2013 Mercedes-benz GL Class Owners Manual

PRE-SAFE® (preventative occupant protection) G WARNING The PRE-SAFE® system reduces the impact of an accident on vehicle occupants, as long as their seat belts have been fastened correctly. Although your vehicle is equipped with a PRE- SAFE® system, the possibility of injury in the event of an accident cannot be ruled out. You should therefore always drive carefully and adapt your driving style to the prevailing road, weather and traffic conditions. G WARNING Make sure that nobody can become trapped as you adjust the seat.

! Make sure that there are no objects in the footwell or behind the seats when resetting the seats. There is a risk that the seats and/or the objects could be damaged. PRE-SAFE® takes preemptive measures to protect occupants in certain hazardous situations. PRE-SAFE® intervenes: Rif BAS intervenes, e.g. in emergency

braking situations

Rif BAS PLUS intervenes powerfully — on

vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS

Rif, on vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS, the radar sensor system detects an imminent danger of collision in certain situations Rin critical driving situations, e.g. when physical limits are exceeded and the vehicle understeers or oversteers severely

PRE-SAFE® takes the following measures depending on the hazardous situation detected: Rthe front seat belts are pre-tensioned. Rvehicles with the memory function: the

front-passenger seat is adjusted if it is in an unfavorable position.

Rvehicles with a multicontour seat: the air pressure in the side bolsters of the seat backrest is increased.

Rif the vehicle skids, the sliding sunroof/

panorama roof with power tilt/sliding panel and the side windows are closed so that only a small gap remains.

If the hazardous situation passes without resulting in an accident, PRE-SAFE® slackens the belt pretensioning. In vehicles with multicontour seats, the air pressure in the side bolsters is reduced again. All settings made by PRE-SAFE® can then be reversed. If the seat belts are not released: X Move the backrest or seat back slightly, but

only when the vehicle is stationary. The belt pretensioning is reduced and the locking mechanism is released.

More information about seat belt adjustment, a convenience function integrated into PRE- SAFE®, can be found in the "Seat belt adjustment" section (Y page 57).

Seat belts Important safety notes G WARNING Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure all of your passengers are properly restrained. You and your passengers should always wear seat belts. Failure to wear and properly fasten and position your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injuries and their likely severity in an accident. If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be considerably more severe without your seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled, you are much more likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, the possibility of injury or death is lessened if you are properly wearing your seat belt. The air bags can only protect

as intended if the occupants are properly wearing their seat belts. G WARNING Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat backrest in an excessively reclined position as this can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the seat belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint when the wearer is in a position that is as upright as possible and the seat belt is properly positioned on the body. G WARNING Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seat belts available. Make sure everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a separate seat belt. Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time. G WARNING Always have damaged seat belts or seat belts that have been subjected to a load in an accident replaced and the anchorages checked. Only use seat belts that have been approved by Mercedes-Benz. Never tamper with seat belts. This can result in the unintended deployment of the Emergency Tensioning Devices or the failure to deploy when necessary. Do not bleach or dye seat belts, as this may severely weaken them. In the event of a collision, they may be unable to provide adequate protection. Have all work carried out only by qualified technicians. Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

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55

The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in: Rall 50 states RU.S. territories Rthe District of Columbia Rall Canadian provinces Even where this is not required by law, all vehicle occupants should correctly fasten their seat belts before starting the journey. i See "Children in the vehicle"

(Y page 59) for further information on infants and children traveling in the vehicle as well as on child restraint systems.

Correct use of the seat belts G WARNING USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY RSeat belts can only work when used

properly. Never wear seat belts in any other way than as described in this section, as that could result in serious injuries in the event of an accident.

REach occupant should wear their seat belt at all times, because seat belts help reduce the likelihood of and potential severity of injuries in accidents, including rollovers. The integrated restraint system includes SRS (driver front air bag, driver's side knee bag, front-passenger front air bag, side impact air bags, window curtain air bags for the side windows), Emergency Tensioning Devices, seat belt force limiters, and front seat knee bolsters. The system is designed to enhance the protection offered to properly belted occupants in certain frontal (front air bags, driver's side knee bag and ETDs) and side (side impact air bags, window curtain air bags, and ETDs) impacts which exceed preset deployment thresholds and in certain rollovers (window curtain air bags and ETDs).

RNever wear the shoulder belt under your

arm, across your neck or off your shoulder.

56 Occupant safety

In a frontal crash, your body would move too far forward. That would increase the chance of head and neck injuries. The seat belt would also apply too much force to the ribs or abdomen, which could severely injure internal organs such as your liver or spleen. Adjust the seat belt so that the shoulder section is located as close as possible to the middle of the shoulder. It should not touch the neck. Never pass the shoulder portion of the seat belt under your arm. For this purpose, you can adjust the height of the seat belt outlet.

RPosition the lap belt as low as possible on your hips and not across the abdomen. If the lap belt is positioned across your abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in a crash.

RNever wear seat belts over rigid or

breakable objects in or on your clothing, such as eyeglasses, pens, keys etc., as these might cause injuries.

RMake sure the seat belt is always fitted snugly. Take special care of this when wearing loose clothing.

RNever use a seat belt for more than one

person at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt around a person and another person or other objects at the same time.

RSeat belts should not be worn twisted. In a crash, you would not have the full width of the seat belt to distribute impact forces. The twisted seat belt against your body could cause injuries.

RPregnant women should also always use a

lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt portion should be positioned as low as possible on the hips to avoid any possible pressure on the abdomen.

RPlace the seat backrest in a position that is

as upright as possible.

RCheck your seat belt during travel to make

sure it is properly positioned.

RNever place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

RWhen using a seat belt to secure infant

restraints, toddler restraints, or children in booster seats, always follow the child seat manufacturer's instructions. G WARNING Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges. They could tear. Do not allow the seat belt to get caught in the door or in the seat adjustment mechanism. This could damage the seat belt. Never attempt to make modifications to seat belts. This could impair the effectiveness of the seat belts.

Fastening seat belts G WARNING According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained on the rear seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seat whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriately sized child restraint system or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. For additional information, see the "Children in the vehicle" section. A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and/ or the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.

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57

Seat belt adjustment The seat-belt adjustment function adjusts the driver's and front-passenger seat belt to the upper body of the occupants. The belt strap is tightened slightly when: Ryou engage the belt tongue in the belt

buckle and you then turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock.

Rthe SmartKey is in position 2 in the ignition lock and you then engage the belt tongue in the buckle.

The seat-belt adjustment will apply a retraction force if any slack is detected between the occupant and the seat belt. Do not hold on to the seat belt tightly while it is adjusting. You can switch the seat-belt adjustment on and off in the on-board computer (Y page 279). The seat-belt adjustment is an integral part of the PRE-SAFE® convenience function. More information about PRE-SAFE® can be found under "PRE-SAFE® (preventative occupant protection)" (Y page 54).

Belt height adjustment

X Adjust the seat and move the backrest to an almost vertical position (Y page 104). X Pull the seat belt smoothly through belt

sash guide :.

X Without twisting it, guide the shoulder

section of the seat belt across the middle of your shoulder and the lap section across your pelvis.

X Engage belt tongue ; in buckle =.

Seat-belt adjustment: if necessary, the driver's and front-passenger seat belts automatically adjust to the upper body (Y page 57).

X If necessary, adjust the seat belt to the

appropriate height (Y page 57).

X If necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder section of the seat belt to tighten the belt across your body.

All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are equipped with a special seat belt retractor to securely fasten child restraint systems in the vehicle. Further information can be found under "Special seat belt retractor" (Y page 62). For more information about releasing the seat belt with release button ?, see "Releasing seat belts" (Y page 58).

You can adjust the seat belt height on the front seats. Adjust the belt to a height that allows the upper part of the seat belt to be routed across the center of your shoulder. X To raise: slide the belt sash guide upwards.

The belt sash guide engages in various positions.

X To lower: press and hold belt sash guide

release :.

58 Occupant safety

X Slide the belt sash guide downwards. X Release belt sash guide release : and make sure that the belt sash guide has engaged.

Releasing seat belts ! Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue will be trapped in the door or in the seat mechanism. This could damage the door, the door trim panel and the seat belt. Damaged seat belts can no longer fulfill their protective function and must be replaced. Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

: Belt sash guide ; Seat belt tongue = Buckle ? Release button X Press release button ? and guide belt

tongue ; back towards belt sash guide : .

Belt warning for the driver and front passenger Regardless of whether the driver's and front- passenger seat belts have already been fastened, the 7 seat belt warning lamp

lights up for six seconds each time the engine is started. It then goes out if the driver and the front passenger have fastened their seat belts. If the driver's seat belt is not fastened when the engine is started, an additional warning tone will sound. The warning tone goes out after approximately six seconds or once the driver's seat belt is fastened. If after six seconds the driver or front passenger have not fastened their seat belts and the doors are closed, the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up: Runtil the driver's or front passenger's seat

belt is fastened

Rif a vehicle speed of 15 mph (25 km/h) is exceeded, a warning tone also sounds with increasing intensity for a maximum of 60 seconds or until the driver or front passenger have fastened their seat belts. If the driver/front passenger unfasten their seat belt while the vehicle is in motion, the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up and a warning tone sounds again. The warning tone ceases even if the driver or front passenger have still not fastened their seat belt after 60 seconds. The 7 seat belt warning lamp stops flashing but remains illuminated. After the vehicle comes to a standstill, the warning tone is reactivated and the 7 seat belt warning lamp flashes again if the vehicle speed again exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h). The 7 seat belt warning lamp only goes out if: Rboth the driver and the front passenger

have fastened their seat belts. or

Rthe vehicle is stationary and a door is open. i For more information on the 7 seat

belt warning lamp, see "Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster, seat belts" (Y page 316).

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59

Emergency Tensioning Devices, belt force limiters G WARNING Pyrotechnic Emergency Tensioning Devices that have been deployed must be renewed. For your safety, when disposing of Emergency Tensioning Devices, always observe the safety instructions. These are available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The PRE-SAFE® system has electrically operated reversible pre-tensioners that do not require replacement after activation.

! If the front-passenger seat is not

occupied, do not engage the seat belt tongue in the buckle on the front- passenger seat. Otherwise, the Emergency Tensioning Device could be triggered in the event of an accident.

X In order to ensure that the pyrotechnic Emergency Tensioning Devices have not been triggered, always have the seat belts checked after an accident. If the Emergency Tensioning Devices have been triggered, they must be replaced. The seat belts on the following seats have Emergency Tensioning Devices and belt force limiters: Rdriver's and front-passenger seat Rthe outer seats in the second row Rthe seats in the third row The ETDs tighten the seat belts in an accident, pulling them close against the body. The ETDs do not correct incorrect seat positions or incorrectly fastened seat belts. The ETDs do not pull vehicle occupants back towards the backrest. If the seat belt is also equipped with a seat belt force limiter and this is triggered, the force exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle occupant is reduced. The belt force limiters for the front seats are synchronized with the front air bags, which take on a part of the deceleration force. This

results in the force exerted on the occupant being distributed over a greater area. The ETDs can only be activated when: Rthe ignition is switched on. Rthe restraint systems are operational; see

"SRS warning lamp" (Y page 43).

Rthe belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on each of the lap-shoulder belts in the front. The belt tensioners on the outside seats in the second row and on the seats in the third row are triggered independently of the lock status of the seat belts. The ETDs are triggered depending on the type and severity of an accident: Rif, in the event of a head-on or rear-end

collision, the vehicle decelerates or accelerates rapidly in a longitudinal direction during the initial stages of the impact

Rif, in the event of a side impact, on the side

opposite the impact the vehicle decelerates or accelerates rapidly in a lateral direction

Rif, in certain situations where the vehicle overturns, the system determines that it can provide additional protection

If the ETDs are deployed, you will hear a bang, and a small amount of powder may also be released. Only in rare cases will the bang affect your hearing. The powder that is released generally does not constitute a health hazard. The 6 SRS warning lamp lights up.

Children in the vehicle Child restraint systems Important safety notes G WARNING According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Thus, we strongly recommend that

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Children in the vehicle

children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. The infant or child restraint must be properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt, the seat belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer's instructions. Occupants, especially children, should always sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt properly and use an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following important information when circumstances require you to place a child in the front passenger seat: RYour vehicle is equipped with air bag

technology designed to deactivate the front passenger front air bag in your vehicle when the system senses the weight of a typical 12-month-old child or less along with the weight of a standard appropriate child restraint on the front passenger seat.

RFor children larger than the typical

12-month-old child, the front passenger front air bag may or may not be activated. Always make sure the 4 5 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.

RA child in a rear-facing child restraint on the

front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates in a collision which could occur under some circumstances, even with the air bag technology installed in your vehicle. The only means to completely eliminate this risk is to never place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. We therefore strongly

recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in a backseat.

RIf you must install a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat because circumstances require you to do so, make sure the 4 5 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 4 5 indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 4 5 indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 4
5 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 4 5 indicator lamp goes out or remains out, do not transport a child on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired. A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates.

RIf you have to place a child in a forward-

facing child restraint on the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible, use the proper child restraint recommended for the age, size and weight of the child, and secure child restraint with the vehicle's seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions. G WARNING If the child restraint system is not fitted correctly on a suitable seat, it may not fulfil its protective function. In the event of an accident, sharp braking or a sudden change in direction, the child may not be held securely. The child could thus be seriously or even fatally injured. For this reason, when fitting a child restraint system, observe the manufacturer's installation instructions and the correct use of the child restraint system. Child restraint systems should preferably be fitted on the rear seats. The child is generally better protected there.

The entire base of the child restraint system must always rest on the seat cushion. Therefore, never place objects, e.g. a cushion, under the child restraint system. Only use child restraint systems with the original cover designed for them. Only replace damaged covers with genuine covers. We recommend that you use the child restraint systems which have been recommended for Mercedes-Benz. G WARNING Infants and small children should never share a seat belt with another occupant. In the event of an accident, they could be crushed between the occupant and seat belt. A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and/ or the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. Children that are too large for a child restraint must travel in seats using normal seat belts. Position the shoulder belt across the chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper seat belt positioning for children over 41 lb (18 kg) until they reach a height where a lap-shoulder belt fits properly without a booster. When the child restraint is not in use, remove it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat belt to prevent the child restraint from becoming a projectile in the event of an accident.

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G WARNING When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child restraint system, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury. The children could: Rinjure themselves on parts of the vehicle Rbe seriously or fatally injured through

excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold Rinjure themselves or cause an accident with

vehicle equipment that can be operated even if the SmartKey is removed from the ignition lock or removed from the vehicle, such as seat adjustment, steering wheel adjustment, or the memory function

If children open a door, they could injure other persons or get out of the vehicle and injure themselves or be injured by following traffic. Do not expose the child restraint system to direct sunlight. The child restraint system's metal parts, for example, could become very hot, and the child could be burned on these parts. G WARNING Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the passenger compartment or cargo compartment unless they are firmly secured in place. Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo increases a child's risk of injury in the event of Rstrong braking maneuvers Rsudden changes of direction Ran accident

Further information on secure stowage of loads can be found under "Loading guidelines".

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Children in the vehicle

If an infant or child is traveling in the vehicle: RSecure the child with a child or infant seat restraint system appropriate to the age and weight of the child.

RMake sure that the infant or child is

properly secured at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you always properly secure all infants and children with a child or infant seat restraint system for the trip. The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in: Rall 50 states RU.S. territories Rthe District of Columbia Rall Canadian provinces Infants and children must always be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system recommended for the size and weight of the child. The infant or child restraint system must be properly secured in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. All infant or child restraint systems must meet the following standards: RU.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety

Standards 213 and 225

RCanadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

213 and 210.2

An information label on the child restraint system indicates whether it meets these standards. This information is also provided in the installation instructions supplied with the child restraint system. Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions when using an infant or child restraint system or booster seat. Observe the warning labels in the vehicle interior or on the infant or child restraint.

Special seat belt retractor G WARNING If you release the seat belt when driving, the special seat belt retractor is deactivated. The released seat belt cannot be engaged again while driving, because the inertia reel pulls in the seat belt a small distance. The child restraint system is no longer properly secured. There is an increased risk of serious injury or even fatal injury. Always keep the seat belt of the activated special seat belt retractor engaged when driving.

All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are equipped with a special seat belt retractor. When activated, the special seat belt retractor ensures that the seat belt will not slacken once the child restraint system has been secured. Installing a child restraint system: X Always comply with the manufacturer's

installation instructions.

X Pull the seat belt smoothly from the seat

belt retractor.

X Engage the seat belt tongue in the belt

buckle.

Activating the special seat belt retractor: X Pull the seat belt out fully and let the seat

belt retractor retract it again. While the seat belt is retracting, you should hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat belt retractor is activated.

X Push down on the child restraint system to

take up any slack.

Removing a child restraint system/ deactivating the special seat belt retractor: X Always comply with the manufacturer's

installation instructions.

X Press the seat belt release button and guide the belt tongue to the belt outlet. The special seat belt retractor is deactivated.

LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat anchors in the rear G WARNING Children that are too large for a child restraint must travel in seats using normal seat belts. Position shoulder belt across the chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper seat belt positioning for children over 41 lb (18 kg) until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster. Install the child restraint system in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Attach the child restraint system to both securing rings. An incorrectly installed child restraint system could come loose during an accident and seriously or even fatally injure the child. Child restraint systems or child seat securing rings that are malfunctioning or damaged as the result of a collision must be replaced.

Securing rings for the outer seats in the second row

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63

Securing rings for the third row of seats Securing rings : and ; for two LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint systems can be found on the left and right: Ron the rear seat backrests of the outer

seats in the second row

Ron the backrests of the seats in the third

row of seats

Before installing a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint system in the second row: X Move the rear seat backrests in the second

row to an upright position (Y page 109). X Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat

securing system. Comply with the manufacturer's instructions when installing.

Secure child restraint systems without a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat securing system using the seat belts in the vehicle. When installing child restraint systems, you must observe the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Top Tether Top Tether anchorages G WARNING Always lock the rear seat backrests in their upright position when the rear seats are occupied by passengers. Lock the rear seat backrests in their upright position before installing the Top Tether straps or when the cargo compartment is not in use. Make sure that rear seat backrests are secured properly

X Route Top Tether belt B under head

restraint = between the two head restraint bars.

X Guide Top Tether belt B downwards

between cargo compartment cover : and rear seat backrest ;.

X Hook Top Tether hook A of Top Tether belt

B into Top Tether anchorage ?. Ensure that: RTop Tether hook A is hooked into Top

Tether anchorage ? as shown. RTop Tether belt B is not twisted. RTop Tether belt B is routed between rear

seat backrest ; and cargo compartment cover : if cargo compartment cover is installed.

RTop Tether belt B is routed between the rear seat backrest ; and the cargo net if the cargo net is installed.

X Tension Top Tether belt B. Comply with

the manufacturer's installation instructions when doing so.

X Move head restraint = back down again slightly if necessary (Y page 107). Make sure that you do not interfere with the correct routing of Top Tether belt B.

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Children in the vehicle

by pushing and pulling on the seat backrests. If the seat backrest is not locked properly, the seat backrest could fold forward. The child restraint system is no longer supported properly or held in position and can no longer fulfill its function. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries.

Top Tether provides an additional connection between a child restraint system, secured with a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat mount, and the rear seat. This helps reduce the risk of injury even further. The Top Tether anchorages for the second row of seats are located on the rear of the rear seat backrests. For the third row of seats, use the cargo tie-down rings in the cargo compartment floor. X Move head restraint = upwards. X Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child

restraint system with Top Tether. Comply with the manufacturer's installation instructions when doing so.

Child-proof locks Important safety notes G WARNING When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child restraint system, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury. The children could: Rinjure themselves on parts of the vehicle Rbe seriously or fatally injured through

excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold Rinjure themselves or cause an accident with

vehicle equipment that can be operated even if the SmartKey is removed from the ignition lock or removed from the vehicle, such as seat adjustment, steering wheel adjustment, or the memory function

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You secure each door individually with the child-proof locks on the rear doors. A door secured with a child-proof lock cannot be opened from inside the vehicle. When the vehicle is unlocked, the door can be opened from the outside. X To activate: press the child-proof lock lever down in the direction of arrow ;. X Make sure that the child-proof locks are

working properly.

X To deactivate: press the child-proof lock

lever up in the direction of arrow :.

If children open a door, they could injure other persons or get out of the vehicle and injure themselves or be injured by following traffic. Do not expose the child restraint system to direct sunlight. The child restraint system's metal parts, for example, could become very hot, and the child could be burned on these parts.

Override feature for the rear side windows G WARNING When children ride on the vehicle's rear seats, activate the override switch. Otherwise, the children could be injured, e.g. by trapping themselves in the rear side window.

Child-proof locks for the rear doors G WARNING Children could open a rear door from inside the vehicle. This could result in serious injuries or an accident. Therefore, when children ride in the rear always secure the rear doors with the child-proof locks.

X To activate/deactivate: press button :. If indicator lamp ; is lit, operation of the rear side windows is disabled. Operation is

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only possible using the switches in the driver's door. If indicator lamp ; is off, operation is possible using the switches in the rear compartment.

Driving safety systems Driving safety systems overview In this section, you will find information about the following driving safety systems: RABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

(Y page 66)

RBAS (Brake Assist System) (Y page 67) RBAS PLUS (Brake Assist System PLUS)

(Y page 67)

RCOLLISION PREVENTION

ASSIST(Y page 68)

RESP® (Electronic Stability Program)

REBD (electronic brake force distribution)

(Y page 71)

(Y page 73)

RADAPTIVE BRAKE(Y page 74) RPRE-SAFE® Brake (Y page 74) RSTEER CONTROL (Y page 76)

Important safety notes If you fail to adapt your driving style or become distracted, the driving safety systems can neither reduce the risk of accident nor override the laws of physics. Driving safety systems are merely aids designed to assist driving. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed and for braking in good time. Always adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing road and weather conditions and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Drive carefully. i The driving safety systems described only work as effectively as possible when there is adequate contact between the tires and the road surface. Please pay special

attention to the notes on tires, recommended minimum tire tread depths, etc. (Y page 394). In wintry driving conditions, always use winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow chains. Only in this way will the driving safety systems described in this section work as effectively as possible.

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Important safety notes i Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 66). G WARNING If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when braking. The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely impaired. Additionally, further driving safety systems are deactivated. There is an increased danger of skidding and accidents. Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems, including driving safety systems, will also become inoperative. Observe the information on the ABS warning lamp (Y page 317) and display messages which may be shown in the instrument cluster (Y page 282). ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way that the wheels do not lock when you brake. This allows you to continue steering the vehicle when braking. ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-surface conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, even if you only brake gently. The yellow ! ABS warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is switched on. It goes out when the engine is running.

Braking X If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the

brake pedal vigorously until the braking situation is over.

X To make a full brake application:

depress the brake pedal with full force.

If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel a pulsing in the brake pedal. The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions, and functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.

Off-road ABS An ABS system specifically suited to off-road terrain is activated automatically once the off- road program is activated on: RVehicles without the ON&OFFROAD

package (Y page 250)

RVehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package

(Y page 250)

At speeds below 30 km/h, the front wheels lock cyclically during braking. The digging-in effect achieved in the process reduces the stopping distance on off-road terrain. This limits steering capability.

BAS (Brake Assist System) i Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 66). G WARNING If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance in an emergency braking situation is increased. There is a risk of an accident. In an emergency braking situation, depress the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents the wheels from locking.

BAS operates in emergency braking situations. If you depress the brake pedal quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking force, thus shortening the stopping distance.

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67

The brakes will function as usual once you release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.

BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus) i Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 66).

BAS PLUS is only available in vehicles equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS. BAS PLUS provides braking assistance in hazardous situations at speeds greater than 4 mph (7 km/h) and uses radar sensor technology to assess the traffic situation. With the help of the radar sensor system, BAS PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the path of your vehicle for an extended period of time. At speeds up to 40 mph (70 km/h), BAS PLUS may also detect stationary obstacles, for example, stopped or parked vehicles. To prevent a front-end collision, BAS PLUS calculates the brake force necessary if: Ryou approach an obstacle, and RBAS PLUS has detected a risk of collision At a speed greater than 20 mph (30 km/h): if you depress the brake sharply, BAS PLUS automatically raises the brake pressure to a value adapted to the traffic situation. At a speed less than 20 mph (30 km/h): if you depress the brake, BAS PLUS is activated. The increase in brake pressure will be carried out at the last possible moment. If BAS PLUS demands particularly high braking force, preventative passenger protection measures (PRE-SAFE®) are activated simultaneously. X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the

emergency braking situation is over. ABS prevents the wheels from locking.

68 Driving safety systems

BAS PLUS is deactivated and the brakes function as usual, if: Ryou release the brake pedal. Rthere is no longer any danger of a rear-end

collision.

Rno obstacle is detected in front of your

vehicle.

If you have activated DSR (Y page 248), BAS PLUS is also deactivated. For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the radar sensor system must be: Rswitched on (Y page 279) Roperational (Y page 289) If the radar sensor system is malfunctioning, BAS PLUS will not be available. The brake system is still available with complete brake boosting effect and BAS. G WARNING BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify objects and complex traffic situations. BAS PLUS cannot intervene in these cases. There is a risk of an accident. Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.

In particular, the detection of obstacles can be impaired if there is: Rdirt on the sensors or anything else

covering the sensors

Rsnow or heavy rain Rinterference by other radar sources Rthe possibility of strong radar reflections,

for example in parking garages

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

motorbike

Ra vehicle traveling in front on a different line

relative to the center of your vehicle G WARNING BAS PLUS does not react: Rto people or animals Rto oncoming vehicles

Rto crossing traffic Rwhen cornering As a result, BAS PLUS may not intervene in all critical situations. There is a risk of an accident. Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.

Following damage to the front end of the vehicle, have the configuration and operation of the radar sensors checked at a qualified specialist workshop. This also applies to collisions at low speeds where there is no visible damage to the front of the vehicle. i This device has been approved by the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar sensor is intended for use in an automotive radar system only. Removing, altering or tampering with the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use the device in any non-approved way. Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST General notes COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST consists of Adaptive Brake Assist and the distance warning function, which are described in the following.

Distance warning function Important safety notes i Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 66). G WARNING The distance warning function does not react: Rto people or animals Rto oncoming vehicles

Driving safety systems

69

Rto crossing traffic Rwhen cornering Thus, the distance warning function cannot provide a warning in all critical situations. There is a risk of an accident. Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.

The distance warning function cannot always clearly identify objects and complex traffic situations. In such cases, the distance warning function may: Rgive an unnecessary warning Rnot give a warning Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and do not rely solely on the distance warning function. Function X To activate/deactivate: activate or

deactivate the distance warning function in the on-board computer (Y page 274). When the distance warning function is activated, the multifunction display shows the Ä symbol, as long as the HOLD function is not switched on (Y page 207). On vehicles with Active Parking Assist, the Ä symbol is displayed when position P is engaged or you are driving faster than 22 mph (35 km/h). The distance warning function can help you to minimize the risk of a front-end collision with a vehicle ahead or reduce the effects of such a collision. If the distance warning function detects that there is a risk of a collision, you will be warned visually and acoustically. The distance warning function cannot prevent a collision without your intervention. Starting at a speed of around 20 mph (30 km/h), the distance warning function warns you if you approach a vehicle in front very quickly. An intermittent warning tone will then sound and the · distance warning lamp will light up in the instrument cluster.

X Brake immediately in order to increase the

distance from the vehicle in front.

or X Take evasive action, provided it is safe to

do so.

For the distance warning function to assist you when driving, the function must be activated in the on-board computer and be operational (Y page 274). Due to the nature of the system, particularly complicated driving conditions may cause the system to display unnecessary warnings. With the help of the radar sensor system, the distance warning function can detect obstacles that are in the path of your vehicle for an extended period of time. At speeds up to 40 mph (70 km/h), the distance warning function may also detect stationary obstacles such as stopped or parked vehicles. If you approach an obstacle and the distance warning function detects a risk of a collision, the system will initially alert you both visually and acoustically. In particular, the detection of obstacles can be impaired if there is: Rdirt on the sensors or anything else

covering the sensors

Rsnow or heavy rain Rinterference by other radar sources Rthe possibility of strong radar reflections,

for example in parking garages

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

motorbike

Ra vehicle traveling in front on a different line

relative to the center of your vehicle

Following damage to the front end of the vehicle, have the configuration and operation of the radar sensor checked at a qualified specialist workshop. This also applies to collisions at low speeds where there is no visible damage to the front of the vehicle. i USA only: This device has been approved by the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System".

70 Driving safety systems

The radar sensor is intended for use in an automotive radar system only. Removing, altering or tampering with the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use the device in any non-approved way. Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

i Canada only: This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Removal, tampering, or altering of the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use the device in any non-approved way. Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Adaptive Brake Assist i Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 66). G WARNING Adaptive Brake Assist cannot always clearly identify objects and complex traffic situations. In these cases, Adaptive Brake Assist may not intervene. There is a risk of an accident. Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake. G WARNING Adaptive Brake Assist does not react: Rto people or animals Rto oncoming vehicles Rto crossing traffic

Rto stationary obstacles Rwhen cornering As a result, Adaptive Brake Assist may not intervene in all critical conditions. There is a risk of an accident. Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.

Adaptive Brake Assist provides braking assistance in hazardous situations at speeds greater than 20 mph (30 km/h) and uses radar sensor technology to assess the traffic situation. With the help of Adaptive Brake Assist, the distance warning signal can detect obstacles that are in the path of your vehicle for an extended period of time. Should you approach an obstacle and Adaptive Brake Assist has detected a risk of collision, Adaptive Brake Assist calculates the braking force necessary to avoid a rear-end collision. Should you apply the brakes forcefully, Adaptive Brake Assist will automatically increase the braking force to a level suitable for the traffic conditions. X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the

emergency braking situation is over. ABS prevents the wheels from locking.

The brakes will work normally again if: Ryou release the brake pedal. Rthere is no longer any danger of a rear-end

collision.

Rno obstacle is detected in front of your

vehicle.

Adaptive Brake Assist is then deactivated. If Adaptive Brake Assist requires particularly high brake pressure, preventive passenger protection measures (PRE-SAFE®) are deployed simultaneously. Up to vehicle speeds of around 155 mph (250 km/h) Adaptive Brake Assist is capable of reacting to moving objects that have already been recognized as such at least once over the period of observation. Adaptive

Driving safety systems

71

Brake Assist does not react to stationary obstacles. If Adaptive Brake Assist is not available due to a malfunction in the radar sensor system, the brake system remains available with full brake boosting effect and BAS. In particular, the detection of obstacles can be impaired if there is: Rdirt on the sensors or anything else

covering the sensors

Rsnow or heavy rain Rinterference by other radar sources Rthe possibility of strong radar reflections,

for example in parking garages

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

motorbike

Ra vehicle traveling in front on a different line

relative to the center of your vehicle

Following damage to the front end of the vehicle, have the configuration and operation of the radar sensor checked at a qualified specialist workshop. This also applies to collisions at low speeds where there is no visible damage to the front of the vehicle. i This device has been approved by the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar sensor is intended for use in an automotive radar system only. Removing, altering or tampering with the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use the device in any non-approved way. Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) Important safety notes i Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 66).

G WARNING If ESP® is malfunctioning, ESP® is unable to stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further driving safety systems are deactivated. This increases the risk of skidding and an accident. Drive on carefully. Have ESP® checked at a qualified specialist workshop.

! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum

of ten seconds on a brake test dynamometer. Switch off the ignition. Application of the brakes by ESP® may otherwise destroy the brake system.

! A function or performance test should

only be carried out on a two-axle dynamometer. Before you operate the vehicle on such a dynamometer, please consult a qualified workshop. You could otherwise damage the drive train or the brake system.

ESP® is deactivated if the å warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up continuously when the engine is running. If the ÷ warning lamp and the å warning lamp are lit continuously, ESP® is not available due to a malfunction. Observe the information on warning lamps (Y page 320) and display messages which may be shown in the instrument cluster (Y page 282). If ESP® detects that the vehicle is deviating from the direction desired by the driver, one or more wheels are braked to stabilize the vehicle. The engine output is also modified to keep the vehicle on the desired course within physical limits. ESP® assists the driver when pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP® can also stabilize the vehicle during braking. If ESP® intervenes, the ÷ ESP® warning lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.

72 Driving safety systems

If ESP® intervenes: X Do not deactivate ESP® under any

circumstances.

X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far

as necessary when pulling away.

X Adapt your driving style to suit the

prevailing road and weather conditions.

i Only use wheels with the recommended

tire sizes. Only then will ESP® function properly.

Deactivating/activating ESP® G WARNING If you deactivate ESP®, ESP® no longer stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident. Only deactivate ESP® in the situations described in the following.

! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an extended period with ESP® deactivated. You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.

4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Traction control is part of ESP®. Traction control brakes the drive wheels individually if they spin. This enables you to pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for example if the road surface is slippery on one side. In addition, more drive torque is transferred to the wheel or wheels with traction. Traction control remains active if you deactivate ESP®. In appropriate driving situations, activate the off-road program: X Vehicles without the ON&OFFROAD

package (Y page 250)

X Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package

(Y page 250)

Off-road 4ETS (Electronic Traction System) A 4ETS system specifically suited to off-road terrain is activated automatically once the off- road program is activated on: RVehicles without the ON&OFFROAD

package (Y page 250)

RVehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package

(Y page 250)

X To switch off: press button :.

The å ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.

X To switch on: press button :.

The å ESP® OFF warning lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.

ESP® is activated automatically when the engine is started. The ECO start/stop function switches the engine off automatically when the vehicle stops moving. The engine starts automatically when the driver wants to pull away again. ESP® remains in its previously selected status. Example: if ESP® was deactivated before the engine was switched off, ESP® remains deactivated when the engine is switched on again. If ESP® is deactivated and one or more wheels start to spin, the ÷ ESP® warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. In such situations, ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle.

It may be best to deactivate ESP® in the following situations: Rwhen using snow chains Rin deep snow Ron sand or gravel If you deactivate ESP®: RESP® no longer improves driving stability. Rtraction control is still activated. RESP® still provides support when you

brake.

Rengine torque is not limited and the drive

wheels are able to spin. The spinning wheels produce a cutting effect for better traction.

Off-road ESP® An ESP® system specifically suited to off-road terrain is activated automatically once the off- road program is activated on: RVehicles without the ON&OFFROAD

package (Y page 250)

RVehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package

(Y page 250)

Off-road ESP® intervenes with a delay if there is oversteering or understeering, thus improving traction.

ESP® trailer stabilization G WARNING If road and weather conditions are poor, trailer stabilization will not be able to prevent the vehicle/trailer combination from swerving. Trailers with a high center of gravity can tip over before ESP® can detect this. There is a risk of an accident. Always adapt your driving style to the prevailing road and weather conditions.

If your vehicle with trailer (vehicle/trailer combination) begins to lurch, you can only stabilize the vehicle/trailer combination by depressing the brake firmly.

Driving safety systems

73

In this situation, ESP® assists you and can detect if the vehicle/trailer combination begins to lurch. ESP® slows the vehicle down by braking and limiting the engine output until the vehicle/trailer combination has stabilized. Trailer stabilization is active above speeds of about 37 mph (60 km/h). Trailer stabilization does not work if ESP® is deactivated because of a malfunction.

Crosswind driving assistance Strong crosswinds can cause your vehicle to deviate from a straight course. The crosswind driving assistance function integrated into ESP® significantly reduces these effects. ESP® intervenes automatically according to the direction and intensity of the crosswinds affecting your vehicle. When driving on straight roads or gentle bends, your vehicle is kept safely on course by a stabilizing brake intervention. Crosswind driving assistance is active above a vehicle speed of 80 km/h. Crosswind driving assistance does not work if ESP® is deactivated or disabled because of a malfunction.

EBD (electronic brake force distribution) i Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 66). G WARNING If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can still lock, e.g. under full braking. This increases the risk of skidding and an accident. You should therefore adapt your driving style to the different handling characteristics. Have the brake system checked at a qualified specialist workshop.

74 Driving safety systems

Observe information regarding indicator and warning lamps (Y page 318) as well as display messages (Y page 284). EBD monitors and controls the brake pressure on the rear wheels to improve driving stability while braking.

ADAPTIVE BRAKE ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety and offers increased braking comfort. In addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE BRAKE also has the HOLD function (Y page 207) and hill start assist (Y page 162).

PRE-SAFE® Brake i Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 66).

PRE-SAFE® Brake is only available in vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS. PRE-SAFE® Brake can help you to minimize the risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead or reduce the effects of such a collision. If PRE- SAFE® Brake has detected a risk of collision, you will be warned visually and acoustically as well as by automatic braking. PRE-SAFE® Brake cannot prevent a collision without your intervention. Starting at a speed of around 4 mph (7 km/h), this function warns you if you very quickly approach a vehicle in front. An intermittent warning tone will then sound and the · distance warning lamp will light up in the instrument cluster. X Brake immediately in order to increase the

distance from the vehicle in front.

or X Take evasive action provided it is safe to do

so.

If the driver and front passenger have their seat belt fastened, PRE-SAFE® Brake can also brake the vehicle automatically at speeds

from approximately 4 mph (7 km/h) to approximately 124 mph (200 km/h). Due to the nature of the system, particularly complicated driving conditions may cause unnecessary warnings or the unnecessary intervention of PRE-SAFE® Brake. You can stop PRE-SAFE ® Brake intervention at any time by: Rdepressing the accelerator pedal further Ractivating kickdown Rreleasing the brake pedal. The braking action of PRE-SAFE® Brake is ended automatically if: Ryou maneuver to avoid the obstacle. Rthere is no longer any danger of a rear-end

collision.

Rthere is no longer an obstacle detected in

front of your vehicle.

If you have activated DSR (Y page 248), PRE- SAFE® Brake is also deactivated. With the help of the radar sensor system, PRE-SAFE® Brake can detect obstacles that are in front of your vehicle for an extended period of time. At speeds up to approximately 40 mph (70 km/h), PRE-SAFE® Brake can also detect stationary obstacles such as stopped or parked vehicles. If you approach an obstacle and PRE-SAFE® Brake detects a risk of a collision, the system will alert you both visually and acoustically. If you do not brake or take evasive action, the system will warn you by automatically braking the vehicle gently. If there is an increased risk of collision, preventative passenger protection measures (PRE-SAFE®) are activated (Y page 54). If, at speeds over 20 mph (30 km/h), a risk of collision remains and you do not brake, take evasive action or significantly accelerate, automatic braking may be performed up to the level of emergency braking. Automatic emergency braking is not performed until immediately

prior to an accident that can no longer be avoided. G WARNING PRE-SAFE® Brake will initially brake your vehicle by a partial application of the brakes if a danger of collision is detected. There may be a collision unless you also brake. Automatic emergency braking cannot prevent a collision. There is a risk of an accident. Always apply the brakes yourself and try to take evasive action. G WARNING PRE-SAFE® Brake cannot always clearly identify objects and complex traffic conditions. In these cases, PRE-SAFE® Brake may: Rgive an unnecessary warning and then

brake the vehicle

Rnot give a warning or intervene There is a risk of an accident. Always pay particular attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake, especially if PRE-SAFE® Brake warns you. Terminate the intervention in a non-critical driving situation.

In particular, the detection of obstacles can be impaired if there is: Rdirt on the sensors or anything else

covering the sensors

Rsnow or heavy rain Rinterference by other radar sources Rthe possibility of strong radar reflections,

for example in parking garages

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

motorbike

Ra vehicle traveling in front on a different line

relative to the center of your vehicle G WARNING PRE-SAFE® Brake does not react: Rto people or animals Rto oncoming vehicles

Driving safety systems

75

Rto crossing traffic Rwhen cornering As a result, PRE-SAFE® Brake may neither give warnings nor intervene in all critical situations. There is a risk of an accident. Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.

In order to maintain the appropriate distance to the vehicle in front and thus prevent a collision, you must apply the brakes yourself. X To activate/deactivate: activate or

deactivate PRE-SAFE® Brake in the on- board computer (Y page 274). When PRE-SAFE® Brake is activated, the Ä symbol appears in multifunction display, as long as the HOLD function is deactivated (Y page 207). On vehicles with the Active Parking Assist driving system, the Ä symbol is displayed when position P is engaged or you are driving faster than 22 mph (35 km/h).

For PRE-SAFE® Brake to assist you when driving, the radar sensor system must be switched on (Y page 279) and be operational. Following damage to the front end of the vehicle, have the configuration and operation of the radar sensors checked at a qualified specialist workshop. This also applies to collisions at low speeds where there is no visible damage to the front of the vehicle. i USA only: This device has been approved by the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar sensor is intended for use in an automotive radar system only. Removing, altering or tampering with the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use the device in any non-approved way. Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

76

Theft deterrent locking system

i Canada only: This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Removal, tampering, or altering of the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use the device in any non-approved way. Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

STEER CONTROL i Observe the "Important safety notes"

section (Y page 66).

STEER CONTROL helps you by transmitting a noticeable steering force to the steering wheel in the direction required for vehicle stabilization. This steering assistance is provided in particular if: Rboth right wheels or both left wheels are on

a wet or slippery road surface when you brake

Rthe vehicle starts to skid If ESP® is malfunctioning, you will not receive steering support from STEER CONTROL. Power steering will, however, continue to function.

Theft deterrent locking system Immobilizer X To activate with the SmartKey: remove

the SmartKey from the ignition lock.

X To activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the

ignition off and open the driver's door. X To deactivate: switch on the ignition.

The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from being started without the correct SmartKey. When leaving the vehicle, always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Anyone can start the engine if a valid SmartKey has been left inside the vehicle. i The immobilizer is always deactivated

when you start the engine. In the event that the engine cannot be started when the starter battery is fully charged, the immobilizer may be faulty. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).

ATA (anti-theft alarm system)

X To arm: lock the vehicle with the SmartKey

or KEYLESS-GO. Indicator lamp : flashes. The alarm system is armed after approximately 15 seconds.

X To switch off using the SmartKey: unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey.

or X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. X To switch off using KEYLESS-GO: unlock

the vehicle with KEYLESS-GO.

or X Press the Start/Stop button on the

dashboard. The SmartKey must be inside the vehicle.

A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the alarm system is armed and you open: Ra door Rthe vehicle with the mechanical key Rthe tailgate Rthe hood X To turn the alarm off with the

SmartKey: press the % or & button on the SmartKey. The alarm is switched off.

or X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.

The alarm is switched off.

X To stop the alarm using KEYLESS-GO:

grasp the outside door handle. The SmartKey must be outside the vehicle. The alarm is switched off.

or X Press the Start/Stop button on the

dashboard. The SmartKey must be inside the vehicle. The alarm is switched off.

The alarm is not switched off, even if you close the open door that has triggered it, for example. i If the alarm stays on for more than

30 seconds, the mbrace (USA only) or TELE AID (Canada only) emergency call system initiates a call to the Customer Assistance Center automatically. The emergency call system initiates the call provided that: Ryou have subscribed to the mbrace/

TELEAID Service.

Rthe mbrace/TELEAID Service has been

activated properly.

Rthe required mobile phone, power supply

and GPS are available.

Theft deterrent locking system 77

78

Useful information .............................. 80
SmartKey ............................................. 80
Doors .................................................... 86
Cargo compartment ............................ 89
Side windows ...................................... 93
Sliding sunroof .................................... 98

79

80

SmartKey

Useful information

i This Operator's Manual describes all models and all standard and optional equipment of your vehicle available at the time of publication of the Operator's Manual. Country-specific differences are possible. Please note that your vehicle may not be equipped with all features described. This also applies to safety- related systems and functions.

i Read the information on qualified specialist workshops: (Y page 27).

SmartKey Important safety notes G WARNING When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unsupervised in the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child restraint system, and do not give them access to an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury. They could: Rinjure themselves on vehicle parts Rbe seriously or fatally injured by extreme

heat or cold

Rinjure themselves or have an accident with

vehicle equipment that may still be in operation even after the SmartKey has been removed from the ignition, such as the seat adjustment, steering wheel adjustment or memory function.

If children open a door, they could cause severe or even fatal injury to other persons; if they get out of the vehicle, they could injure themselves when doing so or be seriously or even fatally injured by any passing traffic. Do not expose the child restraint system to direct sunlight. The child restraint system's metal parts, for example, could become very

hot, and a child could be burned on these parts. G WARNUNG If a key ring is too heavy or too large, the weight acting on the SmartKey could cause it to turn in the ignition lock or catch on the steering wheel. This could cause the engine to be switched off suddenly. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. Do not attach any heavy or large key rings to the SmartKey that is inserted in the ignition.

i USA only: