2009 Mercedes-benz M Class Owners Manual

Safety and security

Occupant safety

steering wheel hub, front passenger front air bag cover, outboard sides of the seat backrests, door trim panels, or door frame trims, and installation of additional electrical/electronic equipment on or near SRS components and wiring. Keep area between air bags and occupants free of objects (e.g. packages, purses, umbrellas, etc.).

RDo not hang items such as coat hangers from the coat hooks or handles over the door. These items may be thrown around in the vehicle and cause head and other injuries when the window curtain air bag is deployed.

RAir bag system components will be hot after an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.

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.

RIn addition, improper repair work on the SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by qualified

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technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

RFor your protection and the protection of others, when scrapping the air bag unit or ETD, our safety instructions must be followed. These instructions are available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

RGiven the considerable deployment

speed, required inflation volume, and the material of the air bags, there is the possibility of abrasions or other, potentially more serious injuries resulting from air bag deployment.

If you sell your vehicle, we strongly recommend that you inform the subsequent owner that the vehicle is equipped with SRS and refer them to the applicable section in the Operator’s Manual.

Front air bags G Observe Safety notes, see

page 49.

1 Driver front air bag 2 Front passenger front air bag The front air bags are designed to provide increased protection for the driver and front passenger against the risk of injuries to the head and thorax. Driver and front passenger front air bags are deployed Rin the event of certain frontal impacts Rif impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

exceeds the preset deployment threshold for the front air bags. The front passenger front air bag 2 will only be deployed if Rvehicles with OCS, USA only: the system,

based on OCS weight sensor readings, detects that the front passenger seat is occupied

Rthe 59 indicator lamp in the

center console is not lit (USA only: (Y page 56), Canada only: (Y page 58))

Rthe impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

! Vehicles with BabySmartTM air bag

deactivation system, Canada only: Do not place objects heavier than 20 lb (9 kg) on the front passenger seat. This could cause the front or side impact air bag on the front passenger side to deploy in a crash which exceeds the system’s deployment threshold.

Rif the system determines that air bag

deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt

Rdepending on whether the seat belt is in

use

Rindependently of the side impact air bags

and/or the window curtain air bags

The front air bags in this vehicle have been designed to inflate in two stages. This allows the air bags to have different rates of inflation that are based on the vehicle deceleration rate as assessed by the air bag control unit. Vehicles with OCS, USA only: On the front passenger side, front air bag 2 deployment is additionally influenced by the passenger’s weight category as identified by the Occupant Classification System (OCS) (Y page 53). Vehicles with OCS, USA only: The lighter the front passenger side occupant, the higher the vehicle deceleration rate required for second stage inflation of front air bag 2. The air bags will not deploy in impacts which do not exceed the system’s preset deployment thresholds. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belts. The front air bags will not deployed in the event of a rollover unless the vehicle’s rate of longitudinal deceleration or acceleration

Safety and security

Occupant safety

Side impact air bags G Observe Safety notes, see page 49. G Warning! The pressure sensors for side impact air bag control are located in the doors. Do not modify any components of the doors or door trim panels including, for example, the addition of door speakers. Improper repair work on the doors or the modification or addition of components to the doors create a risk of rendering the side impact air bags inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the doors must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center

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Occupant safety

1 Front side impact air bag 2 Rear side impact air bag When deployed, the side impact air bags are designed to provide increased protection for the thorax (but not the head, neck and arms) of the occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs. The side impact air bags are deployed Ron the impacted side of the vehicle Rin side impacts exceeding a preset

deployment threshold

Rregardless of whether the seat belt is in use Rindependently of the front air bags Rindependently of the ETDs Vehicles with OCS, USA only: The front passenger side impact air bag will not deploy

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if the OCS senses that the front passenger seat is empty and the front passenger seat belt is not fastened (latch plate is not inserted into the buckle). With an empty front passenger seat and the seat belt fastened (latch plate properly inserted into buckle) the front passenger side impact air bag will deploy independently of the empty seat. The side impact air bags are not deployed in side impacts which do not exceed the system’s deployment threshold. The side air bags will not deployed in the event of a rollover unless the vehicle’s rate of lateral deceleration or acceleration exceeds the preset deployment threshold for the side air bags. ! Vehicles with BabySmartTM air bag

deactivation system, Canada only: Do not place objects heavier than 20 lb (9 kg) on the front passenger seat. This could cause the front or side impact air bag on the front passenger side to deploy in a crash which exceeds the system’s deployment threshold. G Warning! Only use seat covers which have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model. Using other seat covers

may interfere with or prevent the deployment of the side impact air bags. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.

Window curtain air bags G Observe Safety notes, see

page 49.

1 Window curtain air bag When deployed, window curtain air bags 1
are designed to provide increased protection for the head (but not the chest or arms) of the occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs.

Window curtain air bags 1 are deployed Ron the impacted side of the vehicle Rin side impacts exceeding a preset

deployment threshold

Rindependently of the front air bags Rregardless of whether the front passenger

seat is occupied

Rin certain vehicle rollovers, if the system determines that air bag deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt

Window curtain air bags 1 are not deployed in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deployment threshold. Window curtain air bags 1 deploy in the area indicated by the arrows.

Occupant Classification System The Occupant Classification System (OCS) is standard equipment in USA. The OCS automatically turns the front passenger front air bag on or off based on the classified occupant weight category determined by weight sensor readings from the front passenger seat. The system does not deactivate the front passenger side impact air bag, the window curtain air bag and the Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs). Occupants must sit with the seat belt properly fastened in a position that is as upright as possible with their back against the seat backrest and feet on the floor to be correctly classified. If the occupant’s weight is transferred to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by leaning on armrests), the OCS may not be able to properly approximate the occupant’s weight category. Furthermore, the occupant weight may appear to increase or decrease due to the following: objects hanging on the seat, lodged underneath the seat, stuffed between the seat and middle console or the seat and door, other passengers pushing on the seat, or objects applying pressure to the back of the

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Occupant safety

seat. Always make sure the seat has clearance in all directions at all times. i If your seat, including the trim cover and cushion, needs to be serviced in any way, take the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Only seat accessories approved by Mercedes-Benz may be used. Both the driver and the front passenger should always use the 59
indicator lamp as an indication of whether or not the front passenger is properly positioned. G Warning! If the 59 indicator lamp illuminates when an adult or someone larger than a small individual is in the front passenger seat, have the front passenger re-position himself or herself in the seat until the 59 indicator lamp goes out, or check whether objects are caught under or around the seat. In the event of a collision, the air bag control unit will not allow front passenger front air bag deployment when the OCS has classified the front passenger seat occupant as weighting as much as or less

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Safety and security

Occupant safety than a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or if the front passenger seat is classified as being empty. When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat occupant is classified as being up to or less than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint, the 59
indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat is classified as being empty, the 59 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat occupant is classified as being heavier than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child seated in a standard child restraint or as being a small individual (such as a young teenager or a small adult), the 59 indicator lamp will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds when the engine is started and then, depending on occupant weight sensor

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readings from the seat, remain illuminated or go out. With the 59
indicator lamp illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. With the 59 indicator lamp out, the front passenger front air bag is activated. When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat occupant is classified as an adult or someone larger than a small individual, the 59 indicator lamp will illuminate for approximately 6
seconds when the engine is started and then go out, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is activated. If the 59 indicator lamp is illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated and will not be deployed. If the 59 indicator lamp is not illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is activated and will be deployed Rin the event of certain frontal impacts Rif impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

Rindependently of the side impact air bags

If the front passenger front air bag is deployed, the rate of inflation will be influenced by Rthe rate of relevant vehicle deceleration as assessed by the air bag control unit

Rthe front passenger’s weight category as

identified by the OCS

For information about air bag display messages (Y page 307). 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 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.

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 59
indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 59
indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 59 indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 59 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 59
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

Safety and security

Occupant safety

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. For children larger than the typical 12-month-old child, the front passenger front air bag may or may not be activated.

Deployment of the driver front air bag does not mean that the front passenger front air bag also should have deployed. The OCS may have determined: Rthat the seat was empty or occupied by the weight up to or less than that of a typical 12-month-old child seated in a standard child restraint – both instances where the system suppresses deployment of the front passenger front air bag even though the impact met the criteria and was of

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Safety and security

Occupant safety

sufficient severity to deploy the driver front air bag

Rthat the seat was occupied by a small

individual (such as a young teenager or a small adult) or a child who weighs more than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint – both of which are instances where the system may suppress deployment of the front passenger front air bag even though the impact met the criteria and was of sufficient severity to deploy the driver front air bag

1 Front passenger front air bag off indicator

lamp

The 59 indicator lamp 1 will be illuminated, except with the SmartKey

56

removed from the starter switch or with the starter switch in position 0. G Warning! If the 1 indicator lamp and the 59 indicator lamp are lit at the same time, there is a malfunction in the OCS. The front passenger front air bag will be deactivated in this case. Have the system checked as soon as possible by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Only have the seat repaired or replaced at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. In order to ensure proper operation of the air bag system and OCS: RDo not place more than 4.4 lb (2 kg) into the storage bag on the back of the front passenger seat. Otherwise, the OCS may not be able to properly approximate the occupant weight category.

RDo not place objects under and/or

around the front passenger seat.

RDo not hang anything from or attach any

items to the seats.

RDo not stuff objects such as books

between the front passenger seat and

the center console or front passenger door.

RDo not move the front passenger seat

backwards against stiff objects.

RSit with the seat belt properly fastened in a position that is as upright as possible with your back against the seat backrest.

RWhile seated, an occupant should not

position him/herself in such a way as to cause the occupant’s weight to be lifted from the seat bottom as this may result in the OCS being unable to correctly approximate the occupant’s weight category.

RRead and observe all warnings in this

chapter.

Occupant Classification System Self- test After turning the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 1 or 2 or pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button once or twice, the 59 indicator lamp illuminates. If an adult occupant is properly sitting on the front passenger seat and the system classifies the occupant as an adult, the 59 indicator lamp will

illuminate and go out after approximately 6
seconds. If the seat is not occupied and the system classifies the front passenger seat as being empty, the 59 indicator lamp will illuminate and not go out. G Warning! If the 59 indicator lamp does not illuminate, the system is not functioning. You must contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat. For more information, see the “Practical hints” section (Y page 347). G Warning! Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness of the OCS. The bottom of the child seat must make full contact with the passenger seat cushion. An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of an accident, instead of increasing protection for the child. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation of child seats.

BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system The BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system is standard equipment in Canada. 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 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

Safety and security

Occupant safety 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: RChildren 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the front passenger front air bag when it is installed properly. Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

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-

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Safety and security

Occupant safety

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 BabySmartTM

compatible rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat because circumstances require you to do so, make sure the 59 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 59
indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 59 indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 59 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 59
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

58

injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates.

on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

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! When using a BabySmartTM compatible child seat on the front passenger seat, the front passenger front air bag will not deploy only if the 59 indicator lamp remains illuminated. Please be sure to check the 59 indicator lamp every time you use a BabySmartTM compatible child seat on the front passenger seat. Should the 59 indicator lamp go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. If the 59 indicator lamp remains out, do not use the BabySmartTM restraint to transport a child

1 Front passenger front air bag off indicator

lamp

Special BabySmartTM compatible child seats, designed for use with the Mercedes-Benz system, are required for use with the BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system. Please contact your authorized Mercedes- Benz Center for information on availability. With the special child seat installed properly, the front passenger front air bag will not deploy. The 59 indicator lamp 1 will be illuminated, except with the SmartKey removed from the starter switch or with the starter switch in position 0.

59 indicator lamp not to come on during self-test or be continuously lit, indicating that the system is not functioning. G Warning! The BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system will ONLY work with a special child seat designed to operate with it. It will not work with child seats which are not BabySmartTM compatible. Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness off the BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system. The bottom of the child seat must make full contact with the passenger seat cushion. An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of an accident, instead of protecting the child. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation of special child seats.

The system does not deactivate the side impact air bag, the window curtain air bag and the Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD).

Self-test BabySmartTM without special child seat installed After turning the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 1 or 2 or pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button once or twice, the 59 indicator lamp comes on for approximately 6 seconds and then goes out. If the 59 indicator lamp should not come on or is continuously lit, the system is not functioning. You must see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before seating any child on the passenger seat. More information can be found in the “Practical hints” section (Y page 304). G Warning! Do not place powered-on laptops, mobile phones, electronic tags such as those used in ski passes and like electronic devices on the front passenger seat. Signals from such devices may interfere with the BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system. Such signal interference may cause the

Safety and security

Occupant safety

Seat belts

Safety notes The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in all 50
states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all Canadian provinces. Even where this is not the case, all vehicle occupants should have their seat belts fastened whenever the vehicle is in motion. For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle” (Y page 68). 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

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Safety and security

Occupant safety 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

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belt. Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time. G Warning! Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have been subjected to stress in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked. Only use seat belts which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz. Do not make any modifications to the seat belts. This can lead to unintended activation of the ETDs or to their failure to activate when necessary. Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide adequate protection. Have all work carried out only by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Proper use of 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 case 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, front passenger front air bag, side impact air bags, window curtain air bags for side windows), Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs), 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 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, against your neck or off your shoulder. 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.

Safety and security

Occupant safety 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. Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash, they may not be able to provide adequate protection. Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have been subjected to stress in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Fastening the seat belts 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.

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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.

Safety and security

Occupant safety 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! 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 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 appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. For additional information, see “Children in the vehicle”. A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints

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are not properly secured in the vehicle and/or the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. G Warning! Vehicles with BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system, Canada only: Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the front passenger front air bag when it is installed properly. Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result. 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! Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat backrest in an excessively reclined position

X Push latch plate 2 into buckle 3 until it

clicks.

Safety and security

Occupant safety X Lowering: Press and hold release button

2.

X If necessary, adjust the seat belt to the

correct height.

X Slide seat belt height adjuster 1

downward.

X If necessary, tighten the lap portion to a snug fit by pulling shoulder portion up.

X Release button 2 and make sure seat belt

height adjuster 1 engages into place.

Seat belt outlet height adjustment

1 Seat belt outlet 2 Latch plate 3 Buckle 4 Seat belt release button X With a smooth motion, pull the seat belt out

of seat belt outlet 1.

X Place the shoulder portion of the seat belt across the top of your shoulder and the lap portion across your hips.

1 Seat belt height adjuster 2 Release button X Raising: Slide seat belt height adjuster

1 upward. Seat belt height adjuster 1 engages in different positions.

Releasing the seat belts X Press seat belt release button 4

(Y page 63). Allow the retractor to completely rewind the seat belt by guiding the latch plate 2
(Y page 63).

! Make sure the seat belt retracts fully so that the seat belt and/or latch plate cannot get caught or pinched in the door or in the seat mechanism. This can damage the seat belt and impair its effectiveness, and/or cause damage to the door and/or door trim panel. Such damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Damaged seat belts must be replaced. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

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Safety and security

Occupant safety Enhanced seat belt reminder system When the engine is started, the seat belt telltale < will always illuminate for 6 seconds to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts. If the driver’s seat belt is not fastened when the engine is started, an additional warning chime will also sound for a maximum of 6 seconds or until the driver’s seat belt is fastened. If after these 6 seconds the driver’s or the front passenger’s seat belt (with the front passenger seat occupied) is not fastened with front doors closed, Rthe seat belt telltale < remains

illuminated for as long as either the driver’s or front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened.

Rand if the vehicle speed once exceeds

15 mph (25 km/h), the seat belt telltale < starts flashing and a warning chime sounds with increasing intensity for a maximum of 60 seconds or until the driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt are fastened. If you and/or your passenger release the seat belt during driving, the seat belt

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telltale < starts flashing and the warning chime sounds as described before. If the driver’s or the front passenger’s seat belt remains unfastened after 60 seconds, the warning chime stops sounding, the seat belt telltale < stops flashing but continues to be illuminated. After a vehicle standstill, the warning chime is reactivated and the seat belt telltale < is flashing again if the vehicle speed once exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h).

The seat belt telltale < will only go out if both the driver’s and the front passenger’s seat belt (with the front passenger seat occupied) are fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a front door is opened. For more information, see “Practical hints” (Y page 341).

Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD), seat belt force limiter The seat belts for the front seats and rear outer seats are equipped with ETDs and seat belt force limiters.

The ETDs are designed to activate in the following cases: Rin frontal or rear-end impacts exceeding

the system’s preset deployment threshold

Rin side impacts exceeding the system’s preset deployment threshold on the far side of the impact

Rin certain vehicle rollovers Rif the restraint systems are operational and

functioning correctly, see 1 indicator lamp (Y page 47)

The ETDs for the front seats will only activate if the front seat belts are fastened (latch plate properly inserted into buckle). The ETDs for the rear outer seats will activate with or without the respective seat belts fastened. In an impact, the ETDs remove slack from the seat belts in such a way that the seat belts fit more snugly against the body. Seat belt force limiters, when activated, are employed to help reduce the peak force exerted by the seat belts on occupants during a crash. i The ETDs do not correct an incorrect seat

position or incorrectly worn seat belts. The ETDs do not pull occupants back toward the seat backrest.

G Warning! Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be replaced. For your safety, when disposing of the pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety instructions. These are available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. PRE-SAFE® has electrically operated reversible pre-tensioners that do not require replacement after activation.

Preventive occupant safety (PRE- SAFE®) G Warning! PRE-SAFE® is intended to reduce the effects of an accident on vehicle occupants who are wearing their seat belt properly. Despite having the PRE-SAFE® system in your vehicle, the possibility of injuries occurring as a result of an accident cannot be eliminated. Therefore, you should always drive carefully and adjust your driving to the prevailing road, weather, and traffic conditions.

Your vehicle takes preventive measures to better protect the occupants in the following hazardous situations automatically. PRE-SAFE® takes action in Remergency braking maneuvers with the Brake Assist System (BAS) (Y page 77) activated

Rcritical dynamic driving situations, e.g.

when the vehicle is understeering or oversteering because it has exceeded its physical limitations

When you are driving faster than 22 mph (35 km/h), PRE-SAFE® takes the following measures in such situations: RThe front seat belts are pre-tensioned

automatically.

RVehicles with front passenger seat memory

function: If the passenger seat is in an unfavorable position, it will be adjusted to a better position.

RIf the vehicle is in a severe skid or is

spinning, the door windows close until only a small gap remains.

RVehicles with power tilt/sliding sunroof: If the vehicle is in a severe skid or is spinning, the tilt/sliding sunroof also close until only a small gap remains.

Safety and security

Occupant safety If the closing procedure of the door windows or tilt/sliding sunroof is blocked, the door windows or tilt/sliding sunroof will stop and open slightly. Once the hazardous situation is over without an accident occurring, the seat belt pre- tensioning is deactivated. You can readjust all of the settings made by PRE-SAFE®. If the seat belts do not release: X Adjust the seat backrest or seat slightly to

the rear until the seat belt tension is diminished. The locking mechanism releases.

! When moving the seats, make sure there are no items in the footwell or behind the seats. Otherwise, you could damage the seats.

65

Correct driver seat adjustment G Warning! In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle control all seat, head restraint, steering wheel, and rear view mirror adjustments, as well as fastening of seat belts, must be done before the vehicle is put into motion.

Safety and security

Occupant safety Active head restraints The active head restraints are intended to offer the driver and front passenger increased protection from whiplash-type injuries. In the event of a rear-end collision, the active head restraints on the driver’s and front passenger’s seat are designed to move forward in the direction of travel, providing the head with increased support earlier on in the collision sequence. The active head restraints move forward whether the seat is occupied or not. G Warning! Do not attach any objects (e.g. hangers) to the head restraint posts. Otherwise, the active head restraints may not be able to function properly or offer the intended degree of protection they were designed for in the event of a rear-end collision. If the active head restraints have been triggered in an accident, the active head restraints must be reset. Otherwise, the active head restraints cannot offer any additional protection in the event of another rear-end collision. For information on resetting the activated active head restraints, see “Resetting activated head restraints” (Y page 352).

66

You cannot remove the active head restraint on the driver’s and front passenger’s seats. G Warning! Only use seat or head restraint covers which have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model. Using other seat or head restraint covers may interfere with or prevent the activation of the active head restraints and/or the deployment of the front side impact air bags. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for availability. G Warning! For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints. Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close to the head as possible and the center of the head restraint supports the back of the head at eye level. This will reduce the potential for injury to the head and neck in the event of an accident or similar situation. For information on head restraint adjustment, see “Head restraints” (Y page 99).

page 96.

G Observe Safety notes, see Observe the following points: RAlways be in a properly seated position. RThe position should be as far rearward from

the front air bag in steering wheel 1 as possible, while still permitting proper operation of vehicle controls.

1 Steering wheel 2 Seat belt 3 Seat X Position seat 3 (Y page 97) and head

restraint properly (Y page 99).

RAdjust seat 3 to a comfortable seating position that still allows you to reach the accelerator/brake pedal safely.

RSeat 3 must be adjusted so that you can

correctly fasten and position your seat belt 2.

RThe seat backrest must be in a position that

is as nearly upright as possible.

RAdjust the seat cushion so that the front edge of the seat cushion lightly supports your legs.

RAdjust the head restraint so that it is as

close to the head as possible and the center of the head restraint supports the back of the head at eye level.

RNever place hands under seat 3 or near any moving parts while seat 3 is being adjusted.

Safety and security

Occupant safety X Position steering wheel 1 properly. See (Y page 103) for manual adjustment and (Y page 103) for electrical adjustment. G Observe Safety notes, see Make sure: RYou can reach steering wheel 1 with your

page 103.

arms slightly bent at the elbows.

RYou can move your legs freely. RAll displays (including malfunction and

indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster are clearly visible.

X Fasten and position your seat belt 2

page 59.

(Y page 61) correctly. G Observe Safety notes, see Make sure: RSeat belt 2 is always fitted snugly. RAdjust seat belt 2 so that the shoulder section is located as close as possible to the middle of the shoulder.

RPlace the lap portion of seat belt 2 as low

as possible on your hips.

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Safety and security

Occupant safety Children in the vehicle

Safety notes If an infant or child is traveling with you in the vehicle: X Secure the child using an infant or child

restraint appropriate to the age and size of the child.

X Make sure the infant or child is properly secured at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

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G Warning! When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch. 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 starter switch 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 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

For more information on loading, please refer to the “Loading and storing” (Y page 208) chapter.

Infant and child restraint systems G Observe Safety notes, see We recommend all infants and children be properly restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

page 68.

Canada only: Only use a BabySmartTM compatible child restraint for the front passenger seat in this vehicle. All lap/shoulder belts except the driver’s seat belt have special seat belt retractors for secure fastening of child restraints. To fasten a child restraint, follow child restraint instructions for mounting. Then pull the shoulder belt out completely and let it retract. During seat belt retraction, a ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate that the special seat belt retractor is activated. The seat belt is now locked. Push down on child restraint to take up any slack. To deactivate, release the seat belt buckle and let the seat belt retract completely. To deactivate the special seat belt retractor for the front passenger seat, the front passenger seat must be in the most backward position. The seat belt can again be used in the usual manner. G Warning! Never release the seat belt buckle while the vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will be deactivated.

i Information on child seats with mounting

fittings for tether anchorages (Y page 71). For information on LATCH-type child seat anchors (Y page 72).

The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all Canadian provinces. Infants and small children should be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system, properly secured in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for the child restraint, that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 225
and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 210.2. A statement by the child restraint manufacturer of compliance with these standards can be found on the instruction label on the restraint and in the instruction manual provided with the restraint. When using any infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat, make sure to carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use. Please read and observe warning labels affixed to the inside of the vehicle and to infant or child restraints.

Safety and security

Occupant safety

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 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.

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Safety and security

Occupant safety 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: RUSA only: Your 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.

RUSA only: For 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 59 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. RCanada only: Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the front passenger front air bag when it is installed properly.

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Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

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 59
indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 59
indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 59 indicator lamp while

driving to make sure the 59 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 59
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! Infants and small children should never share a seat belt with another occupant. During 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 too big for a toddler restraint must ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across 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.

Installation of infant and child restraint systems G Warning! Always lock the seat backrests in their upright position when the rear seats are occupied by passengers, after installing top tether straps, or the extended cargo compartment is not in use. Make sure that seat backrests are secured properly by

pushing and pulling on the seat backrests. If a seat backrest is not locked properly, the seat backrest could fold. The child seat would no longer be supported properly or positioned to provide its intended benefit. That could cause serious or even fatal injuries. This vehicle is equipped with tether anchorages for a top tether strap at each of the rear seating positions. Top tether straps enable an additional connection to be made between child restraint systems secured with LATCH-type anchors and rear seats. This can further reduce the risk of injury.

Safety and security

Occupant safety

G Observe Safety notes, see

page 68.

1 Anchorage ring covers X Press in lower part of anchorage ring

cover 1 on the seat backrest on which a child seat is to be installed.

X Pull on upper part of anchorage ring

cover 1 to remove cover.

X Store anchorage ring cover 1 in a convenient place (e.g. glove box).

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Safety and security

Occupant safety

2 Anchorage rings 3 Hook X Move the respective head restraint to its

uppermost position (Y page 100).

2 Anchorage ring 3 Hook

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4 Top tether strap X Guide top tether strap 4 between head

restraint and top of the seat backrest.

X Securely fasten hook 3, which is part of top tether strap 4, to anchorage ring 2.

Make sure Rtop tether strap 4 is not twisted Rthe head restraint is installed and

positioned such that the top tether strap can pass freely between the head restraint and top of the seat backrest

Rthe top tether strap is positioned between

the seat backrest and the cargo compartment cover blind (if installed)

Rthe top tether strap is positioned between

the seat backrest and the cargo net (if installed)

i For safety, make sure hook 3 is attached

to anchorage ring 2 beyond the safety catch, as illustrated.

X Lower the head restraint if necessary

(Y page 100). Make sure the top tether strap can pass freely between the head restraint and top of the seat backrest.

X Install the child restraint system and

tighten the top tether strap according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.

After removing the child restraint system and the top tether strap 4. X Reinstall the anchorage ring cover 1.

Child seat anchors – LATCH-type This vehicle is equipped with two LATCH-type anchors (at each of the rear outer seats) for the installation of a LATCH-type child seat with matching mounting fittings. G Observe Safety notes, see page 68. G Warning! Children too big for a toddler restraint must ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across 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 child seat according to manufacturer’s instructions. The child seat must be firmly attached to the right and left side anchors. An incorrectly mounted child seat may come loose during an accident which could result in serious injury or death to the child. Damaged or impact damaged child seats or child seat mounting fittings must be replaced. Non-LATCH-type child seats may also be used and can be installed using the vehicle’s seat belt system. Install child seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The LATCH-type anchors are blended with covers.

1 Anchorage ring covers X Remove anchorage ring covers 1 from the seat on which a child seat is to be installed.

2 Anchors

Safety and security

Occupant safety X Install a LATCH-type child seat according

to the manufacturer’s instructions. A rigid connection between the child seat and the body of the vehicle is established.

! Make sure the seat belt for the center seat can operate freely with a child seat installed.

Child safety Child safety locks G Observe Safety notes, see page 68. G Warning! Children could open a rear door from the inside. This may cause serious personal injury or an accident. Therefore, secure the rear doors with the child safety locks whenever children are riding in the back seats of the vehicle. The child safety locks on the rear doors enable you to secure each rear door individually. You cannot open a secured rear door from the inside. You can open the rear door from the outside when the vehicle is unlocked.

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Safety and security

Occupant safety

1 Releasing 2 Securing X Securing: Press the lever down in direction

of arrow 2.

X Check to make sure the child safety locks

are working properly.

X Releasing: Press the lever up in direction

of arrow 1.

page 68.

Override switch G Observe Safety notes, see With the override switch you can disable the rear door window switches in the rear door panels.

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G Warning! Activate the override switch when children are riding in the back seats of the vehicle. The children may otherwise injure themselves, e.g. by becoming trapped in the window opening.

X Deactivating: Press override switch 1

again. The switch disengages from its recessed position back to its original position. The rear door windows can again be operated using the respective switch located in the rear doors.

For more information on power windows, see the “Controls in detail” section (Y page 119).

1 Override switch X Activating: Press override switch 1.

The switch engages in recessed position. The rear door windows can no longer be operated using the respective switch located in the rear doors.

It is still possible to operate the rear door windows using the switches located on the door control panel of the driver’s door.

Panic alarm

1 Â button

i USA only:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful

2.

interference, and this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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 this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

2.

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

X Activating: Press and hold button 1 for at

least 1 second. An audible alarm and flashing exterior lamps will operate briefly.

X Deactivating: Press button 1 again. or X Insert the SmartKey in the starter switch. or X Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button. The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be inside the vehicle.

Safety and security

Driving safety systems

Driving safety systems Introduction This section contains information about the following driving safety systems: RABS (Antilock Brake System) RBAS (Brake Assist System) REBP (Electronic Brake Proportioning) RESP® (Electronic Stability Program)

i In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of most of the driving systems described in this section is only achieved with winter tires, or snow chains as required.

Safety notes G Warning! The following factors increase the risk of accidents: RExcessive speed, especially in turns RWet and slippery road surfaces RFollowing another vehicle too closely The driving safety systems described in this section cannot reduce these risks or

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Safety and security

Driving safety systems prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle. They cannot increase braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the driving safety systems described in this section must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others. Always adjust your driving style to the prevailing road and weather conditions and keep a safe distance to other road users and objects on the street. If a driving system malfunctions, other driving safety systems may also switch off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that may come on as well as messages in the multifunction display that may appear.

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ABS G Observe Safety notes, see page 75. G Warning! Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS and significantly reduces braking effectiveness. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates the brake pressure so that the wheels do not lock during braking. This allows you to maintain the ability to steer your vehicle. The ABS is functional above a speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent of road surface conditions. On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even to light brake pressure. The - indicator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running.

Braking At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the

brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. X Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake

pedal while you feel the pulsation.

Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure yields the advantages provided by the ABS, namely braking power and the ability to steer the vehicle. The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.

Emergency brake maneuver X Keep continuous full pressure on the brake

pedal. G Warning! If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety systems such as the BAS or the ESP® are also switched off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that may come on as well as messages in the multifunction display that may appear. If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing steering capability and extending the braking distance.

For more information, see “What to do if …?” (Y page 338).

Off-road ABS With the off-road driving program switched on (Y page 169), the ABS is designed for off- road is automatically activated. When applying the brakes at speeds below 18 mph (30 km/h), the front wheels are locked cyclically to shorten the braking distance (dig-in effect). This effects steering the vehicle.

page 75.

BAS G Observe Safety notes, see The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically provides full brake boost, thereby potentially reducing the braking distance. X Apply continuous full braking pressure until

the emergency braking situation is over. The ABS will prevent the wheels from locking.

When you release the brake pedal, the brakes function again as normal. The BAS is then deactivated. G Warning! If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still functions, but without the additional brake boost available that the BAS would normally provide in an emergency braking maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance may increase.

page 75.

EBP G Observe Safety notes, see The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP) enhances braking effectiveness by allowing the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion of the braking effort in straight line braking without a loss of vehicle stability. G Warning! If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will still function with full brake boost. However, the rear wheels could lock up during emergency braking situations, for example. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident.

Safety and security

Driving safety systems

Adapt your driving style to the changed driving characteristics.

ESP® G Observe Safety notes, see

page 75.

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is operational as soon as the engine is running and monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of adhesive friction between the tires and the road surface) and handling. The ESP® recognizes when a wheel is spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By applying brakes to individual wheels and by limiting the engine output, the ESP® works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP® is especially useful while driving off and on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP® also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and steering maneuvers. The ESP® warning lamp v in the instrument cluster comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running.

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Safety and security

Driving safety systems The ESP® warning lamp v in the instrument cluster flashes when the ESP® is engaged. G Warning! Never switch off the ESP® when you see the ESP® warning lamp v flashing in the instrument cluster. In this case proceed as follows: RWhen driving off, apply as little throttle

as possible.

RWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator

pedal.

RAdapt your speed and driving style to the

prevailing road conditions.

Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP® cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed.

! Only conduct operational or performance tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such tests are necessary, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. You could otherwise seriously damage the brake system or the transfer case which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

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! Because the ESP® operates

automatically, the engine and ignition must be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is being tested on a brake test dynamometer. Such testing should be no longer than 10 seconds. Active braking action through the ESP® may otherwise seriously damage the brake system which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

! The ESP® will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size as specified in the “Technical data” section of this Operator’s Manual.

i The cruise control switches off

automatically when the ESP® engages. For more information, see the “Practical hints” section (Y page 304) and (Y page 343).

page 75.

Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) G Observe Safety notes, see The 4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction System) are components of the ESP®. The 4-ETS improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize available traction, especially under slippery road conditions by applying the brakes to a spinning wheel. In addition, more power is transferred to the wheel(s) with traction. When you switch off the ESP®, the 4-ETS is still enabled. X If conditions require, switch on the off-road

driving program (Y page 169).

Off-road 4-ETS With the off-road driving program switched on (Y page 169), the 4-ETS designed for off-road use is activated automatically.

Switching off the ESP® G Warning! The ESP® should not be switched off during normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling

the system will reduce vehicle stability in driving maneuvers. Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare wheel is mounted. To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off the ESP® in driving situations in which it would be advantageous to have the drive wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip such as: Rwhen driving with snow chains Rin deep snow Rin sand or gravel G Warning! Switch on the ESP® immediately if the aforementioned circumstances do not apply anymore. Otherwise the ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a wheel is spinning. When you switch off the ESP® Rthe ESP® does not stabilize the vehicle Rthe engine output is not limited, which

allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip

Rthe 4-ETS will still apply the brakes to a

spinning wheel

Rthe ESP® continues to operate when you

are braking

Ryou cannot activate the cruise control Rthe cruise control switches off if activated

i When the ESP® is switched off and one or more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP® warning lamp v in the instrument cluster flashes. However, the ESP® will then not stabilize the vehicle.

1 ESP® switch X With the engine running, press ESP® switch 1 until the ESP® warning lamp v in the instrument cluster comes on. The ESP® is switched off.

Safety and security

Driving safety systems