headlamp MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS HATCHBACK 2012 Owners Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
4ETS see ETS/4ETS (Electronic Trac-
tion System)
4MATIC (permanent all-wheel
drive)
Display message ............................ 254
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 182
12 V socket
see Sockets A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 230
Function/notes ................................ 61
Important safety notes .................... 61
Warning lamp .................................2 58
Activating/deactivating air-recir-
culation mode ................................... .132
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 126
Active light function ......................... 108
Active Parking Assist
Cancelling ...................................... 190
Detecting parking spaces .............. 187
Display message ............................ 248
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 ................................ 63
Adaptive brake lights .......................... 64
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message ............................ 243
Function/notes ............................ .109
Adaptive Main-beam Assist
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 222
Additional speedometer ................... 220
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 344
Adjusting the headlamp range ......... 107Air 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
Air vents
see Climate control
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Airbags
Front airbag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 43
Important safety guidelines ............. 42
Kneebag .......................................... .44
Sidebag ............................................ 44
Triggering ......................................... 41
Windowba g...................................... 45
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

ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating .................. .69
Function ........................................... 69
Interior motion senso r..................... 70
Switching off the alarm .................... 69
Tow-away protection ........................ 70
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 219
Display message ............................ 245
Function/note s............................. 195
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 214
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 242
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 147
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 146
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 105
Automatic transmission
Accelerator pedal position ............. 154
Automatic drive program ............... 156
Changing gear ............................... 154
DIRECT SELECT lever ..................... 151
Display message ............................ 252
Drive program display .................... 152
Driving tips .................................... 154
Emergency running mode .............. 159
Engaging drive position .................. 153
Engaging neutral ............................ 153
Engaging park position (AMG vehi-
cles) ............................................... 153
Engaging reverse gear ................... 153
Engaging the park position ............ 152
Holding the vehicle stationary on
uphill gradients .............................. 154
Kickdown ....................................... 154
Manual drive progra m.................... 156
Overview ........................................ 151
Problem (fault) ............................... 159
Program selector button ................ 155
Pulling away ................................... 144
Selector lever ................................ 153
Starting the engine ........................ 144
Steering wheel gearshift paddle s... 156
Trailer towing ................................. 155
Transmission position dis-
play ........................................ 152, 153 Transmission positions .................. 153
Automatic transmission emer-
gency running mode ......................... 159
Auxiliary heating
Activating/deactivating ................. 134
Activating/deactivating (on the
centre console ).............................. 135
Display message ............................ 255
Important safety notes .................. 134
Problem (display message) ............ 138
Remote control .............................. 135
Setting ........................................... 224
Setting the departure time ............. 136
Auxiliary ventilation
Activating/deactivating ................. 134
Activating/deactivating (on the
centre console ).............................. 135
Problem (display message) ............ 138
Remote control .............................. 135
Axle load, permissible (trailer tow-
ing) ...................................................... 349 B
Bag hook ............................................ 273
Ball coupling
Folding in ....................................... 205
Folding out ..................................... 203
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 62
Battery (key)
Checking .......................................... 76
Important safety notes .................... 76
Replacing ......................................... 76
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 306
Display message ............................ 244
Important safety notes .................. 304
Jump starting ................................. 308
Belt force limiter
Activation ......................................... 49
Function ........................................... 49
Belt tensioner
Activation ......................................... 41
Function ........................................... 49
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 219
Display message ............................ 247
Notes/function .............................. 198 Index
5

Trailer towing ................................. 199
Bonnet
Active bonnet (pedestrian protec-tion) ............................................... 284
Closing ...........................................2 86
Display message ............................ 254
Important safety notes .................. 284
Opening ......................................... 285
Boot
see Tailgate
Boot load (maximum) ........................ 346
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 236
Notes ............................................. 344
Brake lamps
Adaptive .......................................... .64
Changing bulbs .............................. 115
Display message ............................ 240
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 61
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 63
BAS .................................................. 62
Brake fluid (notes) ........................ .344
Display message ............................ 230
Driving tips ................................... .166
Important safety notes .................. 166
Parking brake ................................ 163
Warning lamp ................................. 258
Breakdown
see Flat tyre
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs C
Calling up a fault see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Car wash (care) ................................. 291
Care
Automatic car wash ....................... 291
Carpets .......................................... 296
Display .......................................... .295
Exhaust pipe .................................. 294 Exterior lighting ............................
.293
Gear or selector lever .................... 295
High-pressure cleaner .................... 291
Interior .......................................... .295
Matt paintwork .............................. 292
Notes ............................................. 290
Paint .............................................. 292
Plastic trim ................................... .295
Reversing camera .......................... 294
Roof lining ...................................... 296
Seat belt ........................................ 296
Seat cover ..................................... 296
Sensors ......................................... 294
Steering wheel ............................... 295
Trim pieces ................................... .295
Washing by hand ........................... 291
Wheels .......................................... .292
Windows ........................................ 293
Wiper blades .................................. 293
Wooden trim .................................. 295
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 223
Locking/unlocking (key ).................. 75
Centre console
Lower section .................................. 35
Upper section .................................. 34
Changing bulbs
Brake lamps ................................... 115
Cornering light function ................. 114
Dipped-beam headlamp s............... 113
Main-beam headlamp s................... 114
Rear foglamp ................................. 115
Reversing lamps ............................ 115
Tail lamps ...................................... 115
Turn signals (front) ......................... 114
Turn signals (rear) .......................... 115
Child seat
Automatic recognition ..................... 52
ISOFIX .............................................. 53
On the front-passenger sea t............ 51
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 56
Recommendations ........................... 58
Suitable positions ............................ 56
Top Tether ....................................... 54
Child-proof locks
Important safety notes .................... 60
Rear doors ....................................... 60 6
Index

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 .............................. 113
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
Driving systems ............................ .245
Display messages
ASSYST PLUS ................................ 289
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 229
Engine ............................................ 243
General information ....................... 229
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 229
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-
pla y................................................ 175
Driving tips .................................... 178
Function/note s............................. 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 systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 61
ADAPTIVE BRAK E............................. 69
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 63
Adaptive brake lights ....................... 64
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 62
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST .... 62
Distance warning function ............... 62
Electronic Brake-force Distribu-
tion .................................................. 68 8
Index

Problem (malfunction) ...................1
61
Quality (diesel )............................... 341
Refuelling ....................................... 159
Tank content/reserve fue l............. 339
Fuel filler flap
Opening/closing ............................ 160
Fuel filter (white display message) .. 245
Fuel level
Calling up the range (on-board
computer) ...................................... 212
Gaug e.............................................. 30
Fuel reserve
see Fuel
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 339
Problem (malfunction) ................... 161
Fuses
Allocation chart ............................. 315
Before changing ............................. 314
Fuse box in the engine compart-
ment .............................................. 315
Fuse box in the front-passenger
footwell .......................................... 315
Important safety notes .................. 314 G
Gear indicator (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 226
Gear or selector lever (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 295
Gearshift program
SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 226
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ........... 21
Glove compartment .......................... 269H
Handbrake see Parking brake
Hazard warning lamps ...................... 108
Display message ............................ 256
Head restraints
Adjusting ......................................... 94
Adjusting (electrically) ..................... 95
Adjusting (manually) ........................ 95
Adjusting (rear) ................................ 96
Fitting/removing (rear) .................... 96 Headlamp
Cleaning system (function) ............ 108
Cleaning system (notes) ................ 345
Headlamps
Misting up ...................................... 110
Topping up the cleaning system .... 289
see Automatic headlamp mode
Heating
see Climate control
High-pressure cleaners .................... 291
Hill start assist .................................. 145
HOLD function
Deactivating ................................... 180
Display message ............................ 246
Function/note s............................. 180 I
Ignition lock see Key positions
Immobiliser .......................................... 69
Indicator and warning lamps
Coolant .......................................... 264
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 266
Engine diagnostics ......................... 264
SPORT handling mode ................... 261
Indicator lamps
Display message ............................ 240
see Warning and indicator lamps
Inspection
see ASSYST PLUS
Instrument cluster
Overview .......................................... 30
Setting s......................................... 220
Warning and indicator lamps ........... 32
Instrument cluster lighting .............. 208
Intelligent Light System
Activating/deactivating ................. 221
Display message ............................ 242
Overview ........................................ 108
Setting the dipped-beam head-
lamps for driving on the right/left .. 221
Interior lighting ................................. 111
Automatic control system .............. 111
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 223
Emergency lighting ........................ 111
Manual control ............................... 111 Index
11

Overview ........................................1
11
Reading lamp ................................. 111
Setting the ambient lighting
brightness (on-board computer) .... 222
Interior motion sensor ........................ 70
ISOFIX child seat securing system .... 53J
Jack Storage location ............................ 299
Using ............................................. 326
Jump starting (engine) ......................308 K
Key Changing the battery ....................... 76
Checking the battery ....................... 76
Convenience closing feature ............ 85
Convenience opening feature .......... 84
Display message ............................ 256
Door central locking/unlocking ....... 75
Emergency key element ................... 75
Important safety notes .................... 74
Loss ................................................. 78
Modifying the programming ............. 75
Positions (ignition lock) ................. 143
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 78
Starting the engine ........................ 144
Key positions (ignition lock) ............ 143
Kickdown
Driving tips ................................... .154
Manual drive program .................... 158
Kneebag ............................................... 44 L
Lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 219
Display message ............................ 247
Function/informatio n.................... 199
Lane package ..................................... 197
Lap time (RACETIMER) ...................... 226
Lashing eyelets ................................. 273
Licence plate lamp (display mes-
sage) ................................................... 241 Light sensor (display message)
....... 242
Lighting
see Lights
Lights
Activating/deactivating the Intel-
ligent Light System ........................ 221
Activating/deactivating the inte-
rior lighting delayed switch-off ....... 223
Active light function ....................... 108
Automatic headlamp mod e............ 105
Cornering light function ................. 109
Dipped-beam headlamp s............... 105
Display message ............................ 239
Driving abroad ............................... 104
Foglamps ....................................... 106
Foglamps (extended range) ........... 109
Hazard warning lamps ................... 108
Headlamp flashe r........................... 108
Headlamp rang e............................ 107
Light switch ................................... 105
Main-beam headlamp s................... 107
Motorway mod e............................. 109
Parking lamps ................................ 106
Rear foglamp ................................. 106
Setting the ambient lighting
brightness (on-board computer) .... 222
Side lamps ..................................... 106
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/of f................................. 222
Switching the daytime driving
lights on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 221
Switching the daytime driving
lights on/off (switch) ..................... 105
Switching the exterior lighting
delayed switch-off on/off (on-
board computer) ............................ 222
Switching the surround lighting
on/off (on-board computer) .......... 222
Turn signals ................................... 107
see Interior lighting
see Replacing bulbs
LIM indicator lamp
Cruise control ................................ 169
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 174
Variable SPEEDTRONIC ................. 171
Limiting the speed
see SPEEDTRONIC 12
Index

Loading guidelines
............................ 268
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 enlarge-
ment ................................................... 271
Important safety notes .................. 271
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 .................................................. 96 M
M+S tyres ........................................... 320
Main-beam headlamps
Changing bulb s.............................. 114
Display message ............................ 241
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/of f................................. 109
Switching on/of f........................... 107
Maintenance
see ASSYST PLUS
Manual transmission
Engaging reverse gear ................... 151
Gear lever ...................................... 150
Pulling away ................................... 144
Shift recommendation ................... 151
Shifting to neutral .......................... 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
Mirrors
see Exterior mirrors
see Rear-view mirror
see Vanity mirror (in sun visor)
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/note s............................. 210
Permanent display ......................... 220
Multifunction steering wheel
Operating the on-board compute r..2 09
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 Index
13

Folding the exterior mirrors in/out
automatically If the "Fold in mirrors when locking" function
is activated in the on-board computer
(Y page 225):
R the exterior mirrors fold in automatically as
soon as you lock the vehicle from the out-
side.
R the exterior mirrors fold out again automat-
ically as soon as you unlock the vehicle and
then open the driver's or front-passenger
door.
i If the exterior mirrors have been folded in
manually, they do not fold out.
Exterior mirror pushed out of position If an exterior mirror has been pushed out of
position, proceed as follows.
X Vehicles without electrically folding
exterior mirrors: move the exterior mirror
into the correct position manually.
X Vehicles with electrically folding exte-
rior mirrors: press and hold the mirror-
folding button (Y page 99) until you hear a
click and then the mirror engage in posi-
tion.
The mirror housing is engaged again and
you can adjust the exterior mirrors as usual
(Y page 99). Automatic anti-dazzle mirrors
The "Automatic anti-dazzle mirrors" function
is only available if the vehicle is equipped with
the "Mirror package".
The rear-view mirror and the exterior mirror
on the driver's side automatically go into anti- dazzle mode if:
R the ignition is switched on and
R incident light from headlamps strikes the
sensor in the rear-view mirror
The mirrors do not go into anti-dazzle mode if reverse gear is engaged or if the interior light-
ing is switched on. Parking position of the exterior mirror
on the front-passenger side
General notes The "Parking position for the exterior mirror
on the front-passenger side" function is only
available if the vehicle is equipped with the
"Memory package".
Setting and storing the parking position Using reverse gear
You can set the front-passenger side exterior
mirror so that you can see the rear wheel on
that side as soon as you engage reverse gear.
You can store this position. X
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
that the key is in position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Press button ;for the exterior mirror on
the front-passenger side.
X Engage reverse gear.
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side moves to the preset parking position.
X Use adjustment button =to adjust the
exterior mirror. You should see the rear
wheel and the kerb in the exterior mirror.
The parking position is stored.
i If you shift the transmission to another
position, the exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side returns to the driving posi-
tion. 100
MirrorsSeats, steering wheel and
mirrors

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos- sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 24). Exterior lighting
General notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz recom- mends that you drive with the lights switched
on even during the daytime. In some coun-
tries, operation of the headlamps varies due
to legal requirements and self-imposed obli-
gations. Driving abroad
General notes If your journey takes you to countries where
vehicles are driven on the opposite side of the
road to the country in which the vehicle is
registered, your headlamps must be switched to symmetrical dipped beam as soon as pos-
sible after crossing the border. This prevents
oncoming traffic from being dazzled. Sym-
metrical lights do not illuminate as large an
area of the edge of the carriageway.
Vehicles with halogen headlamps X
Affix special masking sheets on the head-
lamps.
i You can obtain these special stickers
from a qualified specialist workshop.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use genuine Mercedes-Benz masking tape. Your headlamps could otherwise be
damaged.
Remove the masking tape when you are
once again driving on the same side of the
road as in the country in which your vehicle
is registered.
Vehicles with bi-xenon headlamps X
Turn protective cap :anti-clockwise and
remove it.
X Push switchover lever ;down.
X Insert protective cap :and turn it clock-
wise.
Convert the headlamps back to asymmetrical dipped beam as soon as possible after return-
ing across the border.
Vehicles with Intelligent Light System X
Before crossing the border, set the head-
lamps to symmetrical dipped beam and
after returning back to asymmetrical
dipped beam via the "Dipped-beam head-
lamps for driving on the right/left" function
in the on-board computer (Y page 221).
If the headlamps are converted to symmetri-
cal dipped beam, the "motorway mode" and
"extended range foglamps" functions are not
available. 104
Exterior lightingLights and windscreen wipers

Setting the exterior lighting
Setting options Exterior lighting can be set using the:
R light switch
R headlamp range control (vehicles with hal-
ogen headlamps only) (Y page 107)
R combination switch (Y page 107)
R on-board computer (Y page 221)
Light switch Operation
1W
Left-hand parking lamps
2X Right-hand parking lamps
3T Side lamps, licence plate and instru-
ment cluster lighting
4Ã Automatic headlamp mode, control-
led by the light sensor
5L Dipped-beam/main-beam head-
lamps
BR Rear foglamp
CN Foglamp (vehicles with front fog-
lamps only)
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
X Turn the light switch to Ã.
The exterior lighting (except the side lamps/
parking lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
R remove the key from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the key in posi-
tion 0. Automatic headlamp mode G
WARNING
When the light switch is set to Ã, the
dipped-beam headlamps may not be switched on automatically if there is fog, snow or othercauses of poor visibility due to the weather
conditions such as spray. There is a risk of an
accident.
In such situations, turn the light switch to
L.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's lighting at all times.
à is the preferred light switch setting. The
light setting is automatically selected accord-
ing to the brightness of the ambient light
(exception: poor visibility due to weather con- ditions such as fog, snow or spray):
R Key in position 1in the ignition lock: the
side lamps are switched on or off automat- ically depending on the brightness of the
ambient light.
R With the engine running: if you have
switched on the daytime driving lights func-
tion in the on-board computer, the daytime
driving lights or the side lamps and dipped- beam headlamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightnessof the ambient light.
X To switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to Ã.
The daytime driving lights improve the detect- ability of your vehicle during the day. Here,
the daytime driving lights function must be
switched on via the on-board computer
(Y page 221).
When the dipped-beam headlamps are
switched on, the Lindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up and the daytime
driving lights switch off.
Dipped-beam headlamps
When the ignition is switched on and the light switch is in position L, the side lamps and
dipped-beam headlamps are switched on Exterior lighting
105Lights and windscreen wipers Z