2004 Mercedes-benz E Class Owners Manual

Stopping the roller sunblinds 왘 Move the switch in any direction.

210

Opening and closing the panorama sliding/pop-up roof

Warning!

The panorama sliding/pop-up roof can be opened and closed electrically. The switch for the panorama sliding/pop-up roof is on the overhead control panel. The panorama sliding/pop-up roof only op- erates with the sunblinds opened.

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

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

The opening procedure of the panorama sliding/pop-up roof can be immediately halted by releasing the switch or, if the switch was moved past the resistance point and released, by moving the switch in any di- rection.

The closing procedure of the panorama sliding/pop-up roof can be immediately halted by releasing the switch.

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from starter switch, take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 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 an accident and/or serious personal injury.

! Do not transport any objects that pro- trude out of the panorama sliding/pop-up roof as the seals could be damaged. Do not open the panorama sliding/pop-up roof if there is snow or ice on the roof, as this could result in malfunctions. The panorama sliding/pop-up roof can be opened or closed manually should an electrical malfunction occur (컄 page 364).

You can also open or close the panora- ma sliding/pop-up roof using the: 앫 SmartKey (summer opening/con-

venience future) (컄 page 203)

앫 button , in the control panel of

the automatic climate control (컄 page 190)

앫 button e in the control panel of

the automatic climate control (컄 page 196)

왘 Turn SmartKey in the starter switch to

position 1 or 2 or press the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button once or twice.

Controls in detail Panorama sliding/pop-up roof*

Opening and closing the panorama sliding/pop-up roof 왘 To open or close the panorama

sliding/pop-up roof, move the switch to resistance point in the required direction 1 to 4. Release the switch when the roof has reached the desired position.

Fully opening the panorama sliding/pop-up roof (Express-open) 왘 Move the switch past the resistance

point in direction 1 and release. The panorama sliding/pop-up roof opens completely.

The panorama sliding/pop-up roof can- not be closed fully (Express-close)

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

211

Controls in detail Panorama sliding/pop-up roof*

Opening and closing panorama sliding/pop-up roof with the SmartKey The power windows (컄 page 201) will also be opened or closed when the panorama sliding/pop-up roof is operated with the SmartKey.

Warning!

Never operate the windows or panorama sliding/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 driver’s door

handle.

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Opening (Summer opening feature) If the weather is warm, you can ventilate the vehicle before driving off by simulta- neously: 앫 opening the sliding/pop-up roof 앫 opening the side windows 앫 switching on the seat ventilation* If roller sunblinds are closed: 왘 Press and hold button Œ after un-

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

왘 Press and hold button Œ again.

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

If roller sunblinds 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 stop proce-

dure.

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

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

왘 Release the ‹ button to stop proce-

dure.

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

Controls in detail Panorama sliding/pop-up roof*

Closing the panorama sliding/pop-up roof with KEYLESS-GO* The power windows (컄 page 201) will also be closed when the panorama sliding/pop-up roof is operated with KEYLESS-GO. 왘 Press and hold lock button at driver’s

door (컄 page 54) until the side win- dows and the panorama sliding/pop-up roof are closed.

Warning!

Synchronizing the panorama sliding/pop-up roof

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

If potential danger exists, proceed as fol- lows: 앫 Release the lock button. 앫 Pull on the door handle and hold firmly.

The side windows and the panorama sliding/pop-up roof will open for as long as the door handle is held but the door is not opened.

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 (컄 page 389).

왘 Replace the fuse in the main fuse box. 왘 Switch on ignition. 왘 Press the switch in direction 2

(컄 page 210).

컄컄

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Controls in detail Panorama sliding/pop-up roof*

컄컄

왘 Wait until the roller sunblinds are closed and then keep the switch pressed for approximately one second.

왘 Move the switch in direction 1

(컄 page 210).

왘 Wait until the roller sunblinds are

opened.

왘 Move the switch in direction 3

(컄 page 210).

왘 Wait until the panorama

sliding/pop-up roof is raised and then keep the switch pressed for approxi- mately one second.

왘 Move the switch in direction 2

(컄 page 210).

왘 Wait until the panorama

sliding/pop-up roof is closed and then keep the switch pressed for approxi- mately one second. The panorama sliding/pop up roof is synchronized.

The synchronization must be repeated if the panorama sliding/pop-up roof cannot be fully opened (Express-open).

Solar panel*

A solar panel is available in combination with the panorama sliding/pop-up roof. 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 two minutes after switching off the engine.

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왔 Driving systems The following driving systems are ex- plained on the following pages: 앫 Cruise control and Distronic*, with

which the vehicle can maintain a preset speed

앫 Airmatic* adjusts the vehicle suspen- sion characteristics automatically and controls the vehicle level

앫 Parktronic system*, which assists the

driver during parking maneuvers

The BAS, ABS, ESP and SBC are described in the “Safety and Security” section (컄 page 80).

Cruise control

The 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).

Controls in detail Driving systems

Warning!

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

Only use cruise control if the road, 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.

215

! 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).

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

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

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.

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Setting stored speed (“Resume” function)

Warning!

Setting a higher speed 왘 Lift the cruise control lever to

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 cause an accident and/or seri- ous injury to you 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.

Controls in detail Driving systems

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 1 mph (Canada: 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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Controls in detail Driving systems

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 222).

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. Distronic can only apply a maximum of 20% of the vehicle’s braking power.

218

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.

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.

Warning!

Warning!

Distronic cannot take street and traffic con- ditions into account. Only use Distronic if the road, 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.

Controls in detail Driving systems

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.

219

Under no circumstances should the driver await the intermittent warning sound before braking. See the follow- ing warning note. 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.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Distronic displays in the speedometer dial

1 Set speed If Distronic is activated, one or two seg- ments come on 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 come on. If Distronic calculates that there is a dan- ger of collision: 앫 The DTR warning lamp l in the in-

strument cluster comes on red. 앫 An intermittent warning sounds. 왘 Immediately brake the vehicle to avoid

a collision.

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Warning!

Warning!

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.

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.

Controls in detail Driving systems

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.

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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 Preset distance threshold 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

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Activating Distronic You can activate Distronic if: 앫 you are driving between 25 mph

(40 km/h) and 110 mph (180 km/h)

앫 the ESP is activated (컄 page 82) 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

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

Controls in detail Driving systems

Setting a higher speed 왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the direction of arrow 1 (컄 page 222) to increase 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 222), and one or two segments around the stored speed come on on the speedometer (컄 page 220).

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.

223

Controls in detail Driving systems

Setting a lower speed 왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the direction of arrow 2 (컄 page 222) 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 222), and one or two segments around the stored speed come on on the speedometer (컄 page 220).

When you use the cruise control lever to decelerate, the transmission will au- tomatically downshift if the rate of de- celeration is too low.

224

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

Setting stored speed (“Resume” function)

Faster 왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow 4 (컄 page 222).

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 cause an accident and/or seri- ous injury to you and others.

왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow 4 (컄 page 222). Distronic is activated and set to the last stored speed.

왘 Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal.

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 222).

or 왘 Step on the brake pedal.

Distronic will be deactivated. The last speed set will be stored in 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.

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

(40 km/h)

앫 the ESP is active (컄 page 82) 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 approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) by operation of the sys- tem. At that time the driver must apply the brakes in order to reduce vehicle speed fur- ther 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.

225

Controls in detail Driving systems

1 Distance warning function on/off

switch

2 Control lamp 3 Thumbwheel for setting distance

Increasing distance Increasing the distance setting tells Distronic to maintain a greater following distance to the vehicle ahead. 왘 Turn thumbwheel 3 towards ¯.

226

Decreasing distance Decreasing the distance setting tells Distronic to maintain a shorter following distance 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

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 comes on 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.

Activating 왘 Press button 1.

Indicator lamp 2 on the button comes on. A loudspeaker symbol appears in the multifunction display (컄 page 222).

Deactivating 왘 Press button 1.

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

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

after 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.

Controls in detail Driving systems

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.

227

Controls in detail Driving systems

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, Distronic will switch off, and the message Currently unavailable 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 307).

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.

228

Offset driving

Lane changing

Narrow vehicles

Controls in detail Driving systems

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.

229

Controls in detail Driving systems

Airmatic DC (Dual Control)*

Airmatic automatically selects the opti- mum suspension tuning and ride height for your vehicle. The Airmatic consists of two components: 앫 Adaptive Damping System (ADS) 앫 Vehicle level control The ADS automatically selects the opti- mum damping for the respective driving conditions. At the same time the suspen- sion is set to either sporty or comfort.

Suspension tuning 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 “comfortable”, which you select using the damping button.

230

The following suspension styles are available: 앫 Comfortable

Both indicator lamps 2 are off.

앫 Sporty I

One indicator lamp 2 is on.

앫 Sporty II

Both indicator lamps 2 are on.

왘 Start the engine. 왘 Press the damping button 1 until the

desired suspension style is set.

The selected suspension style is stored in memory, even after the SmartKey is removed from the starter switch.

In the sporty suspension style the vehi- cle is lowered up to 0.6 in (15 mm).

1 Damping button 2 Indicator lamps

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 can be selected: 앫 Normal 앫 Raised

The vehicle chassis ride height is raised or lowered according to the selected level setting and to the vehicle speed: 앫 At a speed above approximately above

68 mph (110 km/h) and the sporty suspension style selected (컄 page 230), ride height is reduced automatically by up to approximately 0.6 in (15 mm).

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.

Controls in detail Driving systems

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

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.

231

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

Automatic lowering

Indicator lamp (컄 page 232)

Max. approx. 0.6 in (15 mm) Approx. 0.8 in (20 mm) Max. approx. 1.4 in (35 mm)

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

Lamp off Lamp on

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

왘 Briefly press button 1 to change from “Normal” level to “Raised” level. When vehicle is at “Raised” level, pressing the switch will return the vehicle to “Normal” level.

At a speed of approximately 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 approximately five minutes, the set- ting “Raised” is canceled. 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 SmartKey is removed from the starter switch.

1 Vehicle level control button 2 Indicator lamp

232

Warning!

Make 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 Parktronic system deactivates at speeds over 11 mph (18 km/h). At lower speeds the Parktronic system turns on again.

Parktronic system* (Parking assist)

Warning!

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

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

The operational function of the Parktronic system can be affected by dirty sensors, es- pecially at times of snow and ice. See “Cleaning the Parktronic system sensors” (컄 page 307). 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.

Controls in detail Driving systems

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

1 Sensors in the front bumper

233

Controls in detail Driving systems

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.

Front sensors

Minimum distance

Center Corners

approx. 40 in (100 cm) approx. 48 in (120 cm)

Center Corners

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

If the system detects an obstacle in this range, all the warning lamps come on and you hear a warning signal. If the obstacle is closer than the minimum distance, the ac- tual distance might no longer be indicated by the system.

Rear sensors

Center Corners

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

During parking maneuvers, pay special attention to objects located above or below the height of the sensors (e.g. planters or trailer hitches). The Parktronic system will not detect such objects 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.

234

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 vents 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.

앫 Front area: An intermittent acoustic

warning will sound as the first red seg- ment comes on and a constant acous- tic warning lasting a maximum of three seconds will sound for the sec- ond red segment. The signal is can- celed when the selector lever is placed in position P and the parking brake is activated.

Warning indicator

앫 Rear area: An intermittent acoustic

Selector lever po- sition R or N

Front area activated Front and rear area activated Neither activated

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

As your vehicle approaches an object, one or more segments will come on, depending on the distance. When the eighth segment comes on, you have reached the minimum distance.

warning will sound as the first red seg- ment comes on and a constant acous- tic warning lasting a maximum of three seconds will sound for the sec- ond red segment. The signal is can- celed when the selector lever is placed in position D or P and the parking brake is activated.

235

Controls in detail Driving systems

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

1 Parktronic system on/off 2 Indicator lamp

236

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.

Parktronic system malfunction There is a malfunction in the Parktronic system if the red segments of the Parktronic system warning indicator come on and a warning sounds. The Parktronic system will switch itself off after 30 seconds and the indicator lamp on the Parktronic system switch comes on. 왘 Have the Parktronic system checked by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen- ter as soon as possible.

If only the red segments of the Parktronic system warning indicator come on and no warning sounds, then the sensors of the Parktronic system are dirty or malfunction- ing. Malfunction may also be caused by in- terference from other radio or ultrasonic signals. The Parktronic system will switch itself off after 20 seconds. 왘 Clean Parktronic system sensors

(컄 page 307).

왘 Switch on the ignition.

or

왘 Check Parktronic system operation at

another location to rule out interfer- ence from outside radio or ultrasonic signals.

Controls in detail Loading

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

roof.

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

Ski sack*

Load the roof rack in such a way that the vehicle cannot be damaged while driving. Make sure 앫 you can fully raise the

sliding/pop-up roof* or panorama sliding/pop-up roof*

앫 you can fully open the trunk

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

컄컄

왔 Loading Roof rack*

Warning!

Use only roof racks approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model to avoid damage to the vehicle. Follow manu- facturer’s installation instructions.

1 Trim

237

Controls in detail Loading

컄컄

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 firmly secure 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.

238

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.

239

Controls in detail Loading

Removal of ski sack For removal of the ski sack, we recom- mend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-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.

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.

240

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 244).

Folding the backrest forward

You must always release the seat cush- ion and fold it up before folding the seat backrests forward. The upholstery on the seat backrest may otherwise be damaged.

1 Release handle

If tall persons have occupied the driv- er’s and front passenger seats, it may be necessary to move these seats for- ward slightly in order to fold the rear seat backrests forward.

왘 Pull release handle 1.

The seat cushion automatically springs upward slightly.

Controls in detail Loading

Returning seat backrest to original po- sition

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.

If the rear center seat is to be occupied while driving, it may be necessary to fold the seat belt buckle up again.

왘 Pull the handle in the trunk.

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

왘 Fold the seat backrest forward.

Make sure the head restraints fit all the way into the seat cushion pockets. This will prevent the backrests from being damaged during loading.

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.

컄컄

241

Controls in detail Loading

컄컄

왘 Swing the head restraint forward by

hand until it engages.

242

Warning!

Expanding the cargo area*

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

(컄 page 116).

왘 Fold the backrest into the vertical posi-

tion.

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.

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

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

Loading instructions

왘 Fold the seat backrest forward.

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.

Controls in detail Loading

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.

243

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

Controls in detail Loading

Warning!

Cargo tie-down rings*

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 rear-window shelf.

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

244

Four rings 1 are located in the trunk. 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 243).

왔 Useful features Storage compartments

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.

Keep compartment lids closed. This will help to prevent stored objects from being thrown about and injuring vehicle occupants during an accident.

Controls in detail Useful features

Parcel net in front passenger footwell

Glove box

A small convenience parcel net is located in the front passenger footwell. It is for small and light items, such as road maps, mail, etc.

1 Glove box lid release 2 Compartment for mobile

phone/glasses

Warning!

Opening the glove box 왘 Push lid release 1.

The parcel net is intended for storing light-weight items only.

Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or fragile objects may not be transported in the parcel net.

The parcel net cannot protect transported goods in the event of an accident.

The glove box lid opens downward.

Closing the glove box 왘 Push lid up to close.

245

Controls in detail Useful features

Prior to closing the glove box, close the compartment for glasses first.

Storage compartment in the center console (no CD changer* installed)

1 Opening/closing button

246

왘 Press button 1 to open.

The control panel swings out upward and the storage compartment extends out.

Never place any medications in the storage compartment. If there is a pow- er failure, the storage compartment cannot be opened.

왘 Press button 1 to close.

Cup holder in the center console

왘 Briefly press the marking in the back of

the cover. The cover opens.

왘 Briefly press marking on the cup hold-

er. The cup holder extends automatically.

The cup holder can be removed for cleaning. Clean the cup holder only with clear, lukewarm water. Make sure to insert the cup holder in the guides when reinstalling it.

Storage space under armrest

1 Left cup holder 2 Right cup holder

Warning!

When not in use, keep the cup holder closed while traveling. Place only containers that fit into the cup holder to prevent spills. Use lids on open containers and do not fill containers to a height where the contents, especially hot liquids, could spill during vehicle maneu- vers.

1 Storage compartment 2 Storage tray

Opening storage tray 왘 Pull handle 2.

Opening storage compartment 왘 Pull handle 1.

Controls in detail Useful features

Front center console storage compart- ment ventilation The front center console storage compart- ment under the armrest in your vehicle may have its own air vent. The air temper- ature is about the same as that of the dashboard air vents. If the front center console storage com- partment in your vehicle is equipped with its own air vent, the lever is located in the front center vent.

1 Lever 왘 To open air vent slide the lever up. 왘 To close air vent slide the lever down.

컄컄

247

Controls in detail Useful features

컄컄

The compartment can get very warm due to its confined space. When storing heat sensitive objects (e.g. groceries) in the compartment, close the air vent while heating the passenger compart- ment

Storage compartment in the rear cen- ter console

왘 Briefly press the top of the compart-

ment. It extends automatically.

248

Ruffled storage bags

Storage compartment in the rear arm- rest

왘 Press the handle upward and fold the

armrest up.

Ruffled storage bags are located on the back of the front seats.

Warning!

The ruffled storage bag is intended for stor- ing light-weight items only.

Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or fragile objects may not be transported in the ruffled storage bag.

The ruffled storage bag cannot protect transported goods in the event of an acci- dent.

Rear cup holder

Ashtrays

Center console ashtray

왘 Briefly press the front of the center

armrest. The cup holder extends automatically.

Warning!

When not in use, keep the cup holder closed while traveling. Place only containers that fit into the cup holder to prevent spills. Use lids on open containers and do not fill containers to a height where the contents, especially hot liquids, could spill during vehicle maneu- vers.

Opening ashtray 왘 Briefly press the marking on the bot-

tom of cover 1. The ashtray opens automatically.

Controls in detail Useful features

A small rubber mat is located in the glove box. If you wish to store coins/tokens, remove the ashtray in- sert and insert the rubber mat in its place. Empty ashtray insert and store it in a convenient location in the vehicle.

Warning!

Only use rubber mat in conjunction with storing coins/tokens. Always remove rub- ber mat and/or all other contents and rein- sert ashtray insert before placing hot cigarettes or other hot smoking materials in this compartment.

249

Controls in detail Useful features

Removing ashtray insert

Warning!

Reinstalling ashtray insert 왘 Install insert by pushing it back into

frame until it engages again.

Remove front ashtray only with vehicle standing still. Set the parking brake to se- cure vehicle from movement. Move gear se- lector lever to position N. With gear selector lever in position N, turn off the engine.

왘 Secure vehicle from movement by set- ting the parking brake. Move the gear selector lever to position N. Now you have more room to take out the insert.

왘 Push sliding button 2 to the right and

hold.

Rear seat ashtray

Opening rear seat ashtray 왘 Briefly press the top of the ashtray.

왘 Grip and remove insert from ashtray

The ashtray opens.

frame.

Cigarette lighter

The cigarette lighter is located in the cen- ter console compartment in front of the armrest (컄 page 26).

1 Cigarette lighter 왘 Turn ignition on. 왘 Push in cigarette lighter 1.

The lighter will pop out automatically when hot.

250

Warning!

12-V socket*

Never touch the heating element or sides of the lighter; they are extremely hot. Hold the knob only.

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 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 may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

The lighter socket can be used to ac- commodate electrical accessories up to a maximum 85 W.

Controls in detail Useful features

Heated steering wheel*

The steering wheel heating warms up the leather area of the steering wheel. The stalk with the heated steering wheel switch is on the lower left-hand side of the steering wheel.

The socket is located in the rear of the cen- ter console storage compartment. The socket can be used for accessories up to a maximum of 180 W.

1 Indicator lamp 2 Switching off 3 Switching on

251

Controls in detail Useful features

Switching on 왘 Switch on ignition.

Telephone*

All lamps in the instrument cluster come on.

Warning!

왘 Turn switch at the tip of stalk in the di-

rection of arrow 3. The steering wheel is heated. Indicator lamp 1 comes on.

Switching off 왘 Turn switch at the tip of stalk in direc-

tion of arrow 2. The heated steering wheel is turned off. Indicator lamp 1 goes out.

The steering wheel heating does not turn off automatically.

Never operate radio transmitters equipped with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with- out being connected to an external antenna) from inside the vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc- tion of the vehicle’s electronic system, pos- sibly resulting in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Radio transmitters, such as a portable tele- phone or a citizens band unit, should only be used inside the vehicle if they are con- nected to an antenna that is installed on the outside of the vehicle. The external antenna must be approved by Mercedes-Benz. Please contact an autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center for informa- tion on the installation of an approved external antenna. Refer to the radio trans- mitter operation instructions regarding use of an external antenna.

252

Warning!

Please do not forget that your primary re- sponsibility is to drive the vehicle. A driver’s attention to the road must always be his /her primary focus when driving. For your safety and the safety of others, we rec- ommend that you pull over to a safe location and stop before placing or taking a tele- phone call. If you choose to use the telephone1 while driving, please use the hands-free device and only use the telephone when road, weather and traffic conditions permit. Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a cellular telephone while driving a vehicle.

Only operate the COMAND (Cockpit Man- agement and Data System) if road, weather and traffic conditions permit.

1 Observe all legal requirements.

Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph (approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is covering a distance of 44 feet (approximate- ly 14 m) every second.

You can take and place telephone calls us- ing the s and t buttons on the steering wheel. To carry out other tele- phone functions, use the control system (컄 page 134). See separate operating manual for instruc- tions on how to use the telephone.

Warning!

Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a cellular telephone while driving a ve- hicle. Whether or not prohibited by law, for safety reasons, the driver should not use the cellular telephone while the vehicle is in mo- tion.

Stop the vehicle in a safe location before an- swering or placing a call.

Tele Aid*

The initial activation of the Tele Aid sys- tem may only be performed by com- pleting the subscriber agreement and placing an acquaintance call using the SOS button. Failure to complete either of these steps will result in a system that is not activated. If the system is not activated, the indicator lamp in the SOS button stays on after turning the SmartKey in starter switch to position 2, or pressing the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button twice to position 2. The message Tele Aid – not activated will be shown in the multifunction display for approximately 10 seconds. If you have any questions regarding ac-