start stop button MERCEDES-BENZ CL600 2003 C215 User Guide
Page 72 of 384
72 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systemsContinuous steady brake pedal pressure 
yields the advantages provided by the ABS, 
namely braking power and the ability to 
steer the vehicle.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re-
spond even with light brake pressure. The 
pulsating brake pedal can be an indication 
of hazardous road conditions and func-
tions as a reminder to take extra care while 
driving.ABS control
The 
-
 indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up when you turn the key in 
the starter switch to position2 or press 
the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button twice. 
It goes out when the engine is running.
More information can be found in the 
“Practical hints” section (
page 265).
iTo alert following vehicles to slippery 
road conditions you discover, operate 
your hazard warning flashers as appro-
priate.
Warning!
G
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of 
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can 
it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the 
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction. The 
ABS cannot prevent accidents, including 
those resulting from excessive speed in 
turns, following another vehicle too closely, 
or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and 
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The ca-
pabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must 
never be exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner which could jeopardize the us-
er’s safety or the safety of others. 
Page 73 of 384
73 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
BAS
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in 
emergency situations. If you apply the 
brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically 
provides full brake boost, thereby poten-
tially reducing the braking distance. 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.
More information can be found in the 
“Practical hints” section (
page 273).
ESP
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) 
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 spin-
ning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By ap-
plying brakes to the appropriate wheel and 
by limiting engine output, the ESP works to 
stabilize the vehicle. The ESP is especially 
useful while driving off and on wet or slip-
pery road surfaces.
The ESP warning lamp 
v
 in the instru-
ment cluster flashes when the ESP is en-
gaged.
The warning lamp 
v
 in the instrument 
cluster lights up when you turn the key in 
the starter switch to position2 or press 
the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button twice. 
It goes out when the engine is running.
Warning!
G
The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of 
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can 
it increase braking efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes 
and tires or the traction. The BAS cannot 
prevent accidents, including those resulting 
from excessive speed in turns, following an-
other vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. 
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can 
prevent accidents. The capabilities of a BAS 
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in 
a reckless or dangerous manner which 
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the 
safety of others. 
Page 76 of 384
76 Safety and SecurityAnti-theft systems
Anti-theft systemsImmobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized 
persons from starting your vehicle.
Activating
With the SmartKey: Removing the key 
from the starter switch activates the 
immobilizer.
With KEYLESS-GO*: Turning off the en-
gine by means of the KEYLESS-GO 
start/stop button on the gear selector 
lever activates the immobilizer.Deactivating
With the SmartKey: Inserting the key in 
the starter switch deactivates the im-
mobilizer.
With KEYLESS-GO*: Starting the en-
gine by means of the KEYLESS-GO 
start/stop button on the gear selector 
lever deactivates the immobilizer.
iIn case the engine cannot be started 
(yet the vehicle’s battery is charged), 
the system is not operational. Contact 
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center 
or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the 
USA), or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada). 
Page 77 of 384
77 Safety and Security
Anti-theft systems
Anti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a 
visual and audible alarm is triggered when 
someone opens
a door
the trunk
the hood
The alarm system will also be triggered 
when
someone attempts to raise the vehicle
the vehicle is opened with the mechan-
ical keyArming the alarm system
The alarm system is armed after locking 
the vehicle with the remote control or 
KEYLESS-GO*. The turn signal lamps blink 
three times to indicate that the alarm sys-
tem is activated. The indicator lamp in the 
central locking switch will blink after ap-
proximately 10 seconds when the alarm 
system is completely armed (
page 95).Disarming the alarm system
The alarm system is disarmed when you 
unlock your vehicle with the remote con-
trol or KEYLESS-GO*. The turn signal 
lamps blink once to indicate that the alarm 
system is deactivated.
Canceling the alarm
To cancel the alarm:
With the SmartKey
Insert the key in the starter switch.
or
Press the 
Œ
 or 
‹
 button.
With KEYLESS-GO*
Grasp the outside door handle.
or
Press the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop 
button.
iIf the alarm stays on for more than 
20 seconds, an emergency call is initi-
ated automatically by the Tele Aid sys-
tem provided Tele Aid service was 
subscribed to and properly activated, 
and that necessary cellular service and 
GPS coverage are available.
iIf the turn signal lamps do not blink 
three times one of the following ele-
ments may not be properly closed:
a door
the trunk lid
the hood
Close the respective element and lock 
the vehicle again. 
Page 83 of 384
83 Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
KEYLESS-GO card*
Specially equipped vehicles come with two 
KEYLESS-GO cards. On these vehicles, the 
validity of the KEYLESS-GO card is 
checked every time you grasp a door 
handle. 
If the card is valid, your vehicle unlocks 
the doors
the trunk lid
the fuel filler flapImportant notes on using KEYLESS-GO
Always carry the KEYLESS-GO card 
with you.
Never store the KEYLESS-GO card to-
gether with:
Electronic items such as a cellular 
phone or another KEYLESS-GO card
Metallic objects such as coins or 
metal foil
Doing so could impair the function of 
the KEYLESS-GO system.
Always take an electronic SmartKey 
with you in case of a malfunction of the 
KEYLESS-GO system.
To lock or unlock the vehicle, the card 
must be located outside the vehicle 
within approximately 3 ft. (1 m) of a 
door or the trunk lid. 
In order to start the engine with the 
KEYLESS-GO card:
The KEYLESS-GO card must be lo-
cated in the vehicle.
All the doors must be closed.
If you have started the engine with the 
KEYLESS-GO start / stop button, you 
can only turn it off again with this but-
ton, even if you have put the key in the 
starter switch in the meantime.
This does not apply if, after starting, the 
selector lever is still in positionP. The 
key will then have priority over the card 
and the vehicle’s electrical system will 
operate according to the position of 
the key in the starter switch, even stop-
ping the engine.
If the KEYLESS-GO card is positioned 
farther away from the vehicle (e.g. in-
side clothing or briefcase) and can no 
longer be recognized by the system, 
the vehicle cannot be locked or the en-
gine started via the KEYLESS-GO sys-
tem.
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the 
key from the starter switch, take the 
KEYLESS-GO card with you and lock the ve-
hicle. Do not leave children unattended in 
the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked 
vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equip-
ment may cause an accident and/or serious 
personal injury.
!To prevent possible malfunction, avoid 
exposing the KEYLESS-GO card to high 
levels of electromagnetic radiation.  
Page 96 of 384
96 Controls in detailSeats
SeatsInformation on seat adjustment can be 
found in the “Getting started” section 
(page 34).
Lumbar support
You can adjust the contour of the seat’s 
lumbar support to best support your back.
The thumbwheels for the driver’s and front 
passenger’s seat are on the inner side of 
the seat.
1Thumbwheel
Make sure the ignition is switched on.
All the lamps in the instrument cluster 
should light up.
Set the lumbar support between 0 
and 5.
Easy-entry / exit feature
With the easy-entry / exit feature activat-
ed, the steering wheel tilts upwards and 
the driver’s seat moves to the rear.
This allows easier entry into and exit from 
the vehicle when the driver’s door is 
opened. However, the engine must be 
turned off.
When the SmartKey is inserted in the start-
er switch or you have pressed the 
KEYLESS-GO* start / stop button once and 
the driver’s door is closed, the steering 
wheel and the driver’s seat return to their 
last set positions.You can activate the following functions:
Steering column:
Only the steering column is adjusted. 
Steering column and seat:
Both the steering column and the seat 
are adjusted.
The easy-entry / exit feature can be 
switched on or off in the in the settings 
menu of the control system (
page 140).
Warning!
G
You must make sure that no one can be-
come trapped or injured by the moving 
steering wheel and driver’s seat when the 
easy-entry / exit feature is activated, the 
driver’s door is being opened, and the en-
gine is turned off or the SmartKey removed 
from the starter switch. Do not leave chil-
dren unattended in the vehicle, or with ac-
cess to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised 
use of vehicle equipment may cause an ac-
cident and/or serious personal injury. 
Page 99 of 384
99 Controls in detail
Seats
Multicontour seat*
The multicontour seat has a movable seat 
cushion and inflatable air cushions built 
into the seat backrest to provide additional 
lumbar and side support.
The seat cushion movement, seat backrest 
cushion height and curvature can be con-
tinuously varied with regulators on the 
right side of the seat after turning the 
SmartKey in the starter switch to 
position2 or pressing the KEYLESS-GO* 
start / stop button twice.1Shoulder region support
2Side bolster adjustment
3Massage function (PULSE)
4Lumbar region support
Adjusting the multicontour seat in the or-
der listed above is recommended.
Make sure the ignition is switched on.
All lamps in the instrument cluster light 
up.
Shoulder region support
Press 
æ
 or 
ç
 on switch1.
The air cushion inflates or deflates.Lumbar region support
Press 
k
 or 
j
 on rocker 
switch4.
This selects the air cushion you wish to 
adjust.
Press 
æ
 or 
ç
 on rocker 
switch4.
The air cushion inflates or deflates.
Side bolsters adjustment
Adjust the side bolsters so that they 
provide good lateral support using 
switch 2.iWhen the engine is turned off, the last 
cushion setting is retained in memory, 
and the cushion is automatically ad-
justed to this setting when the engine 
is restarted. 
Page 101 of 384
101 Controls in detailSeats
Warning!
G
The seat belts provide protection only with 
the backrest locked in place and, therefore, 
must be locked in place with the vehicle in 
motion. Do not drive the vehicle when the 
backrest is not locked in place. If the warn-
ing message 
SEAT BACKREST, RIGHT - 
LOCK
 or 
SEAT BACKREST, LEFT - LOCK
 is 
displayed in the multifunction display, then 
the respective backrest is not engaged in its 
lock. Carefully slow down, and drive with 
caution to an area which is in a safe distance 
from the roadway. Always provide sufficient 
room behind the backrest and fold the back-
rest all the way back until it locks in place.
Keep the area around head restraints clear 
of articles (e.g. clothing) to not obstruct the 
folding operation of the head restraints.
The warning message is no longer displayed 
as soon as the backrest is locked in place. If 
both backrests are locked in place and the 
warning message is still displayed, have the 
system checked at your authorized Mer-
cedes-Benz Center immediately.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the 
electronic key from the starter switch, take 
the KEYLESS-GO* card with you, and lock 
your vehicle.
The power seats can also be operated with 
the driver’s or passenger door open. Do not 
leave children unattended in the vehicle or 
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsu-
pervised use of vehicle equipment may 
cause an accident and/or serious personal 
injury.
Never place hands under seat or near any 
moving parts during a seat adjustment pro-
cedure.
!The automatic seat slide is provided 
with a safety feature.
The automatic process is interrupted, if 
the backrest of the sliding seat is 
pushed against an occupant or object. 
The seat will slide forward and stop.
Investigate and correct the cause of in-
terruption.
Now use memory button (
page 105) 
or seat adjustment switch (page 35) 
to bring seat into desired position.
When folding the backrest forward 
from a reclined position, and then fold-
ing it back, the backrest stops in a 
more upright position for the safety of 
any rear-seat passenger. Adjust the 
backrest until your arms are slightly an-
gled when holding the steering 
wheel (
page 35). 
Page 138 of 384
138 Controls in detailControl systemYou can temporarily deactivate the de-
layed shut-off feature:
Before leaving the vehicle, turn the key 
in the starter switch to position0.
Turn the key in the starter switch to 
position2 and back to0.
The delayed shut-off feature is deacti-
vated. It will reactivate as soon as you 
reinsert the key in the starter switch.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*:
Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop but-
ton on the gear selector lever 
(page 33).Interior lighting delayed shut-off
Use this function to set whether and for 
how long you would like the interior light-
ing to remain lit during darkness after the 
key is removed from the starter switch.
Move the selection marker with 
the
æ
 or
ç
 button to the 
LIGHT-
ING 
submenu.
Press button
j
 or
k
 repeatedly 
until you see this message in the dis-
play: 
INT. LIGHTING DELAYED 
SHUT-OFF
.
The selection marker is on the current 
setting.
Press
æ
 or
ç
 to select the de-
sired lamp-on time period. You can se-
lect:
0 S
, the delayed shut-off feature is 
deactivated.
5 S,
 10 S
, 15 S,
 or 
20 S
, the de-
layed shut-off feature is activated. 
Page 150 of 384
150 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionUpshifting
Press the button located on the right 
side of the steering wheel.
or
Briefly press the selector lever to the 
right in the D+direction.
The transmission shifts to the next 
higher gear.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not 
place full load on the engine until the oper-
ating temperature has been reached. Shift 
into reverse gear only when the vehicle is 
stopped.Downshifting
Press the button located on the left 
side of the steering wheel.
or
Briefly press the selector lever to the 
right in the D-direction.
The transmission shifts to the next low-
er gear.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not 
place full load on the engine until the oper-
ating temperature has been reached. Shift 
into reverse gear only when the vehicle is 
stopped.Deactivating steering wheel gearshift 
control
Press the program mode selector 
switch repeatedly until the 
S or 
C for au-
tomatic shift program appears in the 
tachometer display.
Automatic gear shifting is activated.
!Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an 
extended period when driving off on 
slippery surface. This may cause seri-
ous damage to the drivetrain which is 
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz 
Limited Warranty. 
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift 
in order to obtain braking action. This could 
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.
iAt each engine start, the transmission 
will go into the last automatic shift pro-
gram mode selected (S or C). Program 
modeM is not stored and will not be re-
called when engine is restarted.