brakes MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 2016 Owners Manual

Display message ............................ 240
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 65
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 68
BAS .................................................. 66
Brake fluid (notes) ........................ .3 69
Display message ............................ 228
EBD ................................................. .7 2
Hill start assist ............................... 151
HOLD function ............................... 187
Important safety notes .................. 175
Maintenance .................................. 176
Parking brake ................................ 171
Riding tips ...................................... 175
Warning lamp ................................. 260
Breakdown
Where will I find...? ........................ 310
see Flat tire
see Tow-starting
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 31
Buttons on the steering wheel ......... 211
C
California
Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 23
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Car wash ........................................ 302
Carpets .......................................... 308
Display ........................................... 306
Exhaust pipe .................................. 306
Exterior lights ................................ 305
Gear or selector lever .................... 307
Interior ........................................... 306
Matte finish ................................... 304
Notes ............................................. 301
Paint .............................................. 303
Plastic trim .................................... 306
Power washer ................................ 303
Rear view camera .......................... 306
Roof lining ...................................... 308 Seat belt ........................................ 308
Seat cover ..................................... 307
Sensors ......................................... 305
Steering wheel ............................... 307
Trim pieces .................................... 307
Washing by hand ........................... 302
Wheels ........................................... 304
Windows ........................................ 304
Wiper blades .................................. 305
Wooden trim .................................. 307
Cargo compartment enlargement ... 275
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 276
CD player (on-board computer) ........ 217
Center console
Lower section .................................. 36
Upper section .................................. 35
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 222
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........ 76
Changing bulbs
Brake lamps ................................... 123
Cornering light function ................. 123
High-beam headlamps ................... 122
Low-beam headlamps .................... 122
Rear fog lamp ................................ 123
Turn signals (front) ......................... 123
Turn signals (rear) .......................... 123
Child
Restraint system .............................. 59
Child seat
Forward-facing restraint system ...... 63
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ............................................ 60
On the front-passenger seat ............ 62
Rearward-facing restraint system .... 63
Top Tether ....................................... 61
Child-proof locks
Important safety no tes .................... 63
R
ear doors ....................................... 64
Children
Special seat belt retractor ............... 59
Cigarette lighter ................................ 280
Cleaning
Mirror turn signal ........................... 305
Climate control
Air-conditioning system ................. 1316
Index

Driving tips
Automati c transmissio n ................ .1 61
Brakes .......................................... .1 75
Break-in period .............................. 146
Checking brake lining thickness .... 176
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 186
Downhill gradient ........................... 175
Drinking and driving ....................... 173
Driving in winter ............................ .1 77
Driving on flooded roads ................ 177
Driving on wet roads ..................... .1 77
Exhaust check ............................... 173
Fuel ................................................ 173
General .......................................... 172
Hydroplaning ................................. 177
Icy road surfaces ........................... 177
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 175
Snow chains .................................. 331
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ..... 146
Wet road surface ........................... 175
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 217
DYNAMIC SELECT button
Climate control (3-zone automatic
climate control) ............................ .1 35
Climate control (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 132
DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehi-
cles except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles) .................................................... 155
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ................. 156
E
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 230
Function/notes ................................ 72
ECO display
Function/notes ............................ .1 74
On-board computer ....................... 214
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start .................. 152
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 152
Deactivating/activating ................. 153
General information ....................... 152 Important safety notes .................. 151
Introduction ................................... 151
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 58
Emergency release
Driver's door ................................... .8 5
Trunk ............................................... 87
Vehicle ............................................. 85
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 56
Emissions control
Service and warranty information ... .2 2
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp .......... .2 67
Display message ............................ 243
ECO start/stop function ................ 151
Engine number ............................... 365
Irregular running ............................ 154
Jump-starting ................................. 319
Starting (important safety notes) ... 149
Starting problems .......................... 154
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 149
Starting with the Start/Stop but-
ton ................................................. 150
Switching off .................................. 170
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 325
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ................... 154
Engine jump starting
see Jump starting (engine)
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 298
Additives ........................................ 369
Checking the oil level ..................... 297
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 298
Display message ............................ 245
Filli ng capacity ............................... 368
No tes about oil grades ................... 368
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 297
Temperature (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 223
Viscosity ........................................ 369 Index 9

Type plate ...................................... 364
WWarning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 261
Brakes .......................................... .2 60
Check Engine ................................. 267
Coolant .......................................... 267
Distance warning ........................... 269
ESP ®
.............................................. 263
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 264
Fuel tank ........................................ 267
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) .................. 182
Overview .......................................... 32
PASSENGER AIR BAG ..................... .4 3
Reserv e fuel .................................. .2 67
Restraint system ............................ 266
Seat belt ........................................ 258
SPORT handling mode ................... 264
Tire pressure monitor .................... 270
Warranty .............................................. 22
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 256
Wheel and tire combinations
Tires ............................................... 357
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 355
Wheel chock ...................................... 352
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 351
Checking ........................................ 329
Cleaning ......................................... 304
General notes ................................ 355
Important safety notes .................. 328
Information on driving .................... 328
Interchanging/changing ................ 351
Mounting a new wheel ................... 354
Removing a wheel .......................... 354
Storing .......................................... .3 51
Tightening torque ........................... 355
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 355
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 236
Operation ......................................... 50
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 139 Windshield washer system
Adding wa sher fl uid ....................... 299
Important safety notes .................. 370
Windshield wipers
Display message ............................ 256
Problem (malfunction) ................... 128
Replacing the wiper blades ............ 125
Switching on/off ........................... 124
Winter driving
Slippery road surfaces ................... 177
Snow chains .................................. 331
Winter operation
General notes ................................ 330
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 330
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 305
Important safety notes .................. 125
Replacing (windshield) ................... 125
Wooden trim (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 307
Workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
Z
ZONE function
Switching on/off ........................... 13820
Index

The pulsating brake pedal can be an indica-
tion of hazardous road conditions, and func-
tions as a reminder to take extra care while
driving.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
General information BAS operates in emergency braking situa-
tions. If you depress the brake pedal quickly,
BAS automatically boosts the braking force,
thus shortening the stopping distance.
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 65).
G WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
Braking X
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS
General information
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 65).
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS con-
sists of a distance warning function with an
autonomous braking function and adaptive
Brake Assist. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS can
help you to minimize the risk of a front-end
collision with a vehicle ahead or reduce the
effects of such a collision.
If COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
detects that there is a risk of a collision, you
will be warned visually and acoustically. If you
do not react to the visual and audible collision
warning, autonomous braking can be initiated
in critical situations. If you apply the brake
yourself in a critical situation, the COLLISION
PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS adaptive Brake
Assist assists you.
Important safety notes Detection of hazardous situations can be par-
ticularly impaired by: R
there is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors R
there is snow or heavy rain R
there is interference by other radar sources R
there are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages R
a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike R
a vehicle traveling in front on a different line R
new vehicles or after a service on the COL-
LISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS system
Observe the important safety notes in the
"Breaking-in notes" section ( Y
page 146).
Following damage to the front end of the vehi-
cle, have the configuration and operation of
the radar sensor checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. This also applies to colli-
sions at low speeds where there is no visible
damage to the front of the vehicle.
Switching on/off
The COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS is
automatically active after switching on the
ignition.
You can activate or deactivate COLLISION
PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS in the on-board
computer ( Y
page 220). When deactivated,66
Driving safety systems
Safety

Vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS: the auton-
omous braking function is available in the fol-
lowing speed ranges: R
4 - 124 mph (7 - 200 km/h) for moving
objects R
4 - 31 mph (7 - 50 km/h) for stationary
objects
Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated but non-critical driving condi-
tions may also cause the Autonomous Brak-
ing Function to intervene.
Adaptive Brake Assist General information
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 65).
With the help of adaptive Brake Assist, the
distance warning signal can detect obstacles
that are in the path of your vehicle for an
extended period of time.
If adaptive Brake Assist detects a risk of col-
lision with the vehicle in front, it calculates
the braking force necessary to avoid a colli-
sion. If you apply the brakes forcefully, adap-
tive Brake Assist will automatically increase
the braking force to a level suitable for the
traffic conditions.
Adaptive Brake Assist provides braking assis-
tance in hazardous situations at speeds
above 4 mph (7 km/h). It uses radar sensor
technology to assess the traffic situation.
Up to a speed of approximately 155 mph
(250 km/h), adaptive Brake Assist is capable
of reacting to moving objects that have
already been detected as such at least once
over the period of observation.
Up to a speed of approximately 44 mph
(70 km/h), adaptive Brake Assist reacts to
stationary obstacles. X
Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking. The brakes will work normally again if: R
you release the brake pedal. R
there is no longer any danger of a collision. R
no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
Adaptive Brake Assist is then deactivated.
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion for driving safety systems ( Y
page 65).
G WARNING
Adaptive Brake Assist cannot always clearly
identify objects and complex traffic situa-
tions.
In such cases, Adaptive Brake Assist can: R
intervene unnecessarily R
not intervene
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation and be ready to brake. Terminate the
intervention in a non-critical driving situation.
G WARNING
Adaptive Brake Assist does not react: R
to people or animals R
to oncoming vehicles R
to crossing traffic R
when cornering
As a result, the Adaptive Brake Assist may not
intervene in all critical conditions. There is a
risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation and be ready to brake.
Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated but non-critical driving condi-
tions may also cause Brake Assist to inter-
vene.
If adaptive Brake Assist is not available due to
a malfunction in the radar sensor system, the
brake system remains available with full
brake boosting effect and BAS.68
Driving safety systems
Safety

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

D Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. Otherwise, the auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
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:
shift the transmission to position N
if the vehicle is in danger of skid-
ding, e.g. on icy roads.
If you switch the engine off with the
transmission in position R or D , the
automatic transmission shifts to N
automatically.
! Rolling in neutral N can damage
the drive train.
: Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Driving tips
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-
vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position D . This automatic gear shift-
ing behavior is determined by: R
the selected drive program R
the position of the accelerator pedal R
the road speed
Accelerator pedal position
Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear: R
little throttle: early upshifts R
more throttle: late upshifts Holding the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients
G WARNING
If the clutch overheats, the electronic man-
agement 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.
The clutch may overheat if you hold the vehi-
cle stationary on uphill gradients by depress-
ing the accelerator pedal. If the clutch over-
heats, a warning tone sounds.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): the Stop Vehicle Shift to P
Leave Engine Running display message
appears in the multifunction display. You will
only be able to continue your journey once the
clutch has cooled down and the display mes-
sage in the multifunction display has disap-
peared.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the Trans. Oil
Overheated Drive on with Care display
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
Do not hold the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients by depressing the accelerator
pedal. Instead, only ever hold the vehicle sta-
tionary on uphill gradients by: R
depressing the brake pedal R
activating the HOLD function R
engaging the electric parking brake
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration. X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a
lower gear depending on the engine speed. X
Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.Automatic transmission 161
Driving an d parking Z

ECO display
The ECO display provides feedback on how
economical your driving characteristics are.
The ECO display assists you in achieving the
most economical driving style for the selec-
ted settings and prevailing conditions. Your
driving style can significantly influence the
vehicle's consumption.
The ECO display consists of three bars: R
Acceleration R
Constant R
Coasting
The percent value is the average value of the
three bars. The three bars and the mean value
begin at the value of 50%. A higher percent-
age indicates a more economical driving
style.
The ECO display does not indicate the actual
fuel consumption. A fixed percentage count
in the ECO display does not indicate a fixed
consumption.
Apart from driving style, consumption is
dependent on many factors such as, e.g.: R
load R
Tire pressure R
cold start R
choice of route R
electrical consumers switched on
These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
The evaluation of your driving style is carried
out using the following three categories: R
Acceleration (evaluation of all accelera-
tion processes): -
The bar fills up: moderate acceleration,
especially at higher speeds -
The bar empties: sporty acceleration R
Constant (assessment of driving behavior
at all times) -
The bar fills up: constant speed and
avoidance of unnecessary acceleration
and deceleration -
The bar empties: fluctuations in speed R
Coasting (assessment of all deceleration
processes) -
The bar fills up: anticipatory driving,
keeping your distance and early release
of the accelerator. The vehicle can coast
without use of the brakes. -
The bar empties: frequent braking
An economical driving style specially requires
driving at moderate engine speeds.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
Acceleration
and Constant :R
observe the gearshift recommendations. R
drive the vehicle in drive program C or E
(vehicles with a DYNAMIC SELECT button).
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on
the highway, only the bar for Constant
will
change.
The ECO display summarizes the driving char-
acteristics from the start of the journey to its
completion. For this reason, the bars change
dynamically at the beginning of the journey.
On longer journeys, there are fewer changes.
For more dynamic changes, carry out a man-
ual reset.
For further information on the ECO display,
see ( Y
page 214).174
Driving tips
Driving and parking

Braking
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting to
a lower gear in good time. This allows you to
take advantage of the engine's braking
effect. For this, you need to have selected
manual drive program M . This helps you to
avoid overheating the brakes and wearing
them out excessively.
When you take advantage of the engine's
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road sur-
face. This could cause damage to the drive
train. This type of damage is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Briefly depressing the accelerator pedal on
downhill gradients while the manual drive
program M is temporarily activated: the auto-
matic transmission may switch to the last
active automatic drive program E or S . The
automatic transmission may shift to a higher
gear. This can reduce the engine's braking
effect.
Heavy and light loads
G WARNING
If you rest your foot 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 air-
flow 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 reac-
tion 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 vehi-
cle washed, brake firmly while paying atten-
tion to the traffic conditions. This will warm up
the brake discs, thereby drying them more
quickly and protecting them against corro-
sion.
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. R
In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply
the brakes occasionally while paying atten-
tion to the traffic conditions. R
Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey. R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead. Driving tips 175
Driving an d parking Z

Servicing the brakes
! The brake fluid level may be too low, if: R
if the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and R
you hear a warning tone while the engine
is running
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 immedi-
ately. Consult a qualified specialist work-
shop to arrange this.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a 2-axle dynamom-
eter. If you wish to operate the vehicle on
such a dynamometer, please consult a
qualified specialist workshop in advance.
You could otherwise damage the drive train
or the brake system.
! As the ESP ®
system operates automati-
cally, the engine and the ignition must be
switched off (the SmartKey must be in posi-
tion 0 or 1 in the ignition lock) if:R
the electric parking brake is tested on a
brake dynamometer (for a maximum of
ten seconds) R
the 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 quali-
fied specialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the function-
ality of your brakes at regular intervals.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on ( Y
page 66).
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
have brake pads/linings installed on your vehicle which have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which correspond
to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
pads/linings which have not been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not
of an equivalent quality could affect your vehi-
cle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use brake fluid that has been specially
approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz,
or which corresponds to an equivalent quality
standard. Brake fluid which has not been
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or
which is not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety.
Checking brake lining thickness You can measure the break pad/lining thick-
ness using a test gage. Color-coding (green or
red) on the test gage allows you to determine
whether the brake pad/lining thickness is still
sufficient. The test gage is in the vehicle docu-
ment wallet in the glove box.
Front wheel176
Driving tips
Driving and parking