2012 Mercedes-benz M Class Owners Manual

Driving over rough terrain places greater demands on your vehicle than driving on normal roads. After driving off-road, check the vehicle. This allows you to detect damage promptly and reduce the risk of an accident to yourself and other road users.

X Deactivate DSR (Y page 208).

X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package: lower the vehicle to a ride height suitable for the road conditions, e.g. to the highway/high-speed level.

X Clean the headlamps and rear lights and

check for damage.

X Clean the front and rear license plates.

X Clean the wheels/tires with a water jet and

remove any foreign objects.

X Clean the wheels, wheel arches and the

vehicle underside with a water jet; check for any foreign objects and damage.

X Check whether twigs or other parts of

plants have become trapped. These increase the risk of fire and can damage fuel pipes, brake hoses or the rubber bellows of the axle joints and propeller shafts.

X After the trip, examine without fail the

entire undercarriage, wheels, tires, brakes, bodywork structure, steering, chassis and exhaust system for damage.

X After driving for extended periods across

sand, mud, gravel, water or in similarly dirty conditions, have the brake discs, wheels, brake pads/linings and axle joints checked and cleaned.

X If you detect strong vibrations after off-road

travel, check for foreign objects in the wheels and drive train and remove them if

necessary. Foreign objects can disturb the balance and cause vibrations.

Driving on sand

G WARNING Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure before driving through sand. However, if you do so, remember to correct the tire inflation pressure before continuing your trip. Driving with reduced tire inflation pressure increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle and rolling over.

Observe the following rules when driving on sand:

Rvehicles with the AIRMATIC package:

select a raised vehicle level.

Ravoid high engine speeds.

Rselect a shift range appropriate to the

terrain.

Rdrive quickly to overcome the rolling

resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle could dig itself into the sand.

Rdrive in the tracks of other vehicles if

possible. Make sure that the ruts are not too deep, that the sand is firm enough and that your vehicle has sufficient ground clearance.

Ruts and gravel roads

Observe the following rules when driving along ruts in off-road terrain or on roads with loose gravel:

! Check that the ruts are not too deep and that your vehicle has sufficient clearance. Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged or bottom out and get stuck.

Rfor vehicles with AIRMATIC package: select

an increased vehicle level.

Ravoid high engine speeds.

Rselect shift range 1.

Driving tips

165

Rdrive slowly.

Rwhere ruts are too deep, drive with the wheels of one side on the center grassy area, if possible.

Driving over obstacles

! Obstacles could damage the floor of the vehicle or components of the chassis. Ask passengers for guidance when driving over large obstacles. The passenger should always keep a safe distance from the vehicle when doing so in order to avoid injury as a result of unexpected vehicle movements. After driving off-road or over obstacles, check the vehicle for possible damage, especially to the underbody and the components of the chassis.

Observe the following rules when driving over tree stumps, large stones and other obstacles:

Rraise the vehicle level.

Ravoid high engine speeds.

Rselect shift range 1.

Rdrive very slowly.

Rdrive straight over the center of obstacles.

166 Driving tips

Traveling uphill

Approach/departure angle

: :14 ;

26°

25°

25°

Steel-spring

vehicles

Vehicles with

the AIRMATIC

package

Highway level

23°

22°

22°15

Raised level

28°

27°

27°

RComply with the rules for off-road driving.

RDo not drive at an angle on slopes, inclines or gradients, but instead follow the direct line of fall. The maximum gradient-climbing capability of your vehicle is 100%, which corresponds to an approach/departure angle of 45°. Note that the vehicle's gradient-climbing capability depends on the off-road conditions.

RBefore tackling steep downhill gradients,

select shift range 1.

RDrive slowly.

RAvoid high engine speeds – drive at a

suitable engine speed (maximum 3000
rpm).

RWhen driving down an incline, make use of

the engine's braking effect. Observe the engine speed; do not overrev the engine.

RCheck the brakes after driving off-road for

a long time.

G WARNING Never turn the vehicle around on steep inclines. The vehicle might roll over. If the vehicle cannot complete the attempted climb, back it down in reverse gear.

i Hill start assist will aid you when pulling

away on a hill.

For further information, see "Hill start assist" (Y page 142).

Maximum gradient-climbing capability

For good road surface conditions, the maximum gradient-climbing capability is 100%, which corresponds to an approach/ departure angle of 45°. Note that the vehicle's gradient-climbing capability depends on the off-road conditions.

Accelerate carefully and make sure that the wheels do not spin when driving on steep terrain.

i If the load on the front axle is reduced

when pulling away on a steep uphill slope, the front wheels have a tendency to spin. 4ETS recognizes this and brakes the wheels accordingly. The rear wheel torque is increased, making it easier to drive off.

Brow of hill

When driving up an uphill gradient, slightly reduce pressure on the accelerator immediately before reaching the brow of the hill. Use the vehicle's own impetus to drive over the top of the hill.

14 With AMG bodystyling. 15

The ML 350 4MATIC model has a departure angle of 23°.

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167

This style of driving prevents:

Rthe vehicle from lifting off the ground on the

brow of a hill

Rthe vehicle from traveling too quickly down

the other side

Driving downhill

RDrive slowly.

RThe use of the cruise control can be

dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not allow safe driving at a constant speed.

RThe use of the cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction can result in wheel spin and loss of control.

RDeactivate the cruise control when driving

RDo not drive at an angle down steep

in fog.

The "Resume" function should only be operated if the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.

G WARNING The cruise control brakes automatically so that the set speed is not exceeded.

General notes

Cruise control maintains a constant road speed for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer, you must select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time. By doing so, you will make use of the braking effect of the engine, which relieves the load on the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly.

Use cruise control only if road and traffic conditions make it appropriate to maintain a steady speed for a prolonged period. You can set any road speed above 20 mph (30 km/h).

i Cruise control should not be activated

during off-road driving.

inclines. Steer into the line of fall and drive with the front wheels aligned straight. Otherwise, the vehicle could slip sideways, tip and rollover.

RBefore tackling steep downhill gradients,

select shift range 1.

RActivate DSR. If this is not sufficient, brake gently. When doing so, make sure that the vehicle is facing in the direction of the line of fall.

RCheck that the brakes are working normally

after a long downhill stretch.

i The special off-road ABS setting enables a precise, brief and repeated locking of the front wheels, causing them to dig into the loose earth. Be aware that the front wheels easily skid across the ground surface if completely braked and therefore lose their ability to steer.

Driving systems

Cruise control

Important safety notes

G WARNING The cruise control is a convenience system designed to assist the driver during vehicle operation. The driver is and must always remain responsible for the vehicle's speed and for safe brake operation.

Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic, and weather conditions make it advisable to travel at a constant speed.

168 Driving systems

Cruise control lever

X Accelerate the vehicle to the desired

: To activate or increase speed

; To activate or reduce speed

= To deactivate cruise control

? To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

When you activate cruise control, the stored speed is shown in the multifunction display for five seconds. In the multifunction display, the segments between the stored speed and the maximum speed light up.

Activation conditions

To activate cruise control, all of the following activation conditions must be fulfilled:

Ryour vehicle must not be secured by the

electric parking brake.

Ryou are driving faster than 20 mph

(30 km/h).

RESP® must be active, but not intervening.

Rthe transmission must be in position D.

RDSR must be deactivated.

speed.

X Briefly press the cruise control lever

up : or down ;.

X Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal. Cruise control is activated. The vehicle automatically maintains the stored speed.

i Cruise control may be unable to maintain

the stored speed on uphill gradients. The stored speed is resumed when the gradient evens out. Cruise control maintains the stored speed on downhill gradients by automatically applying the brakes.

Activating with the current or last

stored speed

G WARNING The set speed stored in memory should only be set again if prevailing road conditions and legal speed limits permit. Possible acceleration or deceleration differences arising from returning to the preset speed could cause an accident and/or serious injury to you and others.

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?.

X Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal. The first time cruise control is activated, it stores the current speed or regulates the speed of the vehicle to the previously stored speed.

Activating cruise control

Setting a speed

You can adopt the current speed if you are driving faster than 20 mph (30 km/h).

G WARNING Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment until the vehicle has made the necessary adjustments.

Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to a value that the prevailing road conditions and legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden and unexpected acceleration or deceleration

of the vehicle could cause an accident and/ or serious injury to you and others.

X Press the cruise control lever up : for a

higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.

X Keep the cruise control lever pressed until

the desired speed is reached.

X Release the cruise control lever.

The new speed is stored.

X Making adjustments in 1 mph

increments (1 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever to the pressure point. The last stored speed is increased or decreased in 1 mph increments (1 km/h increments).

X Making adjustments in 5 mph

increments (10 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever beyond the pressure point. The last stored speed is increased or decreased in 5 mph increments (10 km/h increments).

i Cruise control is not deactivated if you

depress the accelerator pedal. For example, if you accelerate briefly to overtake, cruise control adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored after you have finished overtaking.

Deactivating cruise control

There are several ways to deactivate cruise control:

X Briefly press the cruise control lever

forwards =.

or

X Brake.

Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:

Ryou engage the electric parking brake.

Ryou are driving below 20 mph (30 km/h).

RESP® intervenes or you deactivate ESP®.

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169

Ryou activate DSR.

Ryou shift the transmission to position N

while driving.

If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. You will see the Cruise Control Off message in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds.

i When you switch off the engine, the last

speed stored is cleared.

DISTRONIC PLUS

Important safety notes

G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS requires familiarity with its operational characteristics. We strongly recommend that you review the following information carefully before operating the system.

G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS is a convenience system. Its speed adjustment reduction capability is intended to make cruise control more effective and usable when traffic speeds vary. It is not however, intended to, nor does it, replace the need for extreme care.

The responsibility for the vehicle's speed, distance to the preceding vehicle and, most importantly, brake operation to ensure a safe stopping distance, always remains with the driver.

The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take street and traffic conditions into account.

Complex driving situations are not always fully recognized by the DISTRONIC PLUS. This could result in wrong or missing distance warnings.

G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control is not a substitute for active driving involvement. It does not react to pedestrians or on stationary objects, nor does it recognize

170 Driving systems

or predict the curvature and lane layout or the movement of preceding vehicles. The DISTRONIC PLUS can only apply a maximum of 40% of the vehicle's braking power.

The DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow vehicles possibly driving in front of you, such as motorcycles and vehicles driving in an offset formation.

It is the driver's responsibility at all times to be attentive to the road, weather and traffic conditions. Additionally, the driver must provide the steering, braking and other driving inputs necessary to remain in control of the vehicle.

High-frequency sources such as toll stations, speed measuring systems etc. can cause the DISTRONIC PLUS system to temporarily cease functioning.

G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take road and traffic conditions into account. Only use the DISTRONIC PLUS if the road, weather and traffic conditions make it advisable to travel at a constant speed.

G WARNING Use of the DISTRONIC PLUS can be dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction can result in wheel spin and loss of control.

The DISTRONIC PLUS does not function in adverse sight and distance conditions. Do not use the DISTRONIC PLUS during conditions of fog, heavy rain, snow or sleet.

G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take weather conditions into account. Switch off the DISTRONIC PLUS or do not switch it on if:

Rroads are slippery or covered with snow or

ice. The wheels could lose traction while braking or accelerating, and the vehicle could skid.

Rthe DISTRONIC PLUS system sensor covers

are dirty or visibility is diminished due to

snow, rain or fog, for example. The distance control system functionality could be impaired.

Always pay attention to surrounding traffic conditions even while the DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able to recognize dangerous situations until it is too late. This could cause an accident in which you and/or others could be injured.

G WARNING The "Resume" function should only be operated if the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.

G WARNING Your undivided attention to street and traffic conditions is necessary at all times whether DISTRONIC PLUS is active or not.

The use of DISTRONIC PLUS can be dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not allow safe driving at a constant speed.

DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to stationary objects on the road (for example, a vehicle stopped in traffic or an abandoned vehicle). DISTRONIC PLUS likewise does not react to oncoming vehicles.

Deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS:

Rwhen changing to the right lane, if the

vehicles in the left lane are driving slower

Rwhen driving into a filter lane or an

expressway exit

Rin complex driving situations, for example

in construction sites on an expressway

In these situations DISTRONIC PLUS will maintain the set speed if it is not deactivated.

DISTRONIC PLUS is intended only for maintaining a set speed and a set distance from the objects moving in front of the vehicle.

G WARNING An intermittent warning sounds and the distance warning lamp· in the instrument cluster is illuminated if the DISTRONIC PLUS system calculates that the distance to the vehicle ahead and your vehicle's current speed indicate that the DISTRONIC PLUS will not be capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to maintain the preset following distance, which creates a danger of a collision.

Immediately brake the vehicle to increase your distance to the preceding vehicle. The warning sound is intended as a final caution in which you should intercede with your own braking inputs to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Do not wait for the operation of the warning signal to intercede with your own braking. This will result in potentially dangerous emergency braking which will not always result in an impact being avoided.

Tailgating increases the risk of an accident.

G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with a maximum deceleration of 13 ft/s2(4 m/s2). This is equivalent to approximately 40 % of your vehicle's maximum possible deceleration.

You need to brake yourself to prevent a collision. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes the vehicle to restore the set distance from the vehicle ahead or the set speed.

G WARNING If you do not receive visual or acoustic warning signals during a critical traffic situation, DISTRONIC PLUS has either not recognized the collision risk, has been deactivated or is malfunctioning.

Remember, whether or not DISTRONIC PLUS is operating, it is ultimately always the drivers responsibility to apply the brakes in order to control the vehicle and avoid a collision.

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171

G WARNING The vehicle can be braked when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. For this reason, deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle is to be set in motion by other means (e.g. in a car wash or by towing).

If you want DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you, the radar sensor system must be activated (Y page 236) and operational.

General notes

DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and automatically helps you maintain the distance to the vehicle detected in front. It brakes automatically in order to avoid exceeding the set speed.

On long and steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer, you must select shift range 1, 2 or 3
in good time. By doing so, you will make use of the braking effect of the engine, which relieves the load on the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly.

If a slower-moving vehicle is detected in front, DISTRONIC PLUS causes your vehicle to brake and maintain the preset distance to the vehicle in front.

If there is no vehicle driving in front of you, DISTRONIC PLUS functions like cruise control at a speed range between 20 mph (Canada: 30 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada: 200 km/h). If a vehicle is driving in front of you, it functions at a speed range between 0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada: 200 km/h).

Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on roads with steep gradients.

As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves, it can resemble the radar detectors of the responsible authorities. You can refer to the applicable section in the Operator's Manual if there are any questions concerning this.

i USA only:

172 Driving systems

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. Removal, tampering, or altering of the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use 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 in any non-approved way.

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

Cruise control lever

: To activate or increase speed

; To activate or reduce speed

= To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS

? To activate at the current speed/last

stored speed

A To set the specified minimum distance

Activating DISTRONIC PLUS

Activation conditions

In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the following conditions must be fulfilled:

Rthe engine must be started. It may take up

to two minutes after pulling away before DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.

Rthe electric parking brake must be

released.

RESP® must be active, but not intervening.

Rthe transmission must be in position D.

Rthe driver's door must be closed when you shift from P to D or your seat belt must be fastened.

Rthe front-passenger door and rear doors

must be closed.

RDSR must be deactivated.

Rthe vehicle must not skid.

Activating while driving

When driving at speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h), you can only activate DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle in front has been detected and is shown in the multifunction display. If the vehicle in front is no longer detected and displayed, DISTRONIC PLUS switches off and a tone sounds.

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards you ?, or briefly press up : or down ;. DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.

X Keep the cruise control lever pressed

up : or down ; until the desired speed is set.

X Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal. Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the vehicle in front, but only up to the desired stored speed.

i If you do not fully release the accelerator

pedal, the DISTRONIC PLUS Passive message appears in the multifunction display. The set distance to a slower- moving vehicle in front will then not be maintained. You will be driving at the speed

you determine by the position of the accelerator pedal.

Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is

activated

Driving systems

173

Activating when driving towards a

stationary vehicle

If the vehicle in front of you is stationary, you can only activate DISTRONIC PLUS once your vehicle is stationary as well.

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards you ?, or briefly press up : or down ;. DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.

i DISTRONIC PLUS can only be activated at under 20 mph (30 km/h) if a vehicle in front has been detected. Therefore, the DISTRONIC PLUS distance display in the instrument cluster should be activated (Y page 232).

X Keep the cruise control lever pressed

up : or down ; until the desired speed is set.

i You can use the cruise control lever to set

the stored speed and the control on the cruise control lever to set the specified minimum distance (Y page 176).

Activating at the current speed/last

stored speed

G WARNING The set speed stored in memory should only be set again if prevailing road conditions and legal speed limits permit. Possible acceleration or deceleration differences arising from returning to the preset speed could cause an accident and/or serious injury to you and others.

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?.

DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the speedometer

When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, one or two segments ; in the set speed range light up.

i For design reasons, the speed displayed in the speedometer may differ slightly from the speed set for DISTRONIC PLUS.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front, segments ; between speed of the vehicle in front : and stored speed = light up.

Distance display with DISTRONIC PLUS activated in the multifunction display : DISTRONIC PLUS activated

; Own vehicle

X Remove your foot from the accelerator

= Specified minimum distance to the

pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. The first time it is activated, the current speed is stored. Otherwise, it sets the vehicle cruise speed to the previously stored value.

vehicle in front; adjustable ? Vehicle in front, if detected

You can select the distance display in the Assistance menu (Y page 232) of the on- board computer.

174 Driving systems

X Select the Distance Display function

Changing lanes

using the on-board computer (Y page 232).

i You will see the stored speed for about

five seconds when you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.

Driving with DISTRONIC PLUS

Pulling away

X If the vehicle in front pulls away: remove

your foot from the brake pedal.

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever

(Y page 172) towards you.

or

X Accelerate briefly.

Your vehicle pulls away and adapts its speed to that of the vehicle in front.

Driving

G WARNING If you depress the brake, DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated unless your vehicle is stationary. DISTRONIC PLUS then no longer brakes your vehicle. In such cases, control the distance from vehicles travelling in front with the brake alone. You could otherwise cause an accident and thereby injure yourself and others. The driver remains fully responsible for the vehicle's distance from other vehicles, the speed being driven and for braking in good time.

If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS operates in the same way as cruise control.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front has slowed down, it brakes your vehicle. In this way, the distance you have selected is maintained.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front has increased speed, it increases your driving speed, but only up to the speed you have stored.

If you wish to change to the passing lane (in countries with right-hand traffic, the passing lane is the left-hand lane), DISTRONIC PLUS supports you if:

Ryou are driving faster than 40 mph

(60 km/h).

RDISTRONIC PLUS is maintaining the

distance to a vehicle in front.

Ryou switch on the appropriate turn signals.

RDISTRONIC PLUS does not detect a danger

of collision.

If these conditions are met, your vehicle is accelerated. Acceleration will be interrupted if changing lanes takes too long or if the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front becomes too small.

G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS and Active Blind Spot Assist are only aids designed to assist driving.

They do not relieve you of the responsibility of paying attention. The driver remains fully responsible for the vehicle's distance from other vehicles, the vehicle's speed and for braking in good time. Always pay attention to traffic conditions and your surroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to recognize dangers in time, cause an accident and injure yourself and others.

Vehicles with COMAND i The following function is not operational

in all countries.

DISTRONIC PLUS uses additional information from your navigation system so that it can react appropriately to certain traffic situations. This is the case if, while following a vehicle, DISTRONIC PLUS is active and you:

Rapproach or drive through a traffic circle

Rapproach a T intersection

Rturn off at a freeway exit

Even if the vehicle in front leaves the detection range, DISTRONIC PLUS temporarily maintains the current driving

speed and does not accelerate. This is based on the current map data in the navigation system.

Rthe electrical system in the engine

compartment, the battery or the fuses are tampered with.

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175

Rthe battery is disconnected.

If you wish to leave the vehicle or park it, deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the vehicle against rolling away.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until it is stationary.

Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains stationary and you do not need to depress the brake.

i After a time, the electric parking brake

secures the vehicle and relieves the service brake.

i Depending on the specified minimum

distance, your vehicle will come to a standstill at a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in front. The specified minimum distance is set using the control on the cruise control lever.

The electric parking brake automatically secures the vehicle if DISTRONIC PLUS is activated and:

Rthe driver's door is open and the driver's

seat belt is unfastened.

Rthe engine is switched off.

Ra system malfunction occurs.

Rthe power supply is not sufficient.

On steep uphill or downhill inclines or if there is a malfunction, the transmission may also automatically be shifted into position P.

Setting a speed

G WARNING Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment until the vehicle has made the necessary adjustments.

Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to a value that the prevailing road conditions and legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden

Example: traffic circle

The current speed is maintained:

Rapproximately 10 seconds before the

traffic circle/T intersection and for approximately 1.5 seconds when driving on the traffic circle

Rapproximately 12 seconds before reaching

a freeway exit and approximately 4 seconds after the freeway exit

Afterwards, the vehicle accelerates back to the set speed you specified.

Stopping

G WARNING Never get out of the vehicle when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated.

DISTRONIC PLUS must also never be operated, activated or deactivated by a passenger or from outside the vehicle.

DISTRONIC PLUS does not replace the electric parking brake and must not be used for parking.

The DISTRONIC PLUS braking effect is canceled and the vehicle can start moving if:

RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated using the

cruise control lever.

Ryou accelerate.

Rthere is a malfunction in the system or an

interruption in the power supply, e.g. battery failure.

176 Driving systems

and unexpected acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle could cause an accident and/ or serious injury to you and others.

You can set the specified minimum distance for DISTRONIC PLUS by varying the time span between one and two seconds. With this function, you can set the minimum distance that DISTRONIC PLUS keeps to the vehicle in front, dependent on vehicle speed. You can see this distance in the multifunction display (Y page 173).

X Press the cruise control lever up : for a

higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.

X Keep the cruise control lever pressed until

the desired speed is reached.

X Release the cruise control lever.

The new speed is stored. DISTRONIC PLUS is activated and adjusts the vehicle's speed to the new speed stored.

X Making adjustments in 1 mph

increments (1 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever to the pressure point. The last stored speed increases or decreases in 1 mph increments (in Canada: 1 km/h increments).

X Making adjustments in 5 mph

increments (10 km/h increments): briefly press the cruise control lever beyond the pressure point. The last stored speed increases or decreases in 5 mph increments (10 km/h increments).

Setting the specified minimum distance

G WARNING It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to select the appropriate setting given road conditions, traffic, driver's preferred driving style and applicable laws and driving recommendations for safe following distance.

X To increase: turn control ; in direction

=. DISTRONIC PLUS then maintains a greater distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.

X To decrease: turn control ; in

direction :. DISTRONIC PLUS then maintains a shorter distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.

i Make sure that you maintain a sufficiently

safe distance from the vehicle in front. Adjust the distance to the vehicle in front if necessary.

Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS

G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS switches off and releases the brakes when the vehicle decelerates below the minimum speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) by operation of the system unless the DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle directly ahead of you. At that time the driver must apply the brakes in order to reduce vehicle speed further or bring it to a stop.

Driving systems

177

passenger door or one of the rear doors is open.

Ryou activate DSR.

Rthe vehicle has skidded.

If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. The DISTRONIC PLUS Off message is shown in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds.

You can select the distance display in the Assistance menu (Y page 232) of the on- board computer.

Distance display when DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated : Vehicle in front, if detected

; Distance indicator, current distance to

the vehicle in front

= Specified minimum distance to the

vehicle in front; adjustable

? Own vehicle

X Select the Distance Display function

using the on-board computer (Y page 232).

Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS

Important safety notes

G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS works to maintain the speed selected by the driver unless a moving obstacle proceeding directly ahead of it in the same travel direction is detected (e.g. following another vehicle ahead of you at your set distance).

There are several ways to deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS:

X Briefly press the cruise control lever

forwards :.

or

X Brake, unless the vehicle is stationary.

When you deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS, the DISTRONIC PLUS Off message is shown in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds.

i The last speed stored remains stored until

you switch off the engine.

i DISTRONIC PLUS is not deactivated if you

depress the accelerator pedal. If you accelerate to overtake, DISTRONIC PLUS adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored after you have finished overtaking.

DISTRONIC PLUS is automatically deactivated if:

Ryou engage the electric parking brake or if

the vehicle is automatically secured with the electric parking brake

Ryou are driving slower than

15 mph (25 km/h) and there is no vehicle in front, or if the vehicle in front is no longer detected

RESP® intervenes or you deactivate ESP®.

Rthe transmission is in the P, R or N position.

Ryou switch off the radar sensor system

(Y page 236).

Ryou pull the cruise control lever towards

you in order to pull away and the front-

178 Driving systems

This means that:

Vehicles traveling on a different line

RYour vehicle can pass another vehicle after

you have changed lanes.

RWhile in a sharp turn or if the preceding

vehicle is in a sharp turn, the DISTRONIC PLUS could lose sight of the preceding vehicle. Your vehicle could then accelerate to the previously selected speed.

The DISTRONIC PLUS regulates only the distance between your vehicle and those directly ahead of it. It may not register stationary objects in the road, e.g.:

Ra stopped vehicle in a traffic jam

Ra disabled vehicle

Ran oncoming vehicle

The driver must always be alert, observe all traffic and intercede as required by means of steering or braking the vehicle.

G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS should not be used in snowy or icy road conditions.

The following contains descriptions of certain road and traffic conditions in which you must be particularly attentive. In such situations, brake if necessary. DISTRONIC PLUS is then deactivated.

Cornering, going into and coming out of a

bend

DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect vehicles traveling on a different line. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.

Other vehicles changing lanes

DISTRONIC PLUS has not detected the vehicle cutting in yet. The distance to this vehicle will be too short.

Narrow vehicles

The ability of DISTRONIC PLUS to detect vehicles when cornering is limited. Your vehicle may brake unexpectedly or late.

DISTRONIC PLUS has not yet detected the vehicle in front on the edge of the road,

because of its narrow width. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.

Obstructions and stationary vehicles

DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obstacles or stationary vehicles. If, for example, the detected vehicle turns a corner and reveals an obstacle or stationary vehicle, DISTRONIC PLUS will not brake for these.

Crossing vehicles

DISTRONIC PLUS may mistakenly detect vehicles that are crossing your lane. Activating DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights with crossing traffic, for example, could cause your vehicle to pull away unintentionally.

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HOLD function

General notes

The HOLD function can assist the driver in the following situations:

Rwhen pulling away, especially on steep

slopes

Rwhen maneuvering on steep slopes

Rwhen waiting in traffic

The vehicle is kept stationary without the driver having to depress the brake pedal.

The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD function deactivated when you depress the accelerator pedal to pull away.

Activation conditions

You can activate the HOLD function if:

Rthe vehicle is stationary.

Rthe engine is running.

Rthe driver's door is closed or if your seat

belt is fastened.

Rthe electric parking brake is released.

Rthe transmission is in position D, R or N.

RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.

Activating the HOLD function

X Make sure that the activation conditions

are met.

X Depress the brake pedal.

X Quickly depress the brake pedal further

until HOLD display : appears in the multifunction display. The HOLD function is activated. You can release the brake pedal.

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i If depressing the brake pedal the first

time does not activate the HOLD function, wait briefly and then try again.

G WARNING The vehicle's brakes are applied when the HOLD function is activated. For this reason, deactivate the HOLD function if the vehicle is to be set in motion by other means (e.g. in a car wash or by towing).

Deactivating the HOLD function

The HOLD function is deactivated automatically if:

Ryou accelerate and the transmission is in

position D or R.

Rthe transmission is in position P.

Ryou apply the brakes again with a certain amount of pressure until HOLD disappears from the multifunction display.

Ryou secure the vehicle using the electric

parking brake.

Ryou activate DISTRONIC PLUS.

i After a time, the electric parking brake

secures the vehicle and relieves the service brake.

G WARNING Never get out of the vehicle when the HOLD function is activated.

The HOLD function must never be operated or deactivated by a passenger or from outside the vehicle.

The HOLD function does not replace the electric parking brake and must not be used for parking.

The braking effect of the HOLD function is canceled and the vehicle could roll away if:

Rthe HOLD function is deactivated by

depressing the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal.

Rthere is a malfunction in the system or an

interruption in the power supply, e.g. battery failure.

Rthe electrical system in the engine

compartment, the battery or the fuses are tampered with.

Rthe battery is disconnected.

The electric parking brake automatically secures the vehicle if the HOLD function is activated and:

Rthe driver's door is open and the driver's

seat belt is unfastened.

Rthe engine is switched off.

Ra system malfunction occurs.

Rthe power supply is not sufficient.

On steep uphill or downhill inclines or if there is a malfunction, the transmission may also automatically be shifted into position P.

AIRMATIC package

General notes

AIRMATIC enables a suspension tuning setting to be selected and regulates the damping behavior and level of your vehicle. The system comprises a minimum of two components: ADS (Adaptive Damping System) (Y page 180) and level control (Y page 181). Your vehicle may also be equipped with the Active Curve System (Y page 181).

Observe the notes on driving with a trailer (Y page 210).

ADS (Adaptive Damping System)

General notes

ADS adapts the damping characteristics to the current operating and driving situation.

This depends on:

Ryour driving style

Rthe road surface conditions

Rthe ADS setting

Rthe vehicle level setting

Your selection remains stored even if you remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.

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If you select ADS sport mode:

Rthe roll angle is reduced significantly

Rthe driving style is even more agile

Level control

Important safety notes

Level control adapts the vehicle level automatically to the current operating and driving situation. This results in reduced fuel consumption and improved handling.

If you select ADS comfort mode (Y page 180), the vehicle is lowered to high- speed level as the speed increases. As the vehicle decelerates, the vehicle is raised back up to highway level.

If you select ADS sport mode (Y page 180), the vehicle skips highway level and lowers directly to high-speed level depending on the basic setting (Y page 182).

Make changes to the vehicle level while the vehicle is in motion. This enables the vehicle to adjust to the new level as quickly as possible.

The vehicle level may change visibly if you park the vehicle and the outside temperature changes. If the temperature drops, the vehicle level is lower; with an increase in temperature, the vehicle level rises.

If you unlock the vehicle or open a door, the vehicle begins to compensate for load discrepancies while still parked. However, for significant level changes, such as after the vehicle has been stationary for a long period, the engine must be on. For safety reasons, the vehicle is only lowered when the doors are closed. Lowering is interrupted if a door is opened, and it continues once the door has been closed.

G WARNING Make sure no one is near the wheel housing or under the vehicle when you lower the vehicle while it is standing still. Limbs could become wedged into or under the vehicle.

X Start the engine.

Sports tuning

The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode ensures even better contact with the road. Select this mode when employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country roads. X Press button :.

Indicator lamp ; lights up. Sports suspension tuning is selected. The vehicle is lowered by 0.6 in (15 mm).

Comfort tuning

In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select this mode if you favor a more comfortable driving style, but also when driving fast on straight roads, e.g. freeways. X Press button :.

Indicator lamp = lights up. Comfort tuning is selected. The vehicle is raised by 0.6 in (15 mm).

Active Curve System

The Active Curve System uses active stabilizers to optimize both driving comfort and vehicle agility. Depending on the ADS mode selected (Y page 180), the Active Curve System also changes the setting.

If you select ADS comfort mode:

Rrolling movement is reduced in the event of

changing surface undulations

Rthe roll angle when cornering is reduced

Rthe driving style is agile

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For safety reasons, the vehicle can only be lowered with all doors and the tailgate closed. Lowering is interrupted if a door or the tailgate is opened and will continue after the door is closed again.

! When driving on extremely rough terrain,

select a high vehicle level in good time. Make sure that there is always sufficient ground clearance to prevent damage to the vehicle.

! Remove the key from the ignition before

raising one or more wheels with the appropriate equipment.

For information about driving off-road, see (Y page 162).

Basic settings

The extent to which the vehicle is raised or lowered depends on the basic setting selected. Select raised level for off-road driving or highway/high-speed level for normal roads.

The individual vehicle levels differ from highway level as follows:

R+/-0 in (+/-0 mm) at the highway level

R–0.6 in (–15 mm) at the high-speed level

R+2.3 in (+ 60 mm) at the raised level

Raised level

Only select raised level when this is appropriate for the road conditions. Otherwise, fuel consumption may increase and handling may be affected.

If indicator lamp ; is not lit:

X Press button :.

Indicator lamp ; flashes. The vehicle rises to raised level.

While the adjustment is taking place, a message appears in the multifunction display, e.g.:

If you press the % or a button on the multifunction steering wheel, the message will disappear.

Once the vehicle has reached raised level, indicator lamp ; remains lit. The Vehicle Rising message disappears from the multifunction display.

If you attempt to select the raised level at a speed of over 40 mph (64 km/h), the Drive More Slowly message appears in the multifunction display.

Highway/high-speed level ! Make sure that there is enough ground

clearance when the vehicle is being lowered. It could otherwise hit the ground, damaging the underbody.

X Start the engine.

X Start the engine.

If indicator lamp ; is lit:

X Press button :.

Indicator lamp ; flashes. The vehicle is adjusting to highway/high-speed level.

While the adjustment is taking place, a message appears in the multifunction display, e.g.:

If you press the % or a button on the multifunction steering wheel, the message will disappear.

Once highway level has been reached, indicator lamp ; goes out. The Lowering message disappears from the multifunction display.

The vehicle automatically selects highway level if you are driving at a speed above 50 mph (80 km/h) or if you drive for approximately 20 seconds between 40 mph (64 km/h) and 50 mph (80 km/h). Depending on the ADS mode selected (Y page 180), the vehicle is lowered to high-speed level at higher speeds.

PARKTRONIC

Important safety notes

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

G WARNING Make sure no persons or animals are in or near the area in which you are parking/

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183

maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be injured.

PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and audibly the distance between your vehicle and an object.

PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when you:

Rswitch on the ignition

Rshift the transmission to position D, R or N

Rrelease the electric parking brake

PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above 11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower speeds.

PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper and four sensors in the rear bumper.

: Sensors in the front bumper, left-hand

side (example)

Range of the sensors

General notes

The sensors must be free of dirt, ice and slush; otherwise they may not function correctly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking care not to scratch or damage them (Y page 322).

Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a truck or a pneumatic drill could cause PARKTRONIC to malfunction.

PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on uneven terrain.

Minimum distance

Center

Corners

Approximately 8 in (approximately 20 cm)

Approximately 6 in (approximately 15 cm)

If there is an obstacle within this range, the relevant warning displays light up and a warning tone sounds. If the distance falls below the minimum, the distance may no longer be shown.

Warning displays

The warning displays show the distance between the sensors and the obstacle. The warning display for the front area is located on the dashboard above the center air vents. The warning display for the rear area is in the roof lamp in the rear compartment.

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Side view

Top view

Front sensors

Center

Corners

Rear sensors

Center

Corners

Approximately 40 in (approximately 100 cm)

Approximately 24 in (approximately 60 cm)

Approximately 48 in (approximately 120 cm)

Approximately 32 in (approximately 80 cm)

! When parking, pay particular attention to objects above or below the sensors, such as flower pots or trailer drawbars. PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects when they are in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle or the objects.

The sensors may not detect snow and other objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.

Warning display for the front area : Segments on the left-hand side of the

vehicle

; Segments on the right-hand side of the

vehicle

= Segments showing operational readiness

The warning display for each side of the vehicle is divided into five yellow and two red

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