service MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS 2012 Owners Manual

Thank you for choosing Mercedes-Benz
Before you first drive off, read this Owner's
Manual
carefully and familiarise yourself with
your vehicle. For your own safety and a longer
vehicle life, follow the instructions and warn-
ing notices in this manual. Disregarding them
may lead to damage to the vehicle or personal
injury.
The equipment or model designation of your
vehicle may vary according to:
R model
R order
R country variant
R availability
The illustrations in this manual show a left-
hand-drive vehicle. On right-hand-drive vehi-
cles, the layout of components and controls
differs accordingly.
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the art.
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right
to introduce changes in the following areas:
R design
R equipment
R technical features
The equipment in your vehicle may therefore
differ from that shown in the descriptions and
illustrations.
The following are integral components of the
vehicle:
R Owner's Manual
R Service Booklet
R Equipment-dependent supplements
Keep printed copies of the documents in the
vehicle at all times. If you sell the vehicle,
always pass the documents on to the new
owner.
i You can get to know the important fea-
tures of your vehicle in the interactive Own-
er's Manual on the Internet at:
http://www.mercedes-benz.de/
betriebsanleitung You can also use the A-Class Guide smart-
phone App:
Apple
®
iOS Android™
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
1765841400Z102 É176584140
0Z102iËÍ

1, 2, 3 ...
12 V socket see Socket

4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic Trac-
tion System)
4MATIC (permanent all-wheel
drive)
Display message ............................ 254
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 182A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message

............................ 230
Function/notes ................................ 61
Important safety notes .................... 61
Warning lamp ................................. 258
Activating/deactivating air-recir-
culation mode .................................... 132
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 126
Active light function .........................109
Active Park Assist Display message ............................ 248
Active Parking Assist
Cancelling ...................................... 190
Detecting parking spaces .............. 187
Exiting a parking space .................. 189
Function/notes ............................. 187
Important safety notes .................. 186
Parking .......................................... 188
Towing a trailer .............................. 190
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 69
Adaptive Brake Assist Display message ............................ 237
Function/notes ................................ 64
Adaptive brake lamps .........................65
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 243
Function/notes ............................. 110
Adaptive Main-beam Assist
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 222
Additional speedometer ................... 220
Additives (engine oil) ........................344Adjusting the headlamp range
.........107
Airbags Front airbag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 43
Important safety guidelines .............42
Kneebag ...........................................

44
Sidebag ............................................ 44
Triggering ......................................... 41
Windowbag ...................................... 45
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air filter (white display message) ....245
Air vents Important safety notes .................. 139
Rear ............................................... 140
Setting ........................................... 139
Setting the centre air vents ...........139
Setting the side air vents ............... 140
see Climate control
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 222
AMG
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 226
Performance Seat ............................ 97
Anti-glare film .................................... 281
Anti-lock braking system see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Aquaplaning ....................................... 167
Ashtray ............................................... 277
Assistance display (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 217
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 217
ASSYST PLUS Displaying a service message ........ 290
Hiding a service message .............. 289
Notes ............................................. 289
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 290
Service message ............................ 289
Special service requirements ......... 290 4
Index

D
Dashboard see Instrument cluster

Dashboard lighting
see Instrument cluster lighting
Data
see Technical data
Daytime driving lights
Display message ............................ 242
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 221
Switching on/off (switch) .............. 105
Dealership
see Qualified specialist workshop
Declarations of conformity ................. 23
Delayed switch-off Exterior lighting (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 222
Interior lighting .............................. 223
Diagnostics connection ......................23
Diesel .................................................. 341
Digital speedometer .........................212
Dipped-beam headlamps Changing bulbs .............................. 114
Display message ............................ 239
Setting for driving abroad (sym-
metrical) ........................................ 104
Setting for driving on the right/left 221
Switching on/off ........................... 105
DIRECT SELECT lever
see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........295
Display message ASSYST PLUS ................................ 289
General information ....................... 229
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 229
Display messages
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 229
Driving systems ............................. 245
Engine ............................................ 243
Key ................................................ 256
Lights ............................................. 239
Safety systems .............................. 230
Tyres .............................................. 251
Vehicle ........................................... 252
Distance recorder
see Trip meter Distance warning function
Activating/deactivating .................218
Function/notes ................................ 62
Warning lamp ................................. 266
DISTRONIC PLUS
Activation conditions .....................175
Cruise control lever .......................174
Deactivating ................................... 177
Display message ............................ 249
Displays in the multifunction dis-
play ................................................ 175
Driving tips .................................... 178
Function/notes ............................. 174
Important safety notes .................. 173
Selecting ........................................ 175
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 177
Warning lamp ................................. 266
Door
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 223
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 81
Central locking/unlocking (key) ...... 75
Control panel ................................... 37
Display message ............................ 254
Emergency locking ........................... 81
Emergency unlocking .......................81
Important safety notes .................... 79
Opening (from the inside) ................ 80
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 156
Display ........................................... 153
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 152
Manual ........................................... 156
Driver's door
see Door
Driving abroad
Service24h .................................... 290
Symmetrical dipped beam .............104
Driving on flooded roads ..................167
Driving safety system Adaptive Brake Assist ......................64
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST .... 62
Distance warning function ...............62
Electronic Brake-force Distribution ..69
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ......................................... 65, 668
Index

Locking
see Central locking
Locking (doors)
Automatic ........................................ 81
Emergency locking ........................... 81
From inside (central locking but-
ton) .................................................. 80
Locking centrally
see Central locking
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 223
Luggage compartment enlargement 272
Important safety notes .................. 272
Luggage compartment floor
Important safety notes .................. 274
opening/closing ............................ 274
stowage well, under ....................... 274
Luggage net ....................................... 271
Lumbar support Adjusting the 4-way lumbar sup-
port .................................................. 96M
M+S tyres ........................................... 320
Main-beam headlamps Changing bulbs

.............................. 114
Display message ............................ 241
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 110
Switching on/off ........................... 107
Maintenance
see ASSYST PLUS
Manual transmission
Engaging reverse gear ................... 151
Gear lever ...................................... 150
Pulling away ................................... 144
Shifting to neutral ..........................151
Shift recommendation ................... 151
Starting the engine ........................ 144
Matt finish (cleaning instructions) ..292
Memory card (audio) ......................... 215
Memory function ............................... 101
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre see Qualified specialist workshop
Message memory (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 229 Messages
see Display messages

Mirror
see Vanity mirror (in sun visor)
Mirrors
see Exterior mirrors
see Rear-view mirror
Mobile phone
Frequencies ................................... 336
Installation ..................................... 336
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 215
Notes/placing in the bracket ......... 279
Transmission output (maximum) .... 336
Mobile telephone
Pre-installed bracket ...................... 281
Modifying the programming (key) ..... 75
MOExtended tyres ............................. 300
Motorway mode ................................ 109
MP3 Operating ....................................... 215
see Separate operating instructions
Multifunction display
Function/notes ............................. 210
Permanent display ......................... 220
Multifunction steering wheel
Operating the on-board computer . 209
Overview .......................................... 33 N
Navigation Menu (on-board computer) ............ 213
see separate operating instructions


Notes on running in a new vehicle ..142 O
Occupant safety Children in the vehicle .....................50
Important safety notes

....................40
Odometer ........................................... 211
see Total distance recorder
see Trip meter
Oil
see Engine oil
On-board computer
AMG menu ..................................... 226
Assistance menu ........................... 217 Index
13

Audio menu
................................... 214
Convenience submenu .................. 225
Displaying a service message
........290
Display messages ..........................229
Factory setting submenu ............... 225
Heating submenu ........................... 224
Important safety notes .................. 208
Instrument cluster submenu ..........220
Light submenu ............................... 221
Menu overview .............................. 211
Message memory .......................... 229
Navigation menu ............................ 213
Operating the TV ............................ 215
Operating video DVD ..................... 215
Operation ....................................... 209
RACETIMER ................................... 226
Service menu ................................. 219
Settings menu ............................... 220
Standard display ............................ 211
Telephone menu ............................ 215
Trip menu ...................................... 211
Vehicle submenu ........................... 223
Opening and closing the side trim
panels ................................................. 115
Operating system see On-board computer
Outside temperature display ...........209
Overhead control panel ......................36
Override feature Rear side windows ........................... 61P
Paint code .......................................... 338
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ...292
Panorama sliding sunroof Important safety information

...........86
Opening/closing .............................. 87
Opening/closing the roller sun-
blind ................................................. 89
Problem (malfunction) .....................89
Rain closing feature ......................... 88
Resetting ......................................... 89
Parking ............................................... 162
Important safety notes .................. 162
Parking brake ................................ 163Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side

............................... 100
Reversing camera ..........................191
see Active Parking Assist
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
Active Parking Assist .....................186
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Parking brake
Display message ............................ 233
Electric parking brake ....................163
Warning lamp ................................. 263
Parking lamps
Display message ............................ 241
Switching on/off ........................... 106
PARKTRONIC
Deactivating/activating ................. 185
Driving system ............................... 182
Function/notes ............................. 182
Important safety notes .................. 182
Problem (fault) ............................... 186
Sensor range ................................. 183
Trailer towing ................................. 185
Warning display ............................. 184
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning
lamp ...................................................... 52
Petrol .................................................. 340
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) . 295
Power windows see Side windows
PRE-SAFE ®
(preventive occupant
safety system) Display message ............................ 236
Operation ......................................... 45
Program selector button .................. 155
Protection of the environment General notes .................................. 21
Pulling away
Automatic transmission ................. 144
Manual transmission ...................... 144
Trailer ............................................ 145 Q
Qualified specialist workshop ...........2414
Index

S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................50
Child restraint systems ....................50
Safety system
see Driving safety system

Seat
Adjusting (Performance Seat) ..........97
Folding the backrest (rear com-
partment) forwards/back ..............272
Seat belt
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................47
Adjusting the height ......................... 48
Belt force limiter .............................. 49
Belt tensioner .................................. 49
Cleaning ......................................... 296
Display message ............................ 237
Fastening ......................................... 47
Important safety guidelines .............46
Rear seat belt status indicator ......... 49
Releasing ......................................... 48
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ...................... 225
Warning lamp ................................. 257
Warning lamp (function) ................... 48
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) .....................94
Adjusting (manually) ........................94
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar sup-
port .................................................. 96
Adjusting the head restraint ............ 94
Cleaning the cover ......................... 296
Correct driver's seat position ........... 92
Important safety notes .................... 93
Seat heating problem ...................... 97
Storing settings (memory function) 101
Switching seat heating on/off ......... 96
Sensors (cleaning instructions) .......294
Service see ASSYST PLUS
Service Centre
see Qualified specialist workshop
Service menu (on-board computer) . 219
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 344
Coolant (engine) ............................ 344Engine oil .......................................
343
Fuel ................................................ 339
Important safety notes .................. 338
Washer fluid ................................... 345
Service report
see Qualified specialist workshop
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) ......... 225
On-board computer ....................... 220
Setting the air distribution ...............129
Setting the airflow ............................ 129
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 226
Shifting to neutral (manual trans-
mission) ............................................. 151
Sidebag ................................................ 44
Side lamps Switching on/off ........................... 106
Side windows
Convenience closing ........................ 85
Convenience opening ...................... 85
Important safety notes .................... 83
Opening/closing .............................. 84
Problem (malfunction) .....................86
resetting .......................................... 85
Sliding sunroof
see Panorama sliding sunroof
Snow chains ...................................... 321
Socket Centre console .............................. 279
Luggage compartment ................... 279
Points to observe before use ......... 278
Rear compartment ......................... 279
Specialist workshop ............................ 24
Spectacles compartment .................269
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speed Limit Assist
Activating/deactivating the warn-
ing function .................................... 218
Displaying ...................................... 218
Display message ............................ 246
Display message in the multifunc-
tion display .................................... 197
Function/notes ............................. 196
Important safety notes .................. 19616
Index

Outside temperature ...................... 209
Setting (climate control)
................128
TEMPOMAT
Function/notes ............................. 168
Theft-deterrent system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........69
Immobiliser ...................................... 69
Through-loading ................................ 271
Time see Separate Owner's manual
Timing (RACETIMER) .........................226
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 301
Top Tether ............................................ 54
Tow-away protection .......................... 70
Towing Important safety notes .................. 310
Towing a trailer
Active Parking Assist .....................190
Axle load, permissible .................... 349
Bulb failure indicator for LED lamps 206
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) . 68
Pulling away with a trailer ..............145
Trailer tow hitch display message .. 255
Towing away
Fitting the towing eye ....................311
Removing the towing eye ...............312
With both axles on the ground ....... 312
With front axle raised ..................... 312
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 314
Fitting the towing eye ....................311
Important safety notes .................. 310
Removing the towing eye ...............312
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer towing
7-pin connector ............................. 206
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 199
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 294
Coupling up a trailer ......................204
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 204
Driving tips .................................... 201
Folding in the ball coupling ............205
Folding out the ball coupling ..........203
Important safety notes .................. 201
Lights display message .................. 239
Mounting dimensions .................... 348Parktronic ......................................
185
Power supply ................................. 206
Trailer loads ................................... 349
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
see Manual transmission
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ......................152
Transporting the vehicle .................. 313
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 295
Trip computer (on-board computer) 211
Trip meter Calling up ....................................... 211
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 213
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ................... 115
Changing bulbs (rear) .................... 116
Switching on/off ........................... 107
TV
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 215
see Separate operating instructions
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 336
Installation ..................................... 336
Transmission output (maximum) .... 336
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
Tyre pressure
Display message ............................ 251
Not reached (TIREFIT) .................... 303
Reached (TIREFIT) .......................... 303
Recommended ............................... 321
Tyre pressure loss warning
Important safety notes .................. 323
Restarting ...................................... 323
Tyres
Changing a wheel .......................... 324
Checking ........................................ 319
Direction of rotation ......................324
Display message ............................ 251
Important safety notes .................. 318
M+S tyres ...................................... 320
MOExtended tyres .........................320
Replacing ....................................... 324
Service life ..................................... 319
Storing ........................................... 324
Summer tyres ........................ 168, 32018
Index

Protection of the environment
General notes
H
Environmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of compre-
hensive environmental protection.
Our objectives are to use the natural resour-
ces which form the basis of our existence on
this planet sparingly and in a manner which
takes the requirements of both nature and
humanity into consideration.
You too can help to protect the environment
by operating your vehicle in an environmen-
tally-responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission,
brake and tyre wear depend on
the following factors:
R operating conditions of your vehicle
R your personal driving style
You can influence both factors. Therefore,
please bear the following in mind:
Operating conditions:
R avoid short trips, as these increase fuel
consumption.
R observe the correct tyre pressure.
R do not carry any unnecessary weight in the
vehicle.
R remove the roof rack once you no longer
need it.
R a regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals.
R all maintenance work should be carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style:
R do not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine.
R do not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary.
R drive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front.
R avoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking. R
change
gear in good time and use each gear
only up to Ô of its maximum engine speed.
R switch off the engine in stationary traffic.
R monitor the vehicle's fuel consumption. Returning an end-of-life vehicle
EU countries only:
Mercedes-Benz

will take back your old vehicle
to dispose of it in an environmentally-respon-
sible manner in accordance with the Euro-
pean Union (EU) End of Life Vehicles Direc-
tive.
There is a network of return points and dis-
assembly plants available. You can return
your vehicle to these plants free of charge.
This makes a valuable contribution to the
recycling process and the conservation of
resources.
For further information on recycling old vehi-
cles, recovery and the terms of the policy,
visit the Mercedes-Benz homepage. Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
H
Environmental note
Daimler AG also supplies reconditioned
assemblies and parts which are of the same
quality

as new parts. For these, the same war-
ranty applies as for new parts.
! Airbags and seat belt tensioners, as well
as control units and sensors for these
restraint systems, may be installed in the
following areas of your vehicle:
R doors
R door pillars
R door sills
R seats
R dashboard
R instrument cluster
R centre console Introduction
21 Z

Do not install accessories such as audio
systems in these areas. Do not carry out
repairs or welding. You could impair the
operating efficiency of the restraint sys-
tems.
Have accessories retrofitted at a qualified
specialist workshop.
If you use parts, tyres and wheels as well as
accessories
relevant to safety which have not
been approved by Mercedes, the operating
safety of the vehicle could be jeopardised.
This could lead to malfunctions in safety-rel-
evant systems, e.g. the brake system. Only
use genuine Mercedes-Benz parts or parts of
equal quality. Only use tyres, wheels and
accessories that have been specifically
approved for your vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts and con-
version parts and accessories that have been
specifically approved for your vehicle for their
reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to assess other parts. Mercedes-Benz
accepts no responsibility for the use of such
parts in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, even if they
have been independently or officially
approved.
In Germany, certain parts are only officially
approved for installation or modification if
they comply with legal requirements. This
also applies to some other countries. All gen-
uine Mercedes-Benz parts meet the approval
requirements. The use of non-approved parts
may invalidate the vehicle's general operating
permit.
This is the case:
R if they cause a change of the vehicle type
from that for which the vehicle's general
operating permit was granted
R if other road users could be endangered
R if the emission or noise levels are adversely
affected
Always specify the vehicle identification num-
ber (VIN) ( Y page 338) and the engine num-
ber ( Y page 338) when ordering genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts. Owner's Manual
General notes
Before you first drive off, read this Owner's
Manual

carefully and familiarise yourself with
your vehicle.
For your own safety and a longer vehicle life,
follow the instructions and warning notices in
this manual. Disregarding them may lead to
damage to the vehicle or personal injury. Vehicle equipment
This Owner's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment
available for your vehicle at the time of pub-
lication

of the Owner's Manual. Country-spe-
cific differences are possible. Note that your
vehicle may not be fitted with all features
described. This is also the case for systems
and functions relevant to safety. Therefore,
the equipment on your vehicle may differ from
that in the descriptions and illustrations.
The original purchase contract documenta-
tion for your vehicle contains a list of all of the
systems in your vehicle.
Should you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
The Owner's Manual and Service Booklet are
important documents and should kept in the
vehicle. Operating safety
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you do not have the prescribed service/
maintenance work or necessary repairs car-
ried out, this could result in malfunctions or
system

failures. There is a risk of an accident.
Always have the prescribed service/mainte-
nance work as well as necessary repairs car-
ried out at a qualified specialist workshop. 22
Introduction

G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with
limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. G
WARNING
Modifications to electronic components, their
software as well as wiring could effect their
function and/or the operation of other net-
worked components. This could in particular
also be the case for systems relevant to
safety. They might not function properly any
more and/or jeopardise the operational
safety of the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of an accident and injury.
Do

not attempt to modify the wiring as well as
electronic components or their software.
Always have work on electrical and electronic
components carried out at a qualified special-
ist workshop.
There is a risk of damage to the vehicle if:
R the vehicle becomes stuck, e.g. on a high
kerb or an unpaved road
R you drive too fast over an obstacle, e.g. a
kerb or a hole in the road
R a heavy object strikes the undercarriage or
parts of the chassis.
In situations like this, the body, the undercar-
riage, chassis parts, wheels or tyres could be
damaged without the damage being visible.
Components damaged in this way can unex-
pectedly fail or, in the case of an accident, no
longer withstand the strain they are designed
to.
If the underbody panelling is damaged, com-
bustible materials such as leaves, grass or
twigs can gather between the underbody and
the underbody panelling. If these materials
come in contact with hot parts of the exhaust system for an extended period, they can
catch fire.
Have

the vehicle checked and repaired imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop. If
on continuing your journey you notice that
driving safety is impaired, pull over and stop
the vehicle immediately, paying attention to
road and traffic conditions. In such cases,
visit a qualified specialist workshop. Declarations of conformity
Wireless vehicle components The following information applies to all com-
ponents

of the vehicle and the COMAND sys-
tem which receive and/or transmit radio
waves:
The components of this vehicle which receive
and/or transmit radio waves are compliant
with the basic requirements and other rele-
vant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. You
can obtain further information from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Electromagnetic compatibility The electromagnetic compatibility of the vehi-
cle

components has been checked and certi-
fied according to the currently valid version
of Directive 72/245/EEC or the equivalent
ECE Regulation ECE-R 10. Diagnostics connection
The diagnostics connection is only intended
for

the connection of diagnostic equipment at
a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
If you connect equipment to a diagnostics
connection in the vehicle, it can affect the
operation of the vehicle systems. This may
affect the operating safety of the vehicle.
There is a risk of an accident.
Do not connect any equipment to a diagnos-
tics connection in the vehicle. Introduction
23 Z