cruise control MERCEDES-BENZ CL-CLASS 2007 User Guide

411 Controls in detail
Driving systems
DISTRONIC Plus*
When activated, the DISTRONIC Plus adap-
tive cruise control system increases the
driving convenience afforded by the cruise
control while traveling on expressways and
other major roadways.

If the DISTRONIC Plus distance sensor
detects a slower moving vehicle direct-
ly ahead, your vehicle speed will be re-
duced so that you follow that vehicle at
your preset following distance.

If there is no vehicle directly ahead of
you, DISTRONIC Plus will function in
the same way as standard cruise con-
trol (
page 405).
DISTRONIC Plus functions within a speed
range of 0 to 120 mph
(Canada: 0 to 200 km/h).When travelling in Canada in a vehicle not
registered in Canada, you must switch off
the radar sensor system* (
page 272).
Canadian law does not permit the use of
the radar sensor system* (
page 272) for
vehicles from outside of Canada. When you
switch off the radar sensor system*, the
following functions are deactivated:

BAS Plus* (page 67)

DISTRONIC Plus

Park Assist* (page 435)

PRE-SAFE® Brake* (page 73)
Warning!G
DISTRONIC Plus is a convenience system.
Its speed adjustment reduction capability is
intended to make the cruise control more ef-
fective and usable when traffic speeds vary.
It is not however, intended to, nor does it, re-
place the need for extreme care. The re-
sponsibility for the vehicle speed and the
distance to the vehicle ahead, including
most importantly brake operation to assure
safe stopping distance, always remains with
the driver.
DISTRONIC Plus cannot take street and traf-
fic conditions into account.
Complex driving situations are not always
fully recognized by DISTRONIC Plus. This
could result in wrong or missing distance
warnings.
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412 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Warning!G
DISTRONIC Plus adaptive cruise control is
no substitute for active driving involvement.
It does not react to pedestrians or stationary
objects, nor does it recognize or predict the
curvature and lane layout or the movement
of vehicles ahead. DISTRONIC Plus can only
apply a maximum of 40% of the vehicle’s
braking power.
DISTRONIC Plus may not detect narrow ve-
hicles possibly driving in front of you, such
as motorcycles and vehicles driving in an
offset formation.
It is the driver’s responsibility at all times to
be attentive to road, weather and traffic con-
ditions and to provide the steering, braking
and other driving inputs necessary to retain
control of the vehicle.
High-frequency sources such as toll sta-
tions, speed measuring systems etc. can
cause the DISTRONIC Plus system to tem-
porarily cease functioning.
Warning!G
DISTRONIC Plus requires familiarity with its
operational characteristics. We strongly rec-
ommend that you review the following infor-
mation carefully before operating the
system.
Warning!G
DISTRONIC Plus cannot take street and traf-
fic conditions into account. Only use
DISTRONIC Plus if the road, weather and
traffic conditions make it advisable to travel
at a steady speed.
Warning!G
Use of DISTRONIC Plus can be dangerous
on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire trac-
tion can result in wheel spin and loss of con-
trol.
DISTRONIC Plus does not act upon adverse
sight distance conditions. Do not use
DISTRONIC Plus during conditions of fog
and heavy rain, snow or sleet.
Warning!G
DISTRONIC Plus cannot take weather condi-
tions into account. Switch off
DISTRONIC Plus or do not turn it on if:

roads are slippery or covered with snow
or ice. The wheels could lose traction
while braking or accelerating, and the
vehicle could skid.

the sensor is dirty or visibility is
diminished due to snow, rain or fog. The
distance control could be impaired.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while DISTRONIC Plus is switched on.
Otherwise, you may not be able to recognize
dangerous situations until it is too late and
could cause an accident resulting in person-
al or fatal injury to you or others.
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419 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Switching on when approaching a
stationary vehicle
If the vehicle in front of you is stationary,
you can only switch on DISTRONIC Plus if
your vehicle is also at a standstill.
Tap DISTRONIC Plus lever up1 or
down2 until desired speed is set.
DISTRONIC Plus is switched on.
or
Pull DISTRONIC Plus lever briefly in di-
rection of arrow4 to call up speed
last set (
page 423).
DISTRONIC Plus is switched on.Starting off
When the vehicle in front of you starts off:
Remove your foot from the brake
pedal.
Pull DISTRONIC Plus lever briefly in di-
rection of arrow4.
or
Briefly step on the accelerator pedal.
Your vehicle starts off and adapts its speed
to the vehicle in front of you.Driving
If no vehicle is driving ahead of you,
DISTRONIC Plus functions like the cruise
control (
page 405).
When DISTRONIC Plus detects that the ve-
hicle in front of you is driving more slowly,
it brakes the vehicle in order to keep the
distance specified by you.
When DISTRONIC Plus detects that the ve-
hicle in front of you is driving faster, the ve-
hicle accelerates up to the set speed.
iIt is helpful to switch on the DISTRONIC Plus
display in the instrument cluster (
page 416)
since you can only switch on DISTRONIC Plus un-
d e r a s p e e d o f 2 0 m p h ( 3 0 k m / h ) w h e n a v e h i c l e
has been detected in front of you.
iYou can adjust the set speed using the
DISTRONIC Plus lever and the target distance
using the distance setting switch on the
DISTRONIC Plus lever (
page 425).
iIf DISTRONIC Plus is switched off,
PRE-SAFE® Brake* (page 73) will warn of an
impending collision if this function has been
activated with the instrument cluster control
system (
page 268).
Warning!G
When you step on the brake pedal, you
switch off DISTRONIC Plus except when the
vehicle is at a standstill. DISTRONIC Plus will
no longer brake your vehicle. You are always
responsible for maintaining a distance from
other vehicles, observing road speeds and
braking well in advance.
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504 Operation
Driving instructions
Tire speed rating
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use pru-
dent driving speeds appropriate to prevail-
ing conditions.
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km/h).The factory equipped tires on your vehicle
may have a tire speed rating above the
maximum speed permitted by the elec-
tronic speed limiter.
Make sure your tires have the required tire
speed rating as specified for your vehicle in
the “Technical data” section (
page 678),
for example when purchasing new tires.
For information on how to identify the tire
speed rating on a tire’s sidewall, see “Tire
size designation, load and speed rating”
(
page 536).
If you are uncertain about the correct read-
ing of the information given on a tire’s side-
wall, any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to assist you.
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
or DISTRONIC Plus* system under such
conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to position N. Try
to keep the vehicle under control by cor-
rective steering action.
Warning!G
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the maxi-
mum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure, causing loss of vehicle control and pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or serious
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.
iFor information on speed ratings for winter
tires, see (
page 539) and (page 549).
iFor information on driving with snow chains,
see “Snow chains” (
page 550).
Warning!G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of control loss.
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572 Practical hints
What to do if …?
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
lPRE-SAFE® Brake*: The red dis-
tance warning lamp comes on
while driving.You are too close to the vehicle in front of
you to maintain selected speed.Apply the brakes immediately to in-
crease the following distance.
lDISTRONIC Plus* or PRE-SAFE®
Brake*: The red distance warn-
ing lamp comes on while driving
and an acoustic warning
sounds.You are gaining too rapidly on the vehicle
ahead of you.Apply the brakes immediately.
DISTRONIC Plus* or PRE-SAFE® Brake* has
recognized a stationary obstacle on your
probable line of travel.Apply the brakes immediately.
Carefully observe the traffic situation.
You may need to brake or maneuver to
avoid hitting an obstacle.
vThe yellow ESP® warning lamp
flashes while driving.The ESP® or electronic traction system has
come into operation because of detected
traction loss in at least one tire.
Cruise control and DISTRONIC Plus* are de-
activated.When driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.
While driving, ease up on the accelera-
tor.
Adapt your speed and driving to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
Do not deactivate the ESP®. Exceptions:
(
page 71).
Failure to follow these instructions increas-
es the risk of an accident.
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582 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Text messages
Display Possible cause/consequencePossible solution
Apply brake
to shift
from 'P'You have tried to shift the automatic trans-
mission to D, R or N without stepping on
the brake.Step on brake.
Cruise control
- - - mph
(USA only)You have tried to switch on cruise control
below a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h).Drive faster than 20 mph (30 km/h) and save the speed.
Cruise control
- - - km/h
(Canada only)ESP® is switched off.Switch on ESP® (page 72).
The automatic transmission is in position P,
R or N.Shift the automatic transmission toD (page 389).
The system is overheated.Wait until the system cools down.
The vehicle is secured in place by the elec-
tronic parking brake.Release electronic parking brake (page 384).
Cruise control
inoperativeCruise control is malfunctioning.Have cruise control checked by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
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697 Index
Cruise control 405
Activating 406
Canceling 407
Driving downhill 407
Driving uphill 407
Message in display 582
Setting current speed 407
Setting to last stored speed
(“Resume” function) 410
Cup holder
In front seat armrest 473
In rear seat armrest 473
Curb weight 545D
Date
Setting (COMAND) 229
Daytime running lamp mode 365
Setting 271
Deceleration
With DISTRONIC Plus* 415
Deep water see Standing water
Defrosting 456
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (COMAND) 235
Interior lighting (COMAND) 241
Department of Transportation see DOT
Destination entry (COMAND) 162
Destination memory (COMAND) 206
Difficulties
While driving 383
While starting 380
Digital speedometer 261
Additional speedometer 271
Dimensions, Vehicle 683
Direction of rotation, Tires 523Displays
Additional speedometer 271
Digital speedometer 261
DISTRONIC Plus* 414
Maintenance service indicator 551
Multifunction display 256
Vehicle status message see
Multifunction display messages
Distance
Decreasing in DISTRONIC Plus* 425
Increasing in DISTRONIC Plus* 425
Setting in DISTRONIC Plus* 425
Distance to Empty (Range) 261
Distance warning lamp* 31, 572
DISTRONIC Plus* 411
Activated 416
Activating 417
Calling up settings 416
Cleaning system sensor 558
Deactivated 416
Deactivating 423
Deceleration 415
Decreasing distance 425
Decreasing time interval 425
Displays
in the multifunction display 414
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698 Index
Distance warning lamp 31, 572
Driving hints 426
Increasing distance 425
Increasing time interval 425
Intermittent signal tone 414
Lever 417
Menu 416
Messages in display 583
Sensor cover 558
Setting a higher speed 421
Setting a slower speed 422
Setting following distance 425
Setting the current speed 421
Setting to last stored speed
(“Resume” function) 423
Warning and indicator lamps 414
Document holder 476Door
Control panel 38
Entry lamps 371
Inside door handle 333
Locking 324, 330
Locking with Tele Aid 489
Messages in display 585, 612
Opening from inside vehicle 333
Opening from outside 324, 330
Power closing assist 334
Unlocking 324, 329
Unlocking with Tele Aid 489
DOT 545
Downhill driving
Cruise control 407
Drink holder see Cup holder
Drinking and driving 499
Drive-dynamic multicontour seats*
Adjusting (COMAND) 252
Drive-dynamic function
(COMAND) 255
Multicontour adjustments
(COMAND) 252Driving 378
Abroad 506
Hydroplaning 503
In winter 504
Instructions 378, 499
Problems 383
Safety systems 64
Through standing water 505
With DISTRONIC Plus* 426
Driving maneuver (COMAND) 196
Driving off 501
Driving safety systems
ABS 64
Adaptive Brake Lights
(CL 600 and USA only) 66
BAS 66
BAS Plus 67
EBP 69
Electronic traction system 71
ESP
®69
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699 Index
Driving systems 405
ABC 429
Cruise control 405
DISTRONIC Plus* 411
Driving safety systems 64
Dynamic Rear View Monitor* 439
Park Assist* 435
Parktronic system* 431
Vehicle level control (ABC) 429
Driving tips 396
Kickdown 396
DVD 107
Audio (COMAND) 107
Changer (COMAND) 111
Changer (Voice Control) 303
Ejecting (COMAND) 113
Loading (COMAND) 111
Playback options (COMAND) 119
Selecting a medium (COMAND) 117
Selecting a track (COMAND) 117
Setting
the audio format (COMAND) 119Dynamic Rear View Monitor* 439
Camera lens 560
Cleaning camera lens 560
Parallel parking 443
Reverse parking
(back-in parking) 441
Switching on 441
View through the camera 439E
Easy-entry/exit feature 344
COMAND menu 239
EBP 69
Electrical fuses see Fuses
Electrical system, Technical Data 682
Electronic Brake Proportioning see EBP
Electronic parking brake 384
Indicator lamp 31, 568
Mechanically releasing 637
Messages in display 599
Warning lamp 31, 568
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
®
Electronic traction system 71
Emergency call system 482
Emergency calls, Tele Aid 483
Emergency engine shut-down 670
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) 401
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704 Index
Key, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 326
Battery check lamp 326, 330
Factory setting 329
Global locking and unlocking 330
Important notes
on using KEYLESS-GO* 328
Lock button 326
Locking and unlocking 326
Locking using the lock button
on door or on trunk lid 331
Loss of 332
Messages in display 614
Opening button for trunk 326
Panic button 63
Remote control 326
Restoring to factory setting 331
Selective setting 330
Starting the engine 379
Switching on ignition with 338
Turning off engine 388
Unlock button 326
Kickdown 396
Kilopascal 545
Knee bag 46L
Labels 674
Certification 674
Emission control information 675
Tire and Loading Information 524
Vacuum line routing diagram 675
Lamp bulbs, exterior 641
Lamps, exterior
Front 642
Light sensor 617
Rear 642
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 31, 64, 566
Air bag Off 46
Battery check lamp (SmartKey
with KEYLESS-GO*) 330
Battery check lamp (SmartKey) 325
Brake warning lamp 31
Brakes 567
Combination low tire pressure*
malfunction telltale 31, 576
Distance warning lamp* 31, 572
DISTRONIC Plus* 31, 414, 572
Electronic parking brake 31, 568
Engine diagnostics 31, 570
Engine malfunction 31, 570ESP®31, 567, 572
Front passenger front
air bag off 50, 578
Fuel reserve 573
High beam headlamp 31
Maintenance service indicator 551
Park Assist* 31
Parktronic* 31
Seat belt telltale 31, 573
SRS 31, 575
TPMS* malfunction telltale 31, 576
Turn signals 31
Language (COMAND) 231
LATCH-type child seat anchors
see Children in the vehicle
Lever
For automatic transmission
(gear selector lever) 389
For cruise control 406
For DISTRONIC Plus* 417
License plate lamps
Messages in display 619
Replacing bulbs 642
Light alloy wheels, Cleaning 563
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