ESP MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS HATCHBACK 2011 Manual Online

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
÷
The yellow ESP
®
warn-
ing lamp flashes while
the vehicle is in motion. ESP
®
or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as necessary when
pulling away.
X Accelerate more gently while the vehicle is in motion.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: (Y page 66).å
The yellow ESP
®
OFF
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running. ESP
®
and ESP ®
trailer stabilisation are deactivated. ESP ®
will not
stabilise the vehicle if it starts to skid or if awheel starts to spin.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is deactivated, the vehicle's stability during standard driv-
ing manoeuvres is reduced.
There is a risk of accident.
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: (Y page 66).
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
X Have ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. ֌
The yellow ESP
®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running. ESP
®
, BAS, BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function, hill start
assist, the adaptive brake lights and ESP ®
trailer stabilisation are
not available due to a malfunction.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
ESP ®
will not stabilise the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel
starts to spin.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or not operational, the vehicle's stability
during standard driving manoeuvres is reduced.
There is a risk of accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 236
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
֌
The yellow ESP
®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running. ESP
®
, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function, hill start assist and
ESP ®
trailer stabilisation are temporarily not available.
The adaptive brake lights and BAS PLUS may also have failed.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
ESP ®
will not stabilise the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel
starts to spin.
Self-diagnosis is not yet complete.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or not operational, the vehicle's stability
during standard driving manoeuvres is reduced.
There is a risk of accident.
X Carefully drive on a suitable stretch of road, making slight steer-
ing movements, at a speed above 20 km/h.
The functions mentioned above are available again when the
warning lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp is still on:
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
237On-board computer and displays Z

X
Slide locking mechanism =in the direc-
tion of the arrow.
X Swing flap ;fully to the side.
Flap ;is held ope nby a magnet.
X To close: swing flap ;in the luggage com-
partmen tback until it engages.
X Fold the cover forwards until it engages into
armrest :.
X Fold armrest :up fully if necessary. Enlarging the luggage compartment
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Do no tcarry heavy or hard objects inside the
vehicle or in the luggage compartmen tunless
they are secured.
Otherwise, you and othe rvehicle occupants
could be injured by objects being thrown
around the vehicle in the event of sharp brak-
ing, a sudden change in direction or an acci-
dent.
When using the luggage compartment
enlargemen tfeature, you must always fully
fold down the respective backrests and
attach the safety net. G
WARNING
Always drive with the tailgate closed. Exhaust
fumes could otherwise enter the vehicle inte-
rior. !
Before you fold down the rear seat back-
rest, remove the side head restraints for
the integrated child seat; see the "Side
head restraints for integrated child seat"
section. The side head restraints could oth-
erwise be damaged.
! Before folding the backrest in the rear
compartment forwards, make sure that the
rear compartment armrest and the
cupholder are folded in. They may other-
wise be damaged.
Vehicles without the EASY-VARIO-PLUS
system Folding the rear seat backrest forwards
The left-hand and right-hand rear seat backr-
ests can be folded forwards separately to
increase the luggage compartment capacity. X
Fully insert the backrest head restraints
(Y page 89).
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
X Vehicles with integrated child seat: fold in
the child seat (Y page 53) and remove the
side head restraint (Y page 56).
X Pull left-hand or right-hand release han-
dle ;of the seat backrest forwards.
Corresponding seat backrest :is
released.
X Fold seat backrest :forwards.
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary. 248
Stowage areasStowing and features

Folding back the rear seat backrest
X
Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
! Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped when folding the rear seat
backres tback .Otherwise, it could be dam-
aged.
X Fold seat backrest :back until it engages.
Red lock status indicator ;is no longer
visible. G
WARNING
Make sure that the seat backrest is correctly
engaged .The red lock verification indicators
on the left and right sides should no longer be
visible. If they are visible, the backrests are
not locked in position.
Occupants could otherwise be injured in the
event of an accident, e.g. by objects being
thrown forwards through the vehicle interior
from the luggage compartment.
X Adjust the head restraints if necessary
(Y page 89).
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
Vehicles with the EASY-VARIO-PLUS
system Folding the rear seat backrest forwards
The left-hand and right-hand rear seat backr-
ests can be folded forwards separately to
increase the luggage compartmentc apacity. X
Fully insert the backres thead restraints
(Y page 89).
X Move the rear seat as far back as possible
(Y page 250).
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
X Pull right or left loop ;on the backrest in
the direction of the arrow.
Corresponding seat backrest :is
released.
X Fold down backrest :fully.
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
Folding back the rear seat backrest X
Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
! Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped when folding the rear seat
backrest back. Otherwise, it could be dam-
aged. Stowage areas
249Stowing and features Z

X
Swing backrest :back.
X Adjust the backres tto the desired angle by
pulling the loop (Y page 250).
X Adjust the head restraints if necessary
(Y page 89).
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
Notes on using the luggage compartment Load position
Making the best use of your luggage com-
partment:
R Load capacity is increased when back-
rest :is set to the load position (90°)
(Y page 250).
R Vehicles with a height-adjustable luggage
compartment floor: a level load surface can
be obtained by moving the luggage com-
partmen tfloor to the upper position
(Y page 254).
R Al arge rload area can be obtained by mov-
ing the rear bench seat as far forward as
possible (Y page 250).
R The load area can be lengthened by folding
forward the folding backrest of the front-
passenger seat (Y page 247) and the cor-
responding backrest in the rear.
Adjusting the angle of the rear seat backr-
ests
You can set the angle of the seat backrests
to one of 13 detent positions. X
Pull right or left release loop ;forwards in
the direction of the arrow.
Corresponding seat backrest :is
released.
X Push backrest :forward in the direction
of the arrow, or push it back and let it
engage.
X To ensure that the backrest has engaged,
lean firmly against backrest :.
Seat fore-and-aft adjustment
! When moving the rear seats back, make
sure there are no objects in the footwell or
behind the seats. The rear seats and/or the
objects could otherwise be damaged. X
Lift the left or right release handle and slide
the corresponding seat forwards or back-
wards.
X Let go of the release handle again.
Make sure that you hear the seat engage in
position. 250
Stowage areasStowing and features

caps do not scrape the light-coloured parts
of the vehicle.
The luggage compartment cove ris located
behind the rear bench seat backrest.
Extending and retracting the luggage
compartment cover X
To extend: pull the luggage compartment
cover back by grab handle :and clip it
into retainers ;on the left and right.
X To retract: unhook the luggage compart-
ment cover from retainers ;on the left
and right and guide it forwards by grab han-
dle :until it is fully retracted.
Fitting/removing the luggage compart-
ment cover X
To remove: make sure that the luggage
compartment cover is rolled up.
X Push in the end cap of luggage compart-
ment cover :in the direction of the arrow
on the right or left side using grip =.X
Push luggage compartment cover :into
opposite anchorage ;.
X Remove luggage compartment cover :
upwards.
X To fit: place luggage compartment
cover :into anchorage ;on the right or
left-hand side.
X Push in the opposite end cap of luggage
compartment cover :in the direction of
the arrow and insert luggage compartment
cover :into opposite anchorage ;. Safety net
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The safety net cannot secure heavy loads. You
should therefore always lash down the load.
You could otherwise be injured by objects
which have not been sufficiently secured
being thrown around in the event of sharp
braking, a sudden change of direction or an
accident. G
WARNING
In the event of sharp braking, a sudden
change of direction, or an accident, light loads
can be thrown about.
This could result in injury to yourselforo thers.
Therefore, if you are transporting light loads,
use the safety net.
The safety net is locate dinthe stowage space
under the luggage compartmentf loor
(Y page 253).
X Open both Velcro fastener sand remove the
safety net.
X Unroll and unfold the safety net.
The joints on the uppe rand lowe rguide rod
should engage audibly.
The corresponding lashing eyelet sfor tight-
ening the safety net are in the luggage com-
partment (Y page 251).252
Stowage areasStowing and features

You can obtain further information, e.g.
regarding service work, fro
maMercedes-
Benz Service Centre or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. The
Service Hotline's current telephone numbers
for use when you are abroad are to be found
in the "Mercedes-Benz Service24h" section
of the Service Booklet. Care
Notes on care
H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.
! Do not park up the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked up.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term. Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz. Care of the exterior
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. This could cause an accident. For
this reason, following a car wash, drive with
particular care until the brakes are dry. G
WARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore,
deactivate the HOLD function and DISTRONIC
PLUS before the vehicle is washed in an auto-
matic car wash.
! Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in position Nwhen washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehi-
cle could be damaged if the transmission is
in another position.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and sliding sunroof are
closed completely.
R the blower for the ventilation/heating is
switched off (OFF button is depressed/
airflow control is turned to position 0).
R the windscreen wiper switch is at posi-
tion 0.
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
Wash off excess dirt before cleaning the vehi-
cle in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windscreen and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the wind-
screen. Care
267Maintenance and care Z

Cleaning the exhaust pipe
!
Do no tclean the exhaust pipe with alka-
line-based cleaning agents, such as wheel
cleaner.
X Clean the exhaust pipe with a chrome care
produc ttested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Impurities combined with the effects of road
grit and corrosive environmental factors may
cause flash rust to form on the surface. You
can restore the original shine of the exhaust
pipe by cleaning it regularly, especially in win-
ter and after washing.
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch H
Environmental note
Dispose of oily and greasy cloths in an envi-
ronmentally-responsible manner.
! Do not clean the ball coupling with a high-
pressure cleaner. Do not use solvents.
! Observe the note on care provided by the
trailer manufacturer. X
Remove rust, e.g. with a wire brush.
X Remove dirt with a clean, lint-free cloth or
a brush.
X After cleaning, lightly oil or grease ball cou-
pling :.
X Check that the vehicle's trailer tow hitch is
working properly.
i Maintenance of the ball coupling and
trailer tow hitch can also be performed at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Interior care
Cleaning the display !
For cleaning, do not use any of the fol-
lowing:
R alcohol-based thinner or petrol
R abrasive cleaning agents
R commercially-available household clean-
ing agents
These may damage the display surface. Do
not put pressure on the display surface
when cleaning. This could lead to irrepara-
ble damage to the display.
X Before cleaning the display, make sure that
it is switched off and has cooled down.
X Clean the display surface using a commer-
cially available microfibre cloth and TFT/
LCD display cleaner.
X Dry the display surface using a dry micro-
fibre cloth.
Cleaning the plastic trim G
WARNING
When cleaning the steering wheel boss and
dashboard, do not use cockpit sprays or
cleaning agents containing solvents. Cleaning
agents containing solvents cause the surface
to become porous, and as aresult plastic
parts may break away and be thrown around
the interior when an airbag is deployed, which
may result in severe injuries.
! Do not affix the following to plastic surfa-
ces:
R stickers
R films
R scented oil bottles or similar items
You could otherwise damage the plastic. Care
271Maintenance and care Z

Flat tyre
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
R MOExtended tyres (tyres with run-flat char-
acteristics) (Y page 276)
R a TIREFIT kit
R an emergency spare wheel (only for certain
countries)
You can find information on changing/fitting
wheels in the "Wheel change" section
(Y page 298).
i Vehicle preparation is no tnecessary on
vehicles with MOExtended tyres.
i Vehicles with MOExtended tyres are not
equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory.
It is therefore recommended that you addi-
tionally equip your vehicle with a TIREFIT kit
if you fit tyres that do not feature run-flat
characteristics, e.g. winter tyres. A TIREFIT
kit can be obtained from a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
X Stop the vehicle as far away as possible
from traffic on solid, non-slippery and level
ground.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps.
X Apply the electric parkin gbrake manually
(Y page 145).
X Bring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.
X Vehicles with manual transmission:
engage first or reverse gear.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
move the DIRECT SELECT lever to P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X All occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.
X Make sure that no one is near the danger
area whilst a wheel is being changed .Any-
one who is not directly assisting in the wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.
X Ge tout of the vehicle. Pay attention to traf-
fic conditions when doing so.
X Close the driver's door.
X Place the warning triangle ( Ypage 274) a
suitable distance away. Observe legal
requirements. MOExtended tyres (tyres with run-flat
characteristics)
G
WARNING
When driving in emergency mode, the driving
characteristics deteriorate, e.g. when corner-
ing, accelerating quickly and when braking.
There is a ris kofaccident.
Do not exceed the state dmaximum speed.
Avoid abrupt steering and driving manoeu-
vres, and driving ove robstacles (kerbs, pot-
holes, off-road). This applies in particular to a
laden vehicle.
Stop driving in emergency mode if:
R you hear banging noises.
R the vehicle starts to shake.
R you see smoke and smell rubber.
R ESP ®
is intervening constantly.
R there are tears in the sidewalls of the tyre.
After driving in emergency mode, have the
wheel rims checked at a qualified specialist
workshop with regard to their further use. The
faulty tyre must be replaced.
With MOExtended tyres (tyres with run-flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive
your vehicle even if there is a total loss of
pressure in one or more tyres.
MOExtended tyres may only be used in con-
junction with an activated tyre pressure loss
warning system.
The driving distance possible is 80 km when
the vehicle is partially laden, and 30 km when
the vehicle is fully laden. 276
Flat tyreBreakdown assistance

X
To reduce the tyre pressure: depress
pressure release button :next to pres-
sure gauge ;. X
To remove the tyre sealant bottle from the
tyre inflation compressor ,press together
the locking tabs on the yellow cap.
X Pull the tyre sealant bottle out of the tyre
inflation compressor.
The filler hose stays on the tyre sealant
bottle.
X Stow the tyre sealant bottle, the tyre infla-
tion compresso rand the warning triangle.
X Drive to the neares tspecialist qualified
workshop and have the tyre changed there.
X Have the tyre sealant bottle and the filler
hose replaced as soon as possible at a
qualified specialist workshop.
X Have the tyre sealant bottle replaced every
four years at a qualified specialist work-
shop. H
Environmental note
Have the used tyre sealant bottle disposed of
professionally, e.g. at aqualified specialist
workshop. Battery
Important safety notes
Special tools and exper tknowledge are
required when working on the battery, e.g.
removal and fitting. Yo ushould therefore
have all work involving the battery carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can, for example, lead to a short circuit and
damage your vehicle's electronic system. This
can disrupt driving safety systems such as
ABS (anti-lock braking system) or ESP ®
(Elec-
tronic Stability Program).
R If ABS malfunctions, the wheels can lock
during braking. This limits the steerability
of the vehicle when braking and the braking
distance may increase. There is a risk of
accident.
R If ESP ®
malfunctions, the vehicle will not be
stabilised if it starts to skid or a wheel starts
to spin. There is a risk of accident.
You should therefore have all work involving
the battery carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. G
WARNING
Comply with safety precautions and take pro-
tective measures when handling batteries. Risk of explosion
Fire, naked flames and
smoking are prohibited
when handling the battery.
Avoid creating sparks.280
BatteryBreakdown assistance