean sen- sor!" See oper. manual disappears dur- ing driving and the last speed stored flashes for approximately five seconds, the dirt (e.g. slush) has dissolved; Distronic works again.

In turns or bends, Distronic may not detect a moving vehicle in front, or it may detect one too soon. This may cause your vehicle to brake late or unexpectedly.

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Controls in detail Driving systems

Offset driving

Lane changing

Narrow vehicles

A vehicle traveling in your lane but offset from your direct line of travel may not be detected by Distronic. There will be insuffi- cient distance to the vehicle ahead.

Distronic has not yet detected the vehicle changing lanes. There will be insufficient distance to the lane-changing vehicle.

Because of its narrow profile, the vehicle traveling near the edge of the roadway has not yet been detected by Distronic. There will be insufficient distance to the vehicle ahead.

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AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control)*

앫 With decreasing speed, the ride height

is again raised to the "Normal" level. These height adjustments are so small that you may not notice any change.

Select the "Raised" level only when re- quired by current driving conditions. Oth- erwise 앫 fuel consumption may increase 앫 handling may be impaired

Vehicle level control Your vehicle automatically adjusts its ride height to 앫 reduce fuel consumption 앫 increase vehicle safety The following vehicle chassis ride heights are possible: 앫 Normal 앫 Raised 앫 Lowered The vehicle chassis ride height is raised or lowered according to the selected level setting and to the vehicle speed: 앫 With increasing speed, ride height is re- duced automatically by up to approxi- mately 0.6 inch (15 mm) "Lowered" level.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Warning!

To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and feet away from wheel housing area, and stay away from under the vehicle when low- ering the vehicle chassis.

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Controls in detail Driving systems

The following vehicle level settings can be selected when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running:

Vehicle level when stationary Normal Raised

Use for

Ride height increase over normal

Normal operation None Driving with snow chains or very rough road sur- face conditions

Approx. 1 in (25 mm)

Automatic lowering

Indicator lamp (컄 page 210)

Max. approx. 0.6 in (15 mm) Max. approx. 1 in (25 mm)

Lamp off Lamp on

The switch is located in the lower section of the center console.

왘 Briefly press switch 1 to change from "Normal" level to "Raised" level. When vehicle is at "Raised" level, pressing the switch will return the vehicle to "Nor- mal" level.

1 Vehicle level control switch 2 Indicator lamp

210

At a speed of approx. above 75 mph (120 km/h) or if the speed amounts to between 50 mph (80 km/h) and 75 mph (120 km/h) for approx. five minutes the setting "Raised" is can- celed. The message Level selec. canceled appears in the multifunction display. If you do not drive in this speed range, the "Raised" level remains stored even if the key is removed from the ignition.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Comfort-/Sport setting The AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) consists of two components: 앫 Adaptive-Damping-System (ADS) 앫 Suspension style The ADS automatically selects the opti- mum damping for the respective driving conditions. At the same time the suspen- sion style is set to either sporty or regular.

The suspension tuning is set according to: 앫 your driving style 앫 road surface conditions 앫 your choice of suspension style,

"sporty I", "sporty II" or "regular", which you select using the damping switch. The selected suspension style is stored in memory, even after the key is re- moved from the starter switch. In the sporty suspension style the vehi- cle is lowered 0.6 in (15 mm).

1 Damping button 2 Indicator lamps 왘 Start the engine.

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Controls in detail Driving systems

Suspension for sporty driving style I The setting for sporty driving I is selected when one indicator lamp 2 is illuminated. 왘 Press button 1.

One indicator lamp 2 comes on.

Suspension for sporty driving style II The setting for sporty driving II is selected when two indicator lamps 2 are illuminat- ed. 왘 Press button 1 twice.

Two indicator lamps 2 come on.

Suspension for regular driving style The setting for regular driving is selected when the two indicator lamps 2 are off. 왘 Press button 1 repeatedly until all indi-

cator lamps go out. The indicator lamps 2 go out.

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PARKTRONIC system*

Warning!

Parktronic is a supplemental system. It is not intended to, nor does it replace, the need for extreme care. The responsibility during parking and other critical maneuvers always rests with the driver.

Special attention must be paid to objects having smooth surfaces or low silhouettes (e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts, or street curbs). Such objects may not be de- tected by the system and can damage the vehicle.

The operational function of the Parktronic can be affected by dirty sensors, especially at times of snow and ice. See "Cleaning the Parktronic system sensors" (컄 page 284). Interference caused by other ultrasonic sig- nals (e.g. working jackhammers or the air brakes of trucks) can cause the system to send erratic indications, and should be tak- en into consideration.

Warning!

Be sure that no persons or animals are in the area in which you are maneuvering. You could otherwise injure them.

The Parktronic system is an electronic aid designed to assist the driver during park- ing maneuvers. It visually and audibly indi- cates the relative distance between the vehicle and an obstacle. The Parktronic system is automatically ac- tivated when you switch on the ignition and release the parking brake. The Park- tronic system deactivates at speeds over 11 mph (18 km/h). At lower speeds the Parktronic system turns on again.

The Parktronic system monitors the sur- roundings of your vehicle with six sensors in the front bumper and four sensors in the rear bumper.

Range of the sensors To function properly, the sensors must be free of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean the sensors regularly, being careful not to scratch or damage the sensors.

1 Sensors in the front bumper

Front sensors

Center Corners

approx. 40 in (100 cm) approx. 23 in (60 cm)

Rear sensors

Center Corners

approx. 48 in (120 cm) approx. 32 in (80 cm)

Controls in detail Driving systems

During parking maneuvers, pay special attention to objects located above or below the height of the sensors (e.g. planters or trailer hitches). The Park- tronic system will not detect such ob- jects at close range and damage to your vehicle or the object may result. Ultrasonic signals from outside sourc- es (e.g. truck air brakes or jackham- mers) may impair the operation of the Parktronic system.

Minimum distance

Center Corners

approx. 8 in (20 cm) approx. 6 in (15 cm)

If the system encounters an obstacle in this range, all the warning lamps light up and you hear a warning signal. If the obsta- cle is closer than the minimum distance, the actual distance may no longer be indi- cated by the system.

213

Controls in detail Driving systems

Warning indicators Visual signals indicate to the driver the rel- ative distance between the sensors and an obstacle. The warning indicator for the front area is located above the center air outlets in the dashboard. The warning indi- cator for the rear area is integrated in the rear trim.

Each warning indicator is divided into six yellow and two red segments for either side of the vehicle. The Parktronic system is ready when the border around the indi- cator is illuminated. The position of the gear selector lever de- termines which warning indicators will be activated.

Selector lever po- sition R or N

Warning indicator

Front area activated Rear area activated Neither activated

Front area warning indicator 1 Left side of the vehicle 2 Right side of the vehicle

214

As your vehicle approaches an object, one or more segments will light up, depending on the distance. When the eighth segment lights up, you have reached the minimum distance. 앫 Front area: An intermittent acoustic

warning will sound as the seventh seg- ment lights up and a constant acoustic warning lasting a maximum of three seconds will sound for the eighth seg- ment.

앫 Rear area: An intermittent acoustic

warning will sound when the first seg- ment lights up. This signal quickens with each additional segment lit. When the eighth segment illuminates, the acoustic warning becomes a constant signal. The signal is canceled when the selector lever is placed in position D or P.

Switching the Parktronic system on/off You can switch off the Parktronic system manually. The Parktronic switch is located in the low- er section of the center console.

1 Parktronic on/off 2 Indicator lamp

Controls in detail Driving systems

Switching off the Parktronic system 왘 Press button 1.

Indicator lamp 2 comes on.

Switching on the Parktronic system 왘 Press button 1 again.

Indicator lamp 2 goes out.

215

Preparing roof rack installation 왘 Open trim 1 at the trim strips in the

Ski sack*

roof.

왘 Secure the roof rack according to man- ufacturer’s instructions for installation.

Be sure to stack a load on the roof rack so that the vehicle cannot be damaged while driving. Make sure that: 앫 you can fully raise the

sliding/pop-up roof*

앫 you can fully open the trunk

Unfolding and loading 왘 Fold armrest down (arrow). 왘 Swing cover 1 down.

Controls in detail Loading Loading Roof rack*

Warning!

Use only those roof racks approved by Mer- cedes-Benz for your vehicle model to avoid damage to the vehicle. Follow manufactur- er’s installation instructions.

1 Trim

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Controls in detail Loading

왘 Open hook and loop strap 1. 왘 Pull ski sack into passenger compart-

ment and unfold.

왘 From trunk, slide skis into ski sack.

왘 Wrap strap around ski sack and arm-

Warning!

rest.

왘 Close clasp (arrows) and pull strap

tight to immobilize skis.

The ski sack is designed for up to four pairs of skis. Do not load the ski sack with other objects.

Always fasten the ski sack securely. In an accident, an unfastened ski sack can cause injury to vehicle occupants.

217

Controls in detail Loading

Unloading and folding

왘 Connect snap hook 1 of front strap to eye 2 located on center tunnel in front of rear seat bench.

왘 Loosen strap, open clasp by pressing

tabs together (arrows).

왘 Unload skis. 왘 Close flap in trunk. 왘 Fold and flatten ski sack lengthwise

and place folded ski sack inside recess of backrest.

왘 Close ski sack compartment cover.

218

Split rear bench seat*

To expand the trunk, you can fold down the left and right rear seat backrests. The two sections can be folded down sep- arately to enlarge the trunk. When transporting long items, the folding front passenger seat* can be folded for- ward, and you can remove the rear seat cushions.

Removal of ski sack For removal of the ski sack we recommend that you contact an authorized Mer- cedes-Benz Center.

Warning!

Never drive vehicle with trunk open while the ski sack is removed. Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle in- terior, resulting in unconsciousness and death.

To prevent unauthorized persons from access to the trunk, always close the cover.

Controls in detail Loading

Warning!

When expanding the luggage compartment, always fold the seat cushions fully forward.

Unless you are transporting cargo, the back- rests must remain properly locked in the up- right position.

In an accident, during hard braking or sud- den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around inside the vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle occupants unless the items are securely fastened in the vehicle.

Always use the cargo tie down rings (컄 page 225).

219

Controls in detail Loading

Folding the backrest forward

1 Release handle 왘 Pull release handle 1.

The seat cushion automatically springs upward slightly.

1 Seat cushion 2 Seat backrest 왘 Grip the back of seat cushion 1 and

fold forward.

왘 Push the rear seat head restraints all

the way in.

왘 Pull the handle in the trunk.

The seat backrest is released and the head restraints fold back.

왘 Fold the seat backrest forward.

220

Returning seat backrest to original po- sition

1 Seat cushion 2 Seat backrest 왘 Swing seat backrest 2 to the rear until

it engages.

왘 Swing seat cushion 1 to the rear and press the center front of the cushion until it audibly engages.

왘 Swing the head restraint forward by

hand until it engages.

Controls in detail Loading

Warning!

Always lock backrest in its upright position when rear seat bench is occupied, or the ex- tended trunk compartment is not in use. Check for secure locking by pushing and pulling on the backrest.

In an accident, during hard braking or sud- den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around inside the vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle occupants unless the items are securely fastened in the vehicle.

To help avoid personal injury during a colli- sion or sudden maneuver, exercise care when transporting cargo.

221

Controls in detail Loading

Folding front passenger seat*

Folding front passenger seat back

Folding front passenger seat forward

1 Release handle 왘 Using release handle 1, pull the back-

rest to its original position. Pull the handle until the backrest has reached an angle of approximatley 45°.

왘 Fold the backrest all the way forward. 왘 Press the backrest lightly downward until it is resting on the seat cushion.

1 Release handle 왘 Press the right-hand side of release

Warning!

Make sure that the backrest engages and locks when folding it back into place.

handle 1. The handle folds out.

왘 Pull the left-hand side of the release

handle. The front passenger seat backrest is released and can be folded forward.

222

Expanding the cargo area*

왘 Fold the backrest into the vertical posi-

tion.

Removing the rear seat cushions will pro- vide you with a larger, flat cargo area. 왘 Fold the seat cushions and the back-

rests forward.

왘 Remove the head restraints.

(Raise the seat backrest and fold the head restraints forward.)

1 Release lever 왘 Pull seat cushion release lever 1 and remove the seat cushion by pulling it upward.

1 Release catch 왘 Press head restraint release catch 1

and pull the head restraints out of the guides.

Controls in detail Loading

Leave the seat cushion hinge in this po- sition. The upholstery could be dam- aged if you fold the hinge back.

223

Controls in detail Loading

Loading instructions

The total load weight including vehicle oc- cupants and luggage/cargo should not ex- ceed the vehicle capacity weight indicated on the certification tag which can be found on the left door pillar.

224

The handling characteristics of a fully load- ed vehicle depend greatly on the load dis- tribution. It is therefore recommended to load the vehicle according to the illustra- tions shown, with the heaviest items being placed towards the front of the vehicle. Always place items being carried against front or rear seat backrests, and fasten them as securely as possible. The heaviest portion of the cargo should al- ways be kept as low as possible since it in- fluences the handling characteristics of the vehicle.

Warning!

Always fasten items being carried as secure- ly as possible.

In an accident, during hard braking or sud- den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around inside the vehicle and can cause in- jury to vehicle occupants unless the items are securely fastened in the vehicle.

To help avoid personal injury during a colli- sion or sudden maneuver, exercise care when transporting cargo. Put luggage or car- go in the trunk if possible. Do not pile lug- gage or cargo higher than the seat backs. Do not place anything on the shelf below the rear windows.

Never drive vehicle with trunk open. Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter ve- hicle interior resulting in unconsciousness and death.

Cargo tie-down rings*

Rear seat There is a cargo tie-down ring located on each side of the footwell under the rear seat.

Controls in detail Loading

Four rings 1 are located in the cargo com- partment. 왘 Carefully secure cargo by applying

even load on all rings with rope of suffi- cient strength to hold down the cargo. Always follow loading instructions (컄 page 224).

225

Controls in detail Useful features Useful features Interior storage spaces

Warning!

To help avoid personal injury during a colli- sion or sudden maneuver, exercise care when stowing objects in the vehicle. Put lug- gage or cargo in the trunk if possible. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the seat backs. Do not place anything on the shelf below the rear window.

Luggage nets cannot secure hard or heavy objects.