tow MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 2014 User Guide

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.
Special seat belt retractor
GWARNING
If you release the seat belt when driving, the
special seat belt retractor is deactivated.
The released seat belt cannot be engaged
again while driving, because the inertia reel
pulls in the seat belt a small distance. The
child restraint system is no longer properly
secured. There is an increased risk of serious
injury or even fatal injury.
Always keep the seat belt of the activated
special seat belt retractor engaged when
driving.
All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are
equipped with a special seat belt retractor.
When activated, the special seat belt
retractor ensures that the seat belt will not
slacken once the child restraint system has
been secured.
Installing a child restraint system:
XAlways comply with the manufacturer's
installation instructions.
XPull the seat belt smoothly fromthe seat
belt retractor.
XEngage the seat belt tongue in the belt
buckle.
Activating the special seat belt retractor:
XPull the seat belt out fully and let the seat
belt retractor retract it again.
While the seat belt is retracting, you should
hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat
belt retractor is activated.
XPush down on the child restraint system to
take up any slack.
Removing a child restraint system/
deactivating the special seat belt retractor:
XAlways comply with the manufacturer's
installation instructions.
XPress the seat belt release button and
guide the belt tongue to the belt outlet.
The special seat belt retractor is
deactivated.
Child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat
GWARNING
If the front-passenger front air bag is not
deactivated:
Ra 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.
Rnever 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.
Rand you secure a forward-facing child
restraint system to the front-passenger
seat, you must move the front-passenger
seat as far back as possible. When doing
so, ensure that the shoulder belt strap from
the belt outlet on the vehicle is routed
towards the front to the shoulder belt guide
on the child restraint system. Set the belt
height adjustment so that the belt strap is
routed towards the front along the bottom.
The front-passenger air bag is not
deactivated:
Ron vehicles without an air bag deactivation
system on the front-passenger seat.
Ron vehicles with an air bag deactivation
system on the front-passenger seat, unless
a child restraint system with transponders
Children in the vehicle57
Safety
Z

!When testing the electric parking brake
on a braking dynamometer, switch off the
ignition. Application of the brakes by
ESP®may otherwise destroy the brake
system.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the
ignition when the electric parking brake is
being tested on a brake dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP®may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or
performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. Before you
operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified
workshop. You could otherwise damage
the drive train or the brake system.
!Do not tow vehicles with 4MATIC with the
front or rear axle raised.
Vehicles without 4MATIC: when towing your
vehicle with the front axle raised, it is
important that you observe the notes on
ESP®(Ypage 307).
Vehicles with 4MATIC: when towing your
vehicle with both axles on the ground, it is
important that you observe the notes on
ESP®(Ypage 307).
ESP®is deactivated if theESP®OFF
warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights
up continuously when the engine is running.
If theESP®warning lamp and the
ESP®OFF warning lamp are lit
continuously, ESP®is not available due to a
malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Ypage 244) and displaymessages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Ypage 213).
iOnly use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP®function
properly.
Characteristics of ESP®
General information
If theESP warning lamp goes out before
beginning the journey, ESP®is automatically
active.
If ESP®intervenes, theESP®warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP®intervenes:
XDo not deactivate ESP®under any
circumstances.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
XAdapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
ECO start/stop function
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
stops moving. The engine starts
automatically when the driver wants to pull
away again. ESP®remains in its previously
selected status.Example:if ESP®was
deactivated before the enginewas switched
off, ESP®remains deactivated when the
engine is switched on again.
Deactivating/activating ESP®(AMG
vehicles)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes"
section(Ypage 61).
You can select between the following states
of ESP®:
RESP®is activated.
RSPORT handling mode is activated.
RESP®is deactivated.
GWARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated,
there is a greater risk of skidding and
accidents.
66Driving safetysystems
Safety

Automatic locking feature
XTo deactivate:press and hold button
for about five seconds until a tone sounds.
XTo activate:press and hold buttonfor
about five seconds until a tone sounds.
iIf you press one of thetwo buttons and
do not hear a tone, the relevant setting has
already been selected.
The vehicle is locked automatically when the
ignitionis switched on and the wheels are
turning.
You could therefore lock yourselfout if:
Rthe vehicle is being pushed.
Rthe vehicle is being towed.
Rthe vehicle is on a roller dynamometer.
You can also switch the automatic locking
function on and off using the on-board
computer (Ypage 208).
Unlocking the driver's door
(mechanical key)
If the vehicle can no longer be unlocked with
the SmartKey, use the mechanical key.
If you use the mechanical key to unlock and
open the driver's door, the anti-theftalarm
system will be triggered (Ypage 70).
XTake the mechanical key out of the
SmartKey (Ypage 73).
XInsert the mechanical key into the lock of
the driver's door as far as it will go.
XTurn the mechanical key counter-clockwise
to position.
The door is unlocked.
XTurn the mechanical key back and remove
it.
XInsert the mechanical key into the
SmartKey.
Locking the vehicle (mechanical key)
If the vehicle can no longer be locked with the
SmartKey, use the mechanical key.
XOpen the driver's door.
XClose the front-passenger door, the rear
doors and the trunk lid.
XPress the locking button (Ypage 78).
XCheck whether the locking knobs on the
front-passenger door and the rear doors
are still visible. Press down the locking
knobs manually, if necessary (Ypage 77).
XClose the driver's door.
XTake the mechanical key out of the
SmartKey (Ypage 73).
XInsert the mechanical key into the lock of
the driver's door as far as it will go.
Doors79
Opening and closing
Z

Useful information
iThis Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
iRead the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Ypage 25).
Notes on breaking-inanew vehicle
Important safety notes
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after
several hundred kilometers of driving.
Compensate for this by applying greater force
to the brake pedal.
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
RYou should therefore drive at varying
vehicle and engine speeds for the first
1000 miles (1500 km).
RAvoid heavy loads, e.g.driving at full
throttle, during this period.
RChange gearingood time, before the
tachometer needle is
of the way to the
red area of the tachometer.
RDo not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
RIf possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
RIdeally, for the first 1000 miles(1500 km),
drive in programE.
After 1,000 miles (1,500 km), you can
increase the engine speed gradually and bring
the vehicle to full speed.
Additional breaking-in notes for AMG
vehicles:
RDo not drive faster than 85 mph
(140 km/h) for the first 1,000 miles
(1,500 km).
ROnly allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4,500 rpm briefly.
RChange gearingood time.
iYou should also observe these notes on
breaking-in if the engine or parts of the
drive train on your vehicle have been
replaced.
iAlways observe the respective speed
limits.
Driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrictthe
pedal travel or obstructadepressed 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
sufficientclearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats and do not place floormats on
top of one another.
GWARNING
Unsuitable footwear can hindercorrect usage
of the pedals, e.g.:
Rshoes with thick soles
Rshoes with high heels
Rslippers
There is a risk of an accident.
Wear suitable footwear to ensure correct
usage of the pedals.
136Driving
Driving and parking

Shifting to neutral N
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down
to the first point of resistance.
If the engine has been switched off, the
automatic transmission automatically shifts
toN.
Remaining in neutral N
If the automatic transmission is to remain in
neutralN, e.g. for washing the vehicle in car
washes with a towing device, please observe
the following instructions:
GWARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
Ropen the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
Rget out and disrupt traffic.
Roperate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshifting the automatic transmission out of
park positionP
RStart the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children.
RMake sure that the ignition is switched on.
RWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
RShift to neutralN.
RRelease the brake pedal.
RIf the electric parking brake is engaged,
release it.
RSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever down past
the first point of resistance.
Selector lever
Selector lever in AMG vehicles with P button
Park position with parking lock
Reverse gear
Neutral
Drive
Transmission position and drive
program display
Example
Transmission position display
Drive program display
The current transmission position and drive
program appear in the multifunction display.
144Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Engaging park position P
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, pressP
button.
Transmission positions
Parkposition
Do not shift the transmission into
positionPunless the vehicle is
stationary (Ypage 153). The
parking lock should not be used as
a brake when parking.Always
apply the electronic parking brake
in additionto the parking lock in
order to secure the vehicle.
If the vehicle electronics are
malfunctioning, the transmission
may be locked in positionP.
Have the vehicle electronics
checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission toR
when the vehicle is stationary.

Neutral
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP®is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
positionNif the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
When you switch off the engine, the
automatic transmission
automatically shifts into neutralN.
Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission positionD.This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
Rthe selected drive program (Ypage 146)
Rthe position of the accelerator pedal
Rthe road speed
Driving tips
Holding the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients
GWARNING
If the clutch overheats, the electronic
management system is automatically
deactivated. This interrupts the power
transmission. The vehicle may, for example,
roll backwards on gradients. There is a risk of
an accident.
Never hold the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients by depressing the accelerator.
Automatic transmission145
Driving and parking
Z

To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally:
Rthe electric parking brake must be applied.
Rthe transmission must be in positionPand
the transmission position display must
showP.
Rthe SmartKey must be removed from the
ignition lock.
Ron uphill or downhill gradients, the front
wheels must be turned towards the curb.
Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to
neutral positionNwhen you switch off the
engine. The vehicle may roll away.There is a
risk of an accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking positionP. Prevent the parked
vehicle from rolling away by applying the
parking brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
All vehicles (except AMG vehicles)
XApply the electric parking brake.
XShift the transmission to positionP.
Selector lever in AMG vehicles
AMG vehicles:
XApply the electric parking brake.
XPressPbutton.
XTurn the SmartKey to position0in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
iIf you switch the engine off with the
transmission in positionRorD, the
automatic transmission shifts toN
automatically.
If you then open one of the front doors or
remove the SmartKey from the ignition, the
automatic transmission shifts toP.
If you shift the automatic transmission to
Nbefore switching off the engine, the
automatic transmission remains inNeven
if a door is opened.
iThe automatic transmission shifts toP
automatically if you:
Rswitch off the engine using the SmartKey
and remove the SmartKey from the
ignition lock or
Rswitch off the engine using the SmartKey
and open a front door.
If you attempt to turn off the engine when the
selector lever is not in positionP:
Ra message appears in the multifunction
display
Ra warning signal sounds
Electric parking brake
General notes
GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for
example:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshift the automatic transmission out of the
parking positionP.
Rstart the engine.
154Parking
Driving and parking

Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
If you rest yourfoot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest.Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
!Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately.
Drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed
reaction from the brakes when braking for the
first time. This may also occur after the
vehicle has been washed or driven through
deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance.
RBrake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distanceto the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
!A function or performance test should
only be carried out ona2-axle
dynamometer. If you are planning to have
the vehicle tested on such a dynamometer,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain further information first.
Otherwise, you could damage the drive
train or the brake system.
!As the ESP®system operates
automatically, the engine and the ignition
must be switched off (theSmartKey must
be in position0or1in the ignitionlock) if:
Rthe electric parking brake is tested on a
brake dynamometer (for a maximum of
ten seconds)
Rthe vehicle is towed with the front axle
raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP®
may seriously damage the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Consult a
qualified specialist workshop to arrange this.
Driving tips159
Driving and parking
Z

Activation conditions
To activate cruise control, all of the following
activation conditions mustbe fulfilled:
Rthe electric parking brake must be
released.
Ryou are driving faster than
20 mph(30 km/h).
RESP®must be active, but not intervening.
Ron vehicles with automatic transmission,
the selector lever must be in positionD.
Storing, maintaining and calling up a
speed
Storing and maintaining the current
speed
You can store the currentspeed if you are
driving faster than 20 mph (30km/h).
XAccelerate the vehicle to the desired
speed.
XBriefly press the cruise control lever
upor down.
XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Cruise control is activated. The vehicle
automatically maintains the stored speed.
iCruise control may be unable to maintain
the stored speed on uphill gradients. The
stored speed is resumed when the gradient
evens out. Cruise controlmaintains the
stored speed on downhill gradients by
automatically applying the brakes.
Storing the currentspeedorcalling up the
last stored speed
GWARNING
If you call up the stored speed and it differs
from the current speed, the vehicle
accelerates or decelerates. If you do not know
the stored speed, the vehicle could accelerate
or brake unexpectedly.There is a risk of an
accident.
Pay attention to the road and traffic
conditions before calling up the stored speed.
If you do not know the stored speed, store the
desired speed again.
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you!.
XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The first time cruise control is activated, it
stores the current speed or regulates the
speed of the vehicle to the previously
stored speed.
Settingaspeed
Keep in mind thatitmay take a briefmoment
until the vehicle has accelerated or braked to
the speed set.
XPress the cruise control lever upfor a
higher speed or downfor a lower speed.
XTo adjust the set speed in 1 mph
increments (1 km/h increments):briefly
press the cruise control lever upor
downto the pressure point.
Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed upor downthe last speed
stored is increased or reduced.
XTo adjust the set speed in 5 mph
increments (10 km/h increments):
briefly press the cruise control lever
upor downto the pressure point.
Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed upor downthe last speed
stored is increased or reduced.
iCruise control is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. For
example, if you accelerate briefly to
overtake, cruise control adjusts the
vehicle's speed to the last speed stored
after you have finished overtaking.
Driving systems163
Driving and parking
Z

GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot always clearly
identify other road users and complextraffic
situations.
In such cases, DISTRONIC PLUS may:
Rgive an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
Rneither give a warning nor intervene
Raccelerate unexpectedly
There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, in particular when warned to do so by
DISTRONIC PLUS.
GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes yourvehicle with up
to 50% of the maximum possible deceleration.
If this braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC
PLUS warns you visually and audibly.There is
a risk of an accident.
In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and
try to take evasive action.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
If you fail to adapt your driving style,
DISTRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk
of accident nor override the laws of physics.
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take into account
the road, traffic and weather conditions.
DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving on a different line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:
Rdirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Rsnow or heavy rain
Rinterference by other radar sources
Rstrong radar reflections, for example, in
parking garages
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a
vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS may
unexpectedly accelerate the vehicle to the
stored speed.
This speed may:
Rbe too high if you are driving in a filter lane
or an exit lane
Rbe so high when driving in the right-hand
lane that you overtake vehicles in the left-
hand lane
Rbe so high when driving in the left-hand lane
that you overtake vehicles in the right-hand
lane
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
Driving systems165
Driving and parking
Z