tow MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS 2012 Owners Manual

Index
....................................................... 4Introduction .........................................
20 At a glance
........................................... 27 Safety ...................................................
37 Opening and closing
...........................67 Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....
85 Lights and windshield wipers
............97 Climate control
................................. 117 Driving and parking ..........................
133 On-board computer and displays
....185 Stowage and features ......................
235 Maintenance and care
......................265 Breakdown assistance
.....................279 Wheels and tires ...............................
297 Technical data ...................................
327 Contents
3ProCarManuals.com

Automatic transmission
Automatic drive program ............... 144
Changing gear ............................... 143
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................140
Display message
............................ 220
Drive program display ....................141
Driving tips .................................... 143
Emergency running mode ..............147
Engaging drive position .................. 142
Engaging neutral ............................ 141
Engaging reverse gear ................... 141
Engaging the park position ............ 141
Holding the vehicle stationary on
uphill gradients .............................. 143
Kickdown ....................................... 143
Manual drive program ....................144
Overview ........................................ 140
Problem (malfunction) ...................147
Program selector button ................143
Pulling away ................................... 136
Starting the engine ........................ 135
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 144
Transmission position display ........ 141
Transmission positions .................. 142
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 147B
Backup lamp Changing bulbs .............................. 109
Display message ............................ 211
Bag hook

............................................ 243
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 59
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 70
Important safety notes .................... 70
Replacing ......................................... 70
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 288
Display message ............................ 213
Important safety notes .................. 285
Jump starting ................................. 289
Belt force limiter
Activation ......................................... 49
Function ........................................... 49
Blinds
see Roller sunblind Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................195
Display message

............................ 216
Notes/function .............................. 181
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 207
Notes ............................................. 332
Brake lamps
Adaptive ........................................... 62
Changing bulbs .............................. 109
Display message ............................ 209
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 59
Adaptive Brake Assist ......................61
BAS .................................................. 59
Brake fluid (notes) .........................332
Display message ............................ 201
Driving tips .................................... 154
Important safety notes .................. 154
Maintenance .................................. 155
Parking brake ................................ 150
Warning lamp ................................. 225
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs C
Calling up a malfunction see Display messages


Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 277
Car wash ........................................ 271
Display ........................................... 275
Exhaust pipe .................................. 275
Exterior lights ................................ 274
Gear or selector lever ....................276
Interior ........................................... 275
Matte finish ................................... 273
Notes ............................................. 271
Paint .............................................. 273
Plastic trim .................................... 276 Index
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Power washer ................................
272
Rear view camera .......................... 275
Roof lining ...................................... 277
Seat belt
........................................ 277
Seat cover ..................................... 276
Sensors ......................................... 275
Steering wheel ............................... 276
Trim pieces .................................... 276
Washing by hand ........................... 272
Wheels ........................................... 273
Windows ........................................ 274
Wiper blades .................................. 274
Wooden trim .................................. 276
Cargo compartment cover ...............244
Cargo compartment enlargement ...240
Important safety notes .................. 240
Notes on use ................................. 242
Cargo compartment floor
Height adjustment .........................246
Important safety notes .................. 245
Opening/closing ............................ 246
Stowage well (under) ..................... 245
Cargo net
Attaching ....................................... 245
Important safety information ......... 245
Cargo tie down rings .........................243
Car wash (care) ................................. 271
Center console Lower section .................................. 33
Upper section .................................. 32
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 198
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........ 68
Changing bulbs
Brake lamps ................................... 109
Cornering light function .................108
High-beam headlamps ...................107
Important safety notes .................. 104
License plate lighting .....................111
Low-beam headlamps .................... 107
Overview of bulb types ..................105
Parking lamps ................................ 108
Rear fog lamp ................................ 109
Removing/replacing the cover
(front wheel arch) .......................... 106
Reversing lamps ............................ 109
Standing lamps (front) ...................108Tail lamps
...................................... 109
Turn signals (front) ......................... 108
Turn signals (rear)
..........................109
Child-proof locks
Important safety notes .................... 57
Rear doors ....................................... 58
Children
In the vehicle ................................... 50
Restraint systems ............................ 50
Child seat
Automatic recognition ..................... 53
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ............................................ 54
On the front-passenger seat ............52
Problem (malfunction) .....................57
Top Tether ....................................... 55
Cigarette lighter ................................ 250
Climate control Automatic climate control ............. 119
Automatic climate control (dual-
zone) .............................................. 121
Controlling automatically ...............125
Cooling with air dehumidification ..123
Defrosting the windows ................. 127
Defrosting the windshield .............. 127
Important safety notes .................. 118
Indicator lamp ................................ 125
Maximum cooling .......................... 127
Notes on using automatic climate
control ................................... 120, 122
Overview of systems ...................... 118
Problems with cooling with air
dehumidification ............................ 125
Problem with the rear window
defroster ........................................ 129
Refrigerant ..................................... 334
Refrigerant filling capacity .............335
Setting the air distribution .............126
Setting the airflow ......................... 126
Setting the air vents ......................130
Setting the temperature ................ 125
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 129
Switching on/off ........................... 123
Switching residual heat on/off ...... 1296
Index
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E
EASY-VARIO-PLUS system Cargo compartment enlargement ..240
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message ............................ 203
Function/notes ................................
64
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 153
On-board computer ....................... 190
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start .................. 137
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 137
Deactivating/activating ................. 138
General information ....................... 136
Important safety notes .................. 136
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 75
Vehicle ............................................. 75
Emergency spare wheel
General notes ................................ 325
Important safety notes .................. 325
Removing ....................................... 326
Technical data ............................... 326
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 39
Function ........................................... 49
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 76
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 21
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 231
Display message ............................ 212
ECO start/stop function ................ 136
Engine number ............................... 329
Irregular running ............................ 139
Jump-starting ................................. 289
Starting problems .......................... 139
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 135
Switching off .................................. 150
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 294 Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................139
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 268
Additives ........................................ 332
Checking the oil level ..................... 267
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick
.......................................... 268
Display message ............................ 214
Filling capacity ............................... 332
Notes about oil grades ................... 332
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 267
Viscosity ........................................ 332
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Deactivating/activating ................. 194
Deactivating/activating (notes) ....... 63
Display message ............................ 201
ETS .................................................. 62
Function/notes ......................... 62, 63
Important safety information ........... 62
Warning lamp ................................. 227
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 62
Exhaust check ................................... 152
Exhaust pipe (cleaning instructions) 275
Exterior lighting Setting options ................................ 98
see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ......................................... 92
Dipping (automatic) .........................93
Folding in/out (automatically) ......... 93
Folding in/out (electrically) ............. 93
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 199
Out of position (troubleshooting) .....93
Setting ............................................. 93
Storing settings (memory function) .. 95
Storing the parking position ............. 94
Eyeglasses compartment ................. 237 F
Filler cap see Fuel filler flap


First-aid kit ......................................... 280
Flat tire MOExtended tires .......................... 281 Index
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SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Display message ............................ 207
Introduction
..................................... 38
Warning lamp ................................. 230
Warning lamp (function) ................... 39
Standing lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 108
Display message ............................ 210
Switching on/off ........................... 100
Start/stop function
see ECO start/stop function
Starting (engine) ................................ 135
STEER CONTROL .................................. 64
Steering (display message) ..............222
Steering wheel Adjusting (manually) ........................ 91
Button overview ............................... 31
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 187
Cleaning ......................................... 276
Important safety notes .................... 91
Paddle shifters ............................... 144
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........144
Stowage areas ................................... 237
Stowage compartments Armrest (front) ............................... 238
Armrest (under) ............................. 238
Center console .............................. 237
Cup holders ................................... 247
Eyeglasses compartment ............... 237
Glove box ....................................... 237
Important safety information ......... 237
Parcel net ...................................... 239
Under driver's seat/front-
passenger seat .............................. 238
Stowage space
Center console (rear) ..................... 238
Summer tires ..................................... 300
Sun visor ............................................ 249
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 198
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 129
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............65 T
Tachometer ........................................ 187
Tailgate Display message ............................ 222
Emergency unlocking .......................76
Important safety notes
....................75
Opening/closing (from outside) ....... 76
Opening dimensions ...................... 335
Tail lamps
Display message ............................ 210
see Lights
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Technical data
Capacities ...................................... 329
Emergency spare wheel ................. 326
Information .................................... 328
Tires/wheels ................................. 323
Vehicle data ................................... 335
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 255
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 256
Downloading routes .......................259
Emergency call .............................. 253
Geo fencing ................................... 259
Important safety notes .................. 251
Locating a stolen vehicle ............... 258
MB info call button ........................ 255
Remote vehicle locking .................. 257
Roadside Assistance button .......... 254
Search & Send ............................... 256
Self-test ......................................... 252
Speed alert .................................... 259
System .......................................... 252
Triggering the vehicle alarm ........... 260
Vehicle remote malfunction
diagnosis ....................................... 258
Vehicle remote unlocking .............. 257
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 193
Display message ............................ 222
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 193
Number from the phone book ........ 194
Redialing ........................................ 194
Rejecting/ending a call ................. 19416
Index
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Wear indicator (definition)
.............318
Wheel rim (definition) ....................316
see Flat tire

Top Tether ............................................ 55
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........291
Installing the towing eye ................ 292
Removing the towing eye ...............292
Towing away
With both axles on the ground ....... 293
With front axle raised ..................... 293
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 294
Important safety notes .................. 291
Installing the towing eye ................ 292
Removing the towing eye ...............292
Traction control ................................... 62
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display .........141
Transporting the vehicle .................. 293
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 276
Trip computer (on-board computer) 189
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 189
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 190
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ................... 108
Changing bulbs (rear) .................... 109
Display message ............................ 209
Switching on/off ........................... 100
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................75
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 74 V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........ 249
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 24
Data acquisition ............................... 25
Equipment
....................................... 21
Individual settings ..........................196
Limited Warranty ............................. 25
Loading .......................................... 306
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 75
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 68
Lowering ........................................ 322
Maintenance .................................... 22
Parking for a long period ................ 152
Pulling away ................................... 136
Raising ........................................... 320
Reporting problems .........................24
Securing from rolling away ............320
Towing away .................................. 291
Tow-starting ................................... 291
Transporting .................................. 293
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 75
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................68
Vehicle data ................................... 335
Vehicle data ....................................... 335
Vehicle dimensions ...........................335
Vehicle emergency locking ................75
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............328
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 280
Video (DVD) ........................................ 193
VIN ...................................................... 328 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 225
Brakes

........................................... 225
Check Engine ................................. 231
Coolant .......................................... 231
Distance warning ........................... 233
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 233
ESP ®
.............................................. 227
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 228
Fuel tank ........................................ 231
Overview .......................................... 3018
Index
ProCarManuals.com

including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device."
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 the diagnostics
connection in the vehicle, it may affect the
operation of the

vehicle systems. As a result,
the operating safety of the vehicle could be
affected. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not connect any equipment to a
diagnostics connection in the vehicle. G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the
pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle
is jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Install the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficient clearance for

the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats.
! If the engine is switched off and
equipment on the diagnostics connection
is used, the starter battery may discharge.
Connecting equipment to the diagnostics
connection can lead to emissions monitoring
information being reset, for example. This
may lead to the vehicle failing to meet the
requirements of the next emissions test
during the main inspection. Qualified specialist workshop
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a
qualified specialist workshop. It has the
necessary specialist knowledge, tools and
qualifications to correctly carry out the work required on your vehicle. This is especially the
case for work relevant to safety.
Observe the notes in the Maintenance
Booklet.
Always have
the

following work carried out at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center:
R work relevant to safety
R service and maintenance work
R repair work
R alterations, installation work and
modifications
R work on electronic components Correct use
If you remove any warning stickers, you or
others could fail

to recognize certain dangers.
Leave warning stickers in position.
Observe the following information when
driving your vehicle:
R the safety notes in this manual
R the Technical Data section in this manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles Problems with your vehicle
If you should

experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to
your satisfaction, please discuss the problem
again with a Mercedes-Benz Center or
contact us at one of the following addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada 24
Introduction
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Center console, lower section
Function Page
D
Ashtray 249
Cigarette lighter 250
Socket 250
Stowage compartment 237
E
Stowage compartment
237 Function Page
F
Cup holder 247
G
Stowage compartment 237
H
Audio/COMAND
controller; see
the
separate
operating instructions Center console
33
At a glance
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Belt warning for the driver and front
passenger
Regardless of whether the driver's and front-
passenger seat belts have already been
fastened, the 7 seat belt warning lamp
lights up
for
six seconds each time the engine
is started. It then goes out if the driver and
the front passenger have already fastened
their seat belts.
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened when
the engine is started, an additional warning
tone will sound. This warning tone stops after
a maximum of six seconds or once the
driver's seat belt is fastened.
If after six seconds the driver or front
passenger have not fastened their seat belts
and the doors are closed, the 7 seat belt
warning lamp lights up:
R until the driver's or front passenger's seat
belt is fastened
R if a vehicle speed of 15 mph (25 km/h) is
exceeded, a warning tone also sounds with
increasing intensity for a maximum of
60 seconds or until the driver or front-
passenger seat belt has been fastened.
If the driver/front passenger unfasten their
seat belt while the vehicle is in motion, the
7 seat belt warning lamp lights up and a
warning tone sounds again.
The warning tone ceases even if the driver or
front-passenger seat belt has still not been
fastened after 60 seconds. The 7 seat belt
warning lamp stops flashing but remains
illuminated.
After the vehicle comes to a standstill, the
warning tone is reactivated and the 7 seat
belt warning lamp flashes again if the vehicle
speed again exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h).
The 7 seat belt warning lamp only goes
out if:
R both the driver and the front passenger
have fastened their seat belts.
or
R the vehicle is stationary and a door is open. i
For more information on the 7 seat
belt warning lamp, see "Warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
seat belts" ( Y page 224).
Emergency Tensioning Devices, seat
belt force limiters G
WARNING
Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be
replaced.
For your safety, when disposing of the
pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety
instructions. These are available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
! If the front-passenger seat is not
occupied, do not engage the seat belt
tongue in the buckle on the front-
passenger seat. Otherwise,

the Emergency
Tensioning Device could be triggered in the
event of an accident.
The front seat belts and the outer seat belts
in the rear are equipped with Emergency
Tensioning Devices and seat belt force
limiters.
The ETDs tighten the seat belts in an accident,
pulling them close against the body.
The ETDs do not correct incorrect seat
positions or incorrectly fastened seat belts.
The ETDs do not pull vehicle occupants back
towards the backrest.
The ETDs can only be activated when:
R the ignition is switched on.
R the restraint systems are operational; see
"SRS warning lamp" 6(Y page 39).
R the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on
each of the front seat belts.
The ETDs on the outside seats in the rear
compartment are triggered independently of
the lock status of the seat belts.
The ETDs are triggered depending on the type
and severity of an accident:
R if, in the event of a head-on or rear-end
collision, the vehicle decelerates or Occupant safety
49
Safety Z
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Further information on secure stowage of
loads can be found under "Loading
guidelines".
If an
infant
or child is traveling in the vehicle:
R Secure the child with a child or infant seat
restraint system appropriate to the age and
weight of the child.
R Make sure that the infant or child is
properly secured at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you always
properly secure all infants and children with
a child or infant seat restraint system for the
trip.
The use of seat belts and infant and child
restraint systems is required by law in:
R all 50 states
R the U.S. territories
R the District of Columbia
R all Canadian provinces
Infants and children must always be seated in
an appropriate infant or child restraint system
recommended for the size and weight of the
child. The infant or child restraint system
must be properly secured in accordance with
the manufacturer's instructions.
All infant or child restraint systems must meet
the following standards:
R U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards 213 and 225
R Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 210.2
Confirmation that the child restraint system
corresponds to the standards can be found
on an instruction label on the child restraint
system. This confirmation can also be found
in the installation instructions that are
included with the child restraint system.
Always read and follow the manufacturer's
instructions when using an infant or child
restraint system or booster seat.
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle
interior or on the infant or child restraint. Child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat G
WARNING
If the front-passenger air bag is not disabled:
R a child secured in a child restraint system
on the front-passenger seat could be
seriously or even

fatally injured by the front-
passenger air bag deploying. This is
especially a risk if the child is in the
immediate vicinity of the front-passenger
air bag when it deploys.
R never secure a child on the front-passenger
seat in a rearward-facing child restraint
system. Only secure a rearward-facing
child restraint system on a suitable rear
seat.
R always move the front-passenger seat to
the rearmost position if you secure a child
in a forward-facing child restraint system
on the front-passenger seat.
The front-passenger air bag is not disabled:
R on vehicles without an air bag deactivation
system on the front-passenger seat.
R on vehicles with an air bag deactivation
system on the front-passenger seat, unless
a child restraint system with transponders
for an air bag deactivation system is
installed on the front-passenger seat
R on vehicles with an air bag deactivation
system on the front-passenger seat, if the
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
4 is not lit.
To make you aware of this danger, a
corresponding warning sticker has been
affixed on the dashboard and on both sides of
the sun visor on the front-passenger side.
Information about recommended child
restraint systems is available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. 52
Children in the vehicle
Safety
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