ESP MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 2016 User Guide

Knee bags
Driver' s knee bag C deploys under th e steer -
ing column and front-passenger knee bag D
under th e glov e box . The driver's and front-
passenger knee bags are triggered together
wit h th e fron t air bags .
The driver's and front-passenger knee bags
offer additional thigh, knee and lower leg pro -
tection for th e occupant s in th e fron t seats.
Side impact air bags
G WARNIN G
Unsuitable seat cover s could restrict or eve n
preven t th e deployment of th e air bags inte-
grate d int o th e seats. Consequently, th e air
bags canno t protect vehicl e occupant s as
they are designed to do. In addition , th e func-
tion of th e Occupant Classification Syste m
(OCS ) could be restricted. This poses an
increased ris k of injury or eve n fatal injury.
You should only use seat cover s that hav e
been approve d for th e respective seat by
Mercedes-Benz. Fron t side impact air bags C and rear side
impact air bags D deplo y next to th e outer
bolste r of th e seat backr est.
When deployed, th e side impact air bag offers
additional thorax protection . It also offers
additional pelvis protection for occupant s in
th e fron t seats. Ho wever, it does no t protect
the: R
head R
neck R
arm s
In th e event of a side impact , th e side impact
air bag is deployed on th e side on whic h th e
impact occur s.
The side impact air bag on th e front-
passenger side (front) deploys under th e fol -
lowin g conditions: R
th e OCS system detects that th e front-
passenger seat is occupied or R
th e belt tongue is engage d in th e belt
buckl e of th e front-passenger seat
If th e belt tongue is engage d in th e belt
buckle, th e side impact air bag on th e front-
passenger side deploys if an appropriat e acci-
den t situation occur s. In this case, deploy-
men t is independen t of whether th e front-
passenger seat is occupied or not.
Window curtain air bags
Window curtai n air bags C are integrated
int o th e side of th e roo f frame and deployed in
th e area from th e A-pillar to th e C-pillar .
When deployed, th e window curtai n air bag
enhance s th e level of protection for th e head .50
Occupant safety
Safety

The indicator lamps display the status of the
front-passenger front air bag. R
PASSENGER AIR BAG ON lights up: the
front-passenger front air bag is enabled. If,
in the event of an accident, all deployment
criteria are met, the front-passenger front
air bag is deployed. R
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF lights up: the
front-passenger front air bag is deactiva-
ted. It will then not be deployed in the event
of an accident.
If the status of the front-passenger front air
bag changes while the vehicle is in motion, an
air bag display message appears in the instru-
ment cluster ( Y
page 238). When the front-
passenger seat is occupied, always pay atten-
tion to the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON and
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamps. Be
aware of the status of the front-passenger
front air bag both before and during the jour-
ney.
G WARNING
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp is lit, the front-passenger front air bag is
disabled. It will not be deployed in the event of
an accident and cannot perform its intended
protective function. A person in the front-
passenger seat could then, for example, come
into contact with the vehicle's interior, espe-
cially if the person is sitting too close to the
dashboard. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
When the front-passenger seat is occupied,
always ensure that: R
the classification of the person in the front-
passenger seat is correct and the front-
passenger front air bag is enabled or disa-
bled in accordance with the person in the
front-passenger seat R
the front-passenger seat has been moved
back as far back as possible. R
the person is seated correctly.
Make sure, both before and during the jour-
ney, that the status of the front-passenger
front air bag is correct. G WARNING
If you secure a child in a rearward-facing child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat
and the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator
lamp is lit up, the front-passenger front air bag
may deploy in an accident. The child could be
struck by the air bag. This poses an increased
risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Make sure that the front-passenger front air
bag has been disabled. The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp must be lit.
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp remains off and/or the PASSENGER AIR
BAG ON indicator lamp lights up, do not install
a rearward-facing child restraint system on
the front-passenger seat. You can find more
information on OCS under "Problems with the
Occupant Classification System"
( Y
page 55).
G WARNING
If you secure a child in a forward-facing child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat
and you position the front-passenger seat too
close to the dashboard, in the event of an
accident, the child could: R
come into contact with the vehicle's inte-
rior if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-
cator lamp is lit, for example R
be struck by the air bag if the PASSENGER
AIR BAG ON is lit up
This poses an increased risk of injury or even
fatal injury.
Always move the front-passenger seat as far
back as possible and fully retract the seat
cushion length. Always make sure that the
shoulder belt strap is correctly routed from
the vehicle belt sash guide to the shoulder
belt guide on the child restraint system. The
shoulder belt strap must be routed forwards
and downwards from the vehicle belt sash
guide. If necessary, adjust the vehicle belt
sash guide and the front-passenger seat
accordingly. Always observe the child
restraint system manufacturer's installation
instructions.52
Occupant safety
Safety

G DANGER
If th e PASSENGER AI R BA G OF F indicator
lamp remain s lit after th e system self-test , th e
front-passenger fron t air bag is disabled. It will
no t be deployed in th e event of an accident. In
this case, th e front-passenger fron t air bag
canno t perfor m it s intended protective func-
tion , e.g. when a person is seated in th e front-
passenger seat .
That person could, for example, come int o
contact wit h th e vehicle's interior, especially
if th e person is sitting to o close to th e dash -
board. This poses an increased ris k of injury or
eve n fatal injury.
Whe n th e front-passenger seat is occupied,
always ensur e that:R
th e classification of th e person in th e front-
passenger seat is correc t and th e front-
passenger fron t air bag is enabled or disa-
bled in accordanc e wit h th e person in th e
front-passenger seat R
th e person is seated properly wit h a cor-
rectl y fastene d seatbeltR
th e front-passenger seat has been moved
bac k as far bac k as possibl e
If th e PASSENGER AI R BA G OF F indicator
lamp remain s lit when it should not, th e front-
passenger seat may no t be used . Do no t
instal l a child restrain t system on th e front-
passenger seat . Hav
e th e O ccupant Classifi-
ca tion Syste m (OCS ) checke d and repaire d
immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
G WARNIN G
Objects between th e seat surfac e and th e
child restrain t system could affec t OCS oper -
ation . This could result in th e front-passenger
air bag no t functioning as intended during an
accident. This poses an increased ris k of
injury or eve n fatal injury.
Do no t plac e any objects between th e seat
surfac e and th e child restrain t system. The
entire base of th e child restrain t system mus t
always res t on th e seat cushion of th e front-
passenger seat . The backrest of th e forward - facing child restrain t system must, as far as
possible, be resting on th e backrest of th e
front-passenger seat . Always compl y wit h th e
child restrain t system manufacturer' s instal -
lation instructions.
Afte r th e system self-test , th e PASSENGER
AI R BA G OF F or PASSENGER AI R BA G ON
indicator lamp displays th e status of th e front-
passenger fron t air bag ( Y
page 51) .
Fo r mor e information about th e OCS , see
"Problem s wit h th e Occupant Classification
System" ( Y
page 55) .54
Occupant safety
Safety

Problems with the Occupant Classification System (OCS) Be sure to observe the notes on "System self-test" ( Y
page 53).
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator
lamp lights up and
remains lit, even
though the front-
passenger seat is occu-
pied by an adult or a
person of a stature cor-
responding to that of an
adult. The classification of the person on the front-passenger seat is
incorrect. X
Make sure the conditions for a correct classification of the per-
son on the front-passenger seat are met ( Y
page 51).X
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains lit, the
front-passenger seat may not be used. X
Have OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator
lamp does not light up
and/or does not stay
on.
The front-passenger
seat is: R
unoccupied R
occupied with the
weight of a child up
to twelve months old
in a child restraint
system OCS is malfunctioning. X
Make sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the
child seat. X
Make sure that the entire base of the child restraint system rests
on the seat cushion of the front-passenger seat. The backrest of
the forward-facing child restraint system must lie as flat as pos-
sible against the backrest of the front-passenger seat. If nec-
essary, adjust the position of the front-passenger seat. X
Make sure that the seat cushion length is fully retracted. X
When installing the child restraint system, make sure that the
seat belt is tight. Do not pull the seat belt tight using the front-
passenger seat adjustment. This could result in the seat belt and
the child restraint system being pulled too tightly. X
Check for correct installation of the child restraint system.
Make sure that the head restraint does not apply a load to the
child restraint system. If necessary, adjust the head restraint
accordingly. X
Make sure that no objects are applying additional weight onto
the seat. X
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains off and/
or the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp lights up, do not
install a child restraint system on the front-passenger seat. It is
recommended that you install the child restraint system on a
suitable rear seat. X
Have OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Occupant safety 55
Safety Z

Deployment of Emergency Tensioning
Device s an d air bags
Important safet y notes
G WARNING
The air bag parts are hot after an air bag has
bee n deployed . There is a ris k of injury.
Do no t touch th e air bag parts . Hav e a
deployed air bag replaced at a qualified spe -
cialis t workshop as soo n as possible.
G WARNING
A deployed air bag no longer offers any pro -
tection and canno t provid e th e intended pro -
tection in an accident. There is an increase d
ris k of injury.
Hav e th e vehicle towed to a qualified special-
ist workshop in order to hav e a deployed air
bag replaced.
It is important fo r your safet y and that of your
passenger to hav e deployed air bags replaced
and to hav e any malfunctionin g air bags
repaired. Thi s will hel p to mak e sur e th e air
bags continue to perform their protective
function fo r th e vehicle occupant s in th e
event of a crash .
G WARNING
Pyrotechnic Emergency Tensioning Devices
that hav e bee n deployed are no longer opera-
tional and are unable to perform their inten-
ded protective function . Thi s poses an
increase d ris k of injury or eve n fatal injury.
Therefore, hav e pyrotechni c Emergency Ten -
sioning Devices whic h hav e bee n triggere d
immediately replaced at a qualified specialis t
workshop .
If Emergency Tensioning Devices are trig-
gered or air bags are deployed , you will hear a
bang, and a small amount of powder may also
be released. The u restrain t system warn -
in g lamp lights up.
Only in rar e cases will th e ban g affec t your
hearing. The powder that is release d gener-
ally doe s no t constitute a health hazard , but it may caus e short-term breathin g difficulties in
people wit h asthm a or other respirator y prob-
lems. Provided it is saf e to do so, you should
leav e th e vehicle immediately or ope n th e
window in order to preven t breathin g difficul-
ties.
Ai r bags and pyrotechni c Emergency Tension-
in g Devices (ETDs) contain perchlorat e mate-
rial , whic h may require special handlin g and
regard fo r th e environment. National guide-
lines mus t be observed durin g dis posa l. In
C alifornia, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/
HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/
index.cfm .
Method of operation Durin g th e first stage of a collision , th e
restrain t system contro l uni t evaluates impor -
tant physical dat a relatin g to vehicle deceler -
ation or acceleration , suc h as:R
duration R
direction R
intensit y
Based on th e evaluation of this data, th e
restrain t system contro l uni t triggers th e
Emergency Tensioning Devices durin g a fron -
ta l or rea r collision .
An Emergency Tensioning Devic e can only be
triggered, if: R
th e ignition is switched on R
th e component s of th e restrain t system are
operational. You can fin d further informa-
tion under: "Restrain t system warnin g
lamp " ( Y
page 43) R
th e belt tongue is engage d in th e buckl e on
th e respective front-passenger seat
The Emergency Tensioning Devices in th e
rea r compartmen t are triggere d independ -
entl y of th e loc k status of th e seat belts.
If th e restrain t system contro l uni t detects a
more severe accident, further component s of
th e restrain t system are activated independ -
entl y of eac h other in certain fronta l collision
situations:56
Occupant safety
Safety

How the air bag system works is deter-
mined by the severity of the accident detec-
ted, especially the vehicle deceleration or
acceleration and the apparent type of acci-
dent: R
frontal collision R
side impact R
rollover
Automatic measures after an acci-
dentImmediately after an accident, the following
measures are implemented, depending on
the type and severity of the impact: R
the hazard warning lamps are activated R
the emergency lighting is activated R
the vehicle doors are unlocked R
the front side windows are lowered R
the engine is switched off and the fuel sup-
ply is cut off R
vehicles with mbrace: automatic emer-
gency call
Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes
Accident statistics show that children
secured in the rear seats are safer than chil-
dren secured in the front-passenger seat. For
this reason, Mercedes-Benz strongly advises
that you install a child restraint system on a
rear seat. Children are generally better pro-
tected there.
If a child younger than twelve years old and
under 5 ft (1.50 m) in height is traveling in the
vehicle: R
always secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for Mercedes-Benz vehi-
cles. The child restraint system must be appropriate to the age, weight and size of
the child R
be sure to observe the instructions and
safety notes in this section in addition to
the child restraint system manufacturer's
installation instructions R
be sure to observe the instructions and
safety notes on the "Occupant Classifica-
tion System (OCS)" ( Y
page 51)
G WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P .R
start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. 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 unsupervised in the vehicle.
G WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected
to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle.
G WARNING
If the child restraint system is subjected to
direct sunlight, parts may get very hot. Chil-
dren may burn themselves on these parts,
particularly on the metal parts of the child
restraint system. There is a risk of injury.
If you leave the vehicle, taking the child with
you, always ensure that the child restraint
system is not exposed to direct sunlight. Pro-
tect it with a blanket, for example. If the child
restraint system has been exposed to direct
sunlight, let it cool down before securing the
child in it. Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle.58
Children in the vehicle
Safety

tions and the notes on use. Please ensure,
that the base of the child restraint system is
always resting completely on the seat cush-
ion. Never place objects, e.g. cushions, under
or behind the child restraint system. Only use
child restraint systems with the original cover
designed for them. Only replace damaged
covers with genuine covers.
G WARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly or is not secured, it can come loose in
the event of an accident, heavy braking or a
sudden change in direction. The child
restraint system could be thrown about, strik-
ing vehicle occupants. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always install child restraint systems prop-
erly, even if they are not being used. Make
sure that you observe the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instructions.
You will find further information on stowing
objects, luggage or loads under "Loading
guidelines" ( Y
page 272).
G WARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems which have been damaged or subjected
to a load in an accident can no longer protect
as intended. The child cannot then be
restrained in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or sudden changes of direction. There
is an increased risk of injury, possibly even
fatal.
Replace child restraint systems which have
been damaged or subjected to a load in an
accident as soon as possible. Have the secur-
ing systems on the child restraint system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop,
before you install a child restraint system
again. The securing systems of child restraint sys-
tems are: R
the seat belt system R
the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing rings R
the Top Tether anchorages
If it is absolutely necessary to carry a child on
the front-passenger seat, be sure to observe
the information on the "Occupant Classifica-
tion System (OCS)" ( Y
page 51). There you
will also find information on deactivating the
front-passenger front air bag.
All child restraint systems must meet the fol-
lowing standards: R
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand-
ards 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 inclu-
ded with the child restraint system.
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle inte-
rior and on the child restraint system.
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat secur-
ing system
G WARNING
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint systems
do not offer sufficient protective effect for
children whose weight is greater than 48 lbs
(22 kg) who are secured using the safety belt
integrated in the child restraint system. In the
event of an accident, a child might not be
restrained correctly. This poses an increased
risk of injury or even fatal injury.
If the child weighs more than 48 lbs (22 kg),
only use LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint
systems with which the child is also secured
with the vehicle seat belt. Also secure the
child restraint system with the Top Tether
belt, if available.60
Children in the vehicle
Safety

Drivin g safet y systems
Overview of drivin g safet y systemsIn this section , you will fin d information about
th e following drivin g safet y systems :R
AB S ( A nti-loc k B rakin g S ystem)
( Y
page 65) R
BA S ( B rake A ssist S ystem) ( Y
page 66 )R
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLU S
( Y
page 66 )R
ES P ®
( E lectronic S t ability P rogram)
( Y
page 69 )R
EB D ( E lectroni c B r ak e forc e D i stribution )
( Y
page 72) R
ADAPTIV E BRAKE ( Y
page 72 )R
STEE R CONTROL ( Y
page 72 )
Important safet y notesIf you fail to adapt your drivin g style or if you
are inattentive , th e drivin g safet y systems can
neither reduce th e ris k of an acciden t no r
override th e laws of physics. Driving safet y
systems are merely aids designed to assist
driving. You are responsible fo r maintainin g
th e distanc e to th e vehicle in front, fo r vehicle
speed, fo r braking in goo d time, and fo r stay-
in g in lane. Always adapt your drivin g style to
suit th e prevailin g road and weather condi-
tion s and maintain a saf e distanc e from th e
vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
The drivin g safet y systems described only
wor k as effectively as possible when there is
adequat e contact between th e tires and th e
road surface. Please pay special attention to
th e note s on tires , recommended minimum
tire tread depths, etc. ( Y
page 328).
In wintr y drivin g conditions, always use winte r
tires (M+ S tires ) and if necessary, snow
chains. Only in this way will th e drivin g safet y
systems described in this section wor k as
effectively as possible. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
General information AB S regulates brake pressure in suc h a way
that th e wheels do no t loc k when you brake .
Thi s allow s you to continue steerin g th e vehi-
cl e when braking .
The % AB S warnin g lamp in th e instrumen t
cluster lights up when th e ignition is switched
on . It goe s out when th e engin e is running .
AB S works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h), regardles s of road-surfac e condi-
tions. AB S works on slipper y surfaces, eve n
when you only brake gently.
Important safet y notes
i Observ e th e "Important safet y notes" sec -
tion ( Y
page 65).
G WARNING
If AB S is faulty, th e wheels could loc k when
braking . The steerability and braking charac -
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition -
ally, further drivin g safet y systems are deac -
tivated. There is an increase d danger of skid-
din g and accidents .
Drive on carefully. Hav e AB S checke d imme-
diately at a qualified specialis t workshop .
Whe n AB S is malfunctioning, other systems ,
includin g drivin g safet y systems , will also
becom e inoperative . Observ e th e information
on th e AB S warnin g lamp ( Y
page 261) and
display message s whic h may be shown in th e
instrumen t cluster ( Y
page 228).
Braking X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress th e
brake peda l vigorousl y until th e braking sit -
uation is over. X
To make a full brak e application:
depress th e brake peda l wit h full force.
If AB S intervenes when braking , you will feel a
pulsin g in th e brake pedal.Driving safety systems 65
Safety Z

ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 65).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tires and
the road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP ®
assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 65).
ETS traction control is part of ESP ®
. On vehi-
cles with 4MATIC, 4ETS is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually if they spin. This enables you to pull
away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for
example if the road surface is slippery on one
side. In addition, more drive torque is trans-
ferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 65).
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further driv-
ing safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. Vehicles without 4MATIC: when towing
your vehicle with the front axle raised, it is
important that you observe the notes on ESP ®
( Y
page 323).
If the

Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(excep t
Mercedes ‑ AMG vehicles )Important safet y notes
You can selec t between th e following states
of ES P ®
:R
ES P ®
is activated.R
ES P ®
is deactivated.
G WARNING
If you deactivat e ES P ®
, ES P ®
no longer sta-
bilizes th e vehicle. There is an increase d ris k
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivat e ES P ®
in th e situation s descri-
bed in th e following.
It may be bes t to deactivat e ES P ®
in th e fol-
lowin g situations:R
when usin g snow chain sR
in deep snow R
on san d or grave l
i Activat e ES P ®
as soo n as th e situation s
described abov e no longer apply. ES P ®
will
otherwise no t be able to stabilize th e vehi-
cl e if th e vehicle start s to skid or a whee l
start s to spin.
! Avoid spinnin g th e driven wheels fo r an
extended period wit h ES P ®
deactivated.
You could otherwise damage th e drivetrain .
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
You can deactivat e or activat e ES P ®
via th e
on-boar d compute r ( Y
page 219).
ESP ®
deactivated:
The