Lock MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class 2011 W251 Owner's Guide
Page 68 of 364
Child-proof locks
Child-proof locks for the rear doorsGWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 59).
GWarning
Children could open a rear door from inside
the vehicle. This could result in serious
injuries or an accident. Therefore, when
children ride in the rear always secure the rear
doors with the child-proof locks.
You secure each door individually with the
child-proof locks on the rear doors. A door
secured with a child-proof lock cannot be
opened from inside the vehicle. When the
vehicle is unlocked, the door can be opened
from the outside.
XTo activate: press the child-proof lock
lever down in the direction of arrow ;.XMake sure that the child-proof locks are
working properly.XTo deactivate: press the child-proof lock
lever up in the direction of arrow :.
Override feature for the rear side
windows
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 59).
GWarning
When children ride on the vehicle's rear seats,
activate the override switch. Otherwise, the
children could be injured, e.g. by trapping
themselves in the rear side window.
XTo activate/deactivate: press switch :.
Switch : engages or extends. If the switch
is pushed in, it is only possible to operate
the side windows in the rear using the
switches on the driver's door.
Panic alarm
X To activate: press and hold !
button : for about one second.
An alarm sounds and the exterior lighting
flashes.XTo deactivate: press ! button :
again.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.66Panic alarmSafety
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 66
Page 69 of 364
orXPress the KEYLESS-GO Start-Stop button.
The KEYLESS-GO key must be in the
vehicle.
i USA only:
This device complies with the part 15 of the
FCC regulations. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand 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 the RSS-210
regulations of Industry Canada. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake-power Distribution)
Important safety guidelinesGWarning
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or 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.
i In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety information
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 67).
Driving safety systems67SafetyBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 67Z
Page 70 of 364
GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal reduces the braking effect.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.GWarning
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving 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 the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
BAS (Brake Assist)GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 67).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
GWarning
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.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety guidelines
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 67).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the d warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
68Driving safety systemsSafety
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 68
Page 72 of 364
XTo deactivate: press button :.
The d warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.GWarning
When the d ESP®
warning lamp is
illuminated continuously, the ESP ®
is
switched off or is not operational due to a
malfunction. Vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions and to the non-
operating status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning a drive wheel for an
extended period with ESP ®
switched off.
This could cause serious damage to the
drive train.
XTo activate: press button :.
The d warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
ESP ®
trailer stabilization
If your trailer begins to lurch, you can only
stabilize the vehicle/trailer combination by
depressing the brake firmly.
In this situation, ESP ®
assists you and can
detect if the trailer begins to lurch. ESP ®
slows the vehicle down by braking and
limiting the engine output until the vehicle/
trailer combination has stabilized.
Trailer stabilization is active from a speed
above 40 mph (65 km/h).
GWarning!
The system will not be able to assist when the
trailer jackknifes
R if the ESP ®
has switched off due to a
malfunction
R on wet or icy roads
R on roads with slippery surface
R in sand or gravel
Trailers with a high center of gravity may tip
over before the system recognizes swaying of
the trailer.
Trailer stabilization does not work if ESP ®
is
deactivated or disabled because of a
malfunction.
EBD
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 67).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.
GWarning!
If the EBD 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.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
Distance warning function (vehicles
with DISTRONIC)
This function warns you from a speed of
approximately 20 mph (30 km/h), if:
R for a period of several seconds, the
distance to the vehicle in front is too short
for the speed at which you are traveling.
70Driving safety systemsSafety
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 70
Page 73 of 364
The · distance warning lamp in the
instrument cluster will light up.
R you are approaching the vehicle in front
rapidly. An intermittent warning tone will
then sound and the · distance warning
lamp in the instrument cluster will light up.
You must apply the brakes yourself in order
to maintain the appropriate distance to the
vehicle in front and prevent a collision.GWarning!
If the distance warning lamp · in the
instrument cluster comes on while driving
and/or an intermittent warning sounds,
immediate attention on the part of the driver
is required. As required by the traffic
situation, apply the brakes and navigate
around a possible obstacle. However, do not
drive by relying on the distance warning
function, as this will result in an emergency
braking application. This will not always
enable you to avoid a collision, especially
when traveling on varying road surface
conditions and with varying driver reaction.
Complex driving situations are not always
fully recognized by the distance warning
function. This could result in wrong or missing
distance warnings.
XTo activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate the distance warning function in
the on-board computer ( Y page 210).
After activation, the Ä symbol is
displayed in the lower multifunction
display.
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
XTo activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignition off and open the driver's door.XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
i
The immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started when the starter battery is fully
charged, the immobilizer may be faulty.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open:
R a door
R the vehicle with the mechanical key
R the tailgate
R the hood
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that has triggered it, for
example.
i If the alarm stays on for more than 30
seconds, the emergency call system
mbrace (USA only) or Tele Aid (Canada
only) initiates a call to the Customer
Assistance Center automatically. The
emergency call system initiates the call
provided that:
R you have subscribed to the mbrace/Tele
Aid service
R the mbrace/Tele Aid service has been
activated properly
R the mobile phone, power supply and GPS
necessary are available
Anti-theft systems71SafetyBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 71Z
Page 74 of 364
XTo arm: lock the vehicle with the SmartKey
or KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash three times to
indicate that the vehicle is locked. Indicator
lamp : flashes to indicate that the alarm
system is armed.
i If the turn signal lamps do not flash three
times, a door or the tailgate may not be
properly closed.
It may be necessary to close the affected
door or the tailgate.
XTo deactivate: unlock the vehicle using the
key or KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash once to indicate
that the anti-theft alarm system is switched
off.
i Unless you open a door or the trunk lid
within 40 seconds after unlocking the
vehicle:
R the vehicle will be locked again.
R the anti-theft alarm system will be re-
armed.
XTo stop the alarm using the SmartKey:
insert the key into the ignition lock.
The alarm is switched off.
or
XPress the % or & button on the key.
The alarm is switched off.XTo stop the alarm using KEYLESS-GO:
grasp the outside door handle. The key
must be outside the vehicle.
The alarm is switched off.
or
XPress the Start/Stop button on the
dashboard. The key must be inside the
vehicle.
The alarm is switched off.72Anti-theft systemsSafety
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 72
Page 76 of 364
Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Bear in mind that your vehicle
may not feature all functions described
here. This also refers to safety-related
systems and functions.
SmartKey
Important safety guidelines
GWarning!
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
R injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
R injure 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 by these
parts.
GWarning!
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment or cargo
compartment unless they are firmly secured
in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child’s risk of injury in the event
of
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
General notes
If the SmartKey is faulty, contact Roadside
Assistance or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
SmartKey functions
Locking and unlocking centrally
The SmartKey centrally locks/unlocks:
R the doors
R the tailgate
R the fuel filler flap
SmartKey for vehicles with the EASY-PACK tailgate
(example)
:& To lock the vehicle;F To unlock the tailgate=% To unlock the vehicle
When unlocking, the turn signals flash once.
When locking, they flash three times.
74SmartKeyOpening and closing
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 74
Page 77 of 364
When it is dark, the surround lighting also
comes on if it is activated in the on-board
computer.
i Only for USA:
This equipment complies with Part 15 of
the FCC regulations. Operation is subject
to the following conditions:
R this equipment must not emit harmful,
electromagnetic radiation.
R this equipment may be affected by
electromagnetic radiation, including
radiation which can trigger unwanted
functions.
Any unauthorized change to this equipment
can lead to the user's operating license
being withdrawn.
i Only for Canada:
This equipment complies with the RSS-210
regulations of Industry Canada. Operation
is subject to the following conditions:
R this equipment must not emit harmful,
electromagnetic radiation.
R this equipment receives electromagnetic
radiation, including radiation which can
trigger unwanted functions.
Any unauthorized change to this equipment
can lead to the user's operating license
being withdrawn.XTo unlock centrally: press the %
button.
If you do not open a door or the tailgate within
approximately 40 seconds of unlocking the
vehicle:
R the vehicle is locked again.
R the theft deterrent locking system is
activated again.
XTo lock centrally: press the & button.KEYLESS-GO
General notes
i Only for USA:
This equipment complies with Part 15 of
the FCC regulations. Operation is subject
to the following conditions:
R this equipment must not emit harmful,
electromagnetic radiation.
R this equipment may be affected by
electromagnetic radiation, including
radiation which can trigger unwanted
functions.
Any unauthorized change to this equipment
can lead to the user's operating license
being withdrawn.
i Only for Canada:
This equipment has been released in
accordance with RSS - 210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
R this equipment must not emit harmful,
electromagnetic radiation.
R this equipment receives electromagnetic
radiation, including radiation which can
trigger unwanted functions.
Any unauthorized change to this equipment
can lead to the user's operating license
being withdrawn.
Important information for using
KEYLESS-GO
R You can use the KEYLESS-GO key as a
conventional key.
R You can combine KEYLESS-GO functions
with those of a conventional key (e.g. open
with KEYLESS-GO and close with the
& button).
R Always carry your KEYLESS-GO key on your
person.
R Never keep the KEYLESS-GO key with:
- electronic equipment, such as your
mobile phone or another key
- metal objects, such as coins or metal foil
SmartKey75Opening and closingBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 75Z
Page 78 of 364
This may impair the functioning of KEYLESS-
GO.
R To open or close the vehicle, the KEYLESS-
GO key should be no more than 3 ft (1 m)
from the door or tailgate.
R When the vehicle is parked for more than
72 hours, the KEYLESS-GO function is
deactivated. Pull one of the outer door
handles and turn on the ignition to
reactivate the KEYLESS-GO function.
R If the KEYLESS-GO key is not near the
vehicle, it is possible that the system may
not recognize it. In this case, the vehicle
cannot be locked or started with KEYLESS-
GO.
R If the KEYLESS-GO key has been removed
from the vehicle (e.g. if a passenger leaves
the vehicle with the KEYLESS-GO key):
- while someone is holding the Start/Stop
button or attempting to lock the vehicle
with the outer door handle, the message
Key not detected appears in the
multifunction display
- while someone is holding the Start/Stop
button or attempting to lock the vehicle
with the outer door handle, the message
Key not detected appears in the
multifunction display
- while the engine is running, the red
message Key not detected appears in
the multifunction display as you pull
away. Find the KEYLESS-GO key or
change its current position immediately
(e.g. place it on the front-passenger seat
or carry it in your shirt pocket.)
R If you have started the engine using the
Start/Stop button, you can turn if off again
by:
- pressing the Start/Stop button again
- inserting the KEYLESS-GO key in the
ignition lock when the vehicle isstationary and the automatic
transmission is in parking position P.
R You may accidentally unlock the vehicle if
the KEYLESS-GO key is within 3 ft (1 m) of
the vehicle and:
- an outer door handle comes into contact
with water
or
- you are cleaning an outer door handle.
R Note that the engine can be started by any
vehicle occupant if a KEYLESS-GO key is in
the vehicle.
Option 1: there is a KEYLESS-GO key in the
vehicle and a KEYLESS-GO key outside the
vehicle. If you leave the KEYLESS-GO key
behind when you get out and lock the
vehicle, a message does not appear in the
multifunction display.
Option 2: there is a KEYLESS-GO key in the
vehicle but no KEYLESS-GO key outside the
vehicle. When you get out and try to lock
the vehicle, the message Key still in
vehicle appears in the multifunction
display. The vehicle is not locked in this
case.
When starting the engine and while driving,
KEYLESS-GO also checks whether a valid key
is in the vehicle by periodically establishing
radio contact.X To unlock the vehicle: touch the inner
surface of the door handle.XTo lock the vehicle: press locking
button :.76SmartKeyOpening and closing
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 76
Page 79 of 364
If you pull on the handle of the tailgate, only
the cargo area of the vehicle is unlocked.
i If the vehicle has been parked for a long
time, you must pull the door handle to
activate the KEYLESS-GO functions.
Changing the settings of the locking
system
You can change the settings of the locking
system in such a way that only the driver's
door and the fuel filler flap are unlocked. This
is useful if you frequently travel on your own.
XTo change the setting: press the %
and & buttons simultaneously for
approximately six seconds until the battery
check lamp flashes twice.
The SmartKey now functions as follows:
XTo unlock the driver's door: press the
% button once.XTo unlock centrally: press the %
button twice.XTo lock centrally: press the & button.
The KEYLESS-GO function is changed as
follows:
XTo unlock the driver's door: touch the
inner surface of the door handle on the
driver's door.XTo unlock centrally: touch the inner
surface of the door handle on the front-
passenger door or the rear door.XTo lock centrally: press locking
button : on one of the door handles.
Restoring the factory settings
XPress the % and & buttons
simultaneously for approximately six
seconds until the battery check lamp
flashes twice.Mechanical key
General notes
If you use the mechanical key to unlock and
open the driver's door, the anti-theft alarm
system will be triggered ( Y page 71).
There are several ways to turn off the alarm:
XPress the % or & button on the
SmartKey.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
XPress the Start/Stop button in the ignition
lock. The SmartKey must be in the vehicle.
or
XLock or unlock the vehicle using KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey must be outside the
vehicle.
Removing the mechanical key
XPush release catch : in the direction of
the arrow and at the same time remove
mechanical key ; from the SmartKey.
SmartKey battery
Important safety guidelines
It is advisable to have batteries replaced at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
SmartKey77Opening and closingBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 77Z