low beam MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 2012 Owners Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
12 V socket see Sockets
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
4MATIC off-road system ................... 171
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 217
Function/notes ................................ 61
Important safety notes ....................61
Warning lamp ................................. 244
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 122
Active Blind Spot Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 207
Function/information ....................188
Active Driving Assistance package . 187
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 207
Display message ............................ 231
Function/information ....................191
Active Light System
Display message ............................ 226
Active multicontour seat .................... 96
Active Parking Assist Display message ............................ 232
Important safety notes ..................175
Active service system PLUS
see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 67
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 226
Function/notes ............................. 109
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 349
Air bags Display message ............................ 223
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 40
Important safety notes ....................38
Knee bag .......................................... 40
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 43
Pelvis air bag ................................... 42
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Side impact air bag ..........................41
Window curtain air bag ....................42
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIR FLOW ........................................... 123
AIRMATIC Display message ............................ 229
Function/notes ............................. 168
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 128
Important safety notes ..................127
Rear ............................................... 129
Setting ........................................... 127
Setting the center air vents ...........128
Setting the side air vents ...............128
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Alertness Assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Setting the color (on-board
computer) ...................................... 210
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ................................................ 170
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 213
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........69
Ashtray ............................................... 264
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 206
ASSYST PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display 4Index

Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 251
DISTRONIC PLUS Deactivating ................................... 164
Display message ............................ 232
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 163
Driving tips .................................... 164
Function/notes ............................. 157
Important safety notes ..................157
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 162
Warning lamp ................................. 251
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 211
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 80
Central locking/unlocking (key) ......72
Control panel ................................... 34
Display message ............................ 238
Emergency locking ........................... 81
Emergency unlocking .......................81
Important safety notes ....................79
Opening (from inside) ......................80
Drinks holder
see Cup holders
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 144
Display ........................................... 140
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ......140
Manual ........................................... 145
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........213
Drive program selector ..................... 143
Driver's door see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................285
Symmetrical low beam ..................106
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......61
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 67
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............62
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 62
Electronic brake force distribution ...67ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 63
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 64
Important safety information ...........61
Overview .......................................... 60
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 67
Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist .................188
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 187
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............191
Active Parking Assist .....................175
AIRMATIC ...................................... 168
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 170
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................180
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 184
Cruise control ................................ 155
Display message ............................ 229
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 157
HOLD function ............................... 166
Lane Keeping Assist ......................186
Lane Tracking package ..................184
Night View Assist Plus ...................181
PARKTRONIC ................................. 171
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ..........167
Rear view camera .......................... 178
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................142
Brakes ........................................... 152
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 164
Downhill gradient ........................... 152
Driving abroad ............................... 106
Driving in winter ............................. 154
Icy road surfaces ........................... 154
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 153
Snow chains .................................. 317
Symmetrical low beam ..................106
Wet road surface ........................... 153
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 2038Index

Low-beam headlamps ....................107
Parking lamps ................................ 106
Setting the brightness of the
ambient lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Setting the brightness of the
display/switch (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Setting the color of the ambient
lighting (on-board computer) .........210
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 209
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (switch) ....................107
Switching the exterior lighting
delayed switch-off on/off (on-
board computer) ............................ 210
Switching the surround lighting
on/off (on-board computer) ..........210
Turn signals ................................... 108
see Changing bulbs
see Interior lighting
Light sensor (display message) ....... 226
LIM indicator lamp Cruise control ................................ 155
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 159
Loading guidelines ............................ 256
Locking see Central locking
Locking (doors)
Automatic ........................................ 80
Emergency locking ........................... 81
From inside (central locking
button) ............................................. 80
Locking centrally
see Central locking
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 211
Low-beam headlamps Display message ............................ 224
Setting for driving abroad
(symmetrical) ................................. 106
Switching on/off ........................... 107
Luggage net ....................................... 258Lumbar support
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support ............................................ 97
Luxury head restraints ....................... 94
M
M+S tires ............................................ 316
Maintenance see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Malfunction message
see Display messages
Massage function (PULSE) ................. 97
Matte finish (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 288
mbrace Call priority .................................... 271
Display message ............................ 220
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 272
Emergency call .............................. 269
Important safety notes ..................267
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............273
MB info call button ........................271
Remote vehicle locking ..................273
Roadside Assistance button ..........270
Search & Send ............................... 272
Self-test ......................................... 268
System .......................................... 268
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............272
Mechanical key
Function/notes ................................ 75
Locking vehicle ................................ 81
Unlocking the driver's door ..............81
Memory card (audio) ......................... 203
Memory function ............................... 102
Message memory (on-board
computer) .......................................... 216
Messages see Display messages
Mirrors
see Exterior mirrors
see Vanity mirror
Mobile phone
Menu (on-board computer) ............204
Modifying the programming
(SmartKey) ........................................... 75
12Index

Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:÷ ESP®245M
SPORT handling
mode in AMG vehicles
246
;Distance warning251=ESP ®
OFF245?Turn signal108ABrakes (USA only)243BBrakes (Canada only)243CABS244DSRS247ECheck engine248FunctionPageFTire pressure monitor252GSeat belt241HESP ®
on AMG vehicles246ICoolant249JThis lamp has no functionKHigh-beam headlamps108LLow-beam headlamps107MThis lamp has no functionNReserve fuel24828Instrument clusterAt a glance

Useful information
i This 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.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 22).
Exterior lighting
Important safety notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations.
Information about driving abroad
Converting to symmetrical low beam
when driving abroad: switch the headlamps
to symmetrical low beam in countries in
which traffic drives on the opposite side of the
road to the country where the vehicle is
registered. This prevents glare to oncoming
traffic. Symmetrical lights do not illuminate
as large an area of the edge of the road.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, as close to the border
as possible before driving in these countries.
Converting to asymmetrical low beam
after returning: have the headlamps
converted back to asymmetrical low beam at
a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, as soon as
possible after crossing the border again.
Light switch
Operation1 WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting4 ÃAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 LLow-beam/high-beam headlamps
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high-beam flasher are operated using the
combination switch ( Y page 108).
! Switch off the parking lamps and standing
lamps when you leave the vehicle. This
prevents the battery from discharging.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
XTurn the light switch to Ã.106Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

Low-beam headlampsXTo switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.
The L indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps in Canada
The "daytime running lamps" function is
required by law in Canada. It cannot therefore
be deactivated.
XTurn the light switch to Ã.
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from
a drive position to P, the daytime running
lamps/low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in high ambient light
brightness: if you turn the light switch
to T , the daytime running lamps and the
parking lamps are switched on.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to L, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps.
Daytime running lamps in the USA
In the USA, the daytime running lamps are
deactivated upon delivery from the factory.
XTo activate the daytime running
lamps: activate the daytime running lampsfunction in the on-board computer
( Y page 209).XTurn the light switch to Ã.
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to T or L , the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
Automatic headlamp mode
XTo switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to Ã.
SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
With the engine running: depending on the
brightness of the ambient light, the daytime
running lamps 7
or the low-beam headlamps
are switched on or off automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.GWARNING
If the light switch is set to Ã, the low-beam
headlamps will not come on automatically if
it is foggy. This could endanger you and
others. Therefore, turn the light switch to
L in fog.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated ten times while the lights are on and
7 Only if daytime running lamps have been activated via the on-board computer.Exterior lighting107Lights and windshield wipersZ

the engine is running (Y page 113). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0.
Combination switch
Turn signals
:High-beam headlamps;Right turn signal=High-beam flasher?Left turn signalXTo indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.XTo indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ; or ?.
High-beam headlamps
XTo switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or à .XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow :.
In the à position, the high-beam
headlamps are only switched on when it is
dark and the engine is running.The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.XTo switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher
XTo switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1 or 2 or start the
engine.XPull the combination switch in the direction
of arrow =.
Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle is slowed down severely from a
speed of over 45 mph (70 km/h) and comes
to a halt.
XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.108Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

The hazard warning lamps are deactivated
automatically if the vehicle returns to a speed
of over 6 mph(10 km/h) after a full
application of the brakes.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the direction you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. It can
only be activated when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Active:
R if you are driving at speeds below
25 mph (40 km/h) and switch on the turn
signals or turn the steering wheel.
R if you are driving at speeds between
25 mph (40 km/h) and
45 mph (70 km/h) and turn the steering
wheel.
Not active: if you are driving at speeds above
25 mph (40 km/h) or switch off the turn
signal and turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position.
The cornering light function may remain lit for
a short time, but is automatically switched off
after no more than three minutes.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
You can use this function to set the
headlamps to change between low beam and
high beam automatically. The system
recognizes vehicles with their lights on, either
approaching from the opposite direction or
traveling in front of your vehicle, and
consequently switches the headlamps from
high beam to low beam.
The system automatically adapts the low-
beam headlamp range depending on the
distance to the other vehicle. Once the
system no longer detects any other vehicles,
it reactivates the high-beam headlamps.
The system's optical sensor is located behind
the windshield near the overhead control
panel.XTo activate: activate the Adaptive
Highbeam Assist function using the on-
board computer ( Y page 209).XTurn the light switch to Ã.XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow :
( Y page 108).
The _ indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up if it is dark and the light
sensor activates the low-beam headlamps.Exterior lighting109Lights and windshield wipersZ

If you are driving faster than approximately
28 mph (45 km/h):
the headlamp range is set automatically
depending on the distance between the
vehicle and other road users.
If you are driving faster than approximately
35 mph (55 km/h) and no other road users
are identified:
the high-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster also lights up.
If you are driving slower than approximately
30 mph (45 km/h), or other road users are
identified, or the roads are sufficiently
illuminated:
the high-beam headlamps are switched off
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster goes out. The _
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
stays on.XTo deactivate: move the combination
switch back to its normal position.
The _ indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.GWARNING
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist is only an aid
intended to support you while driving. The
driver is and remains responsible for proper
vehicle lighting in accordance with the
prevailing light, sight and traffic conditions.
The system may be impaired or unavailable
when
R visibility is poor, e.g. due to snow, rain, fog,
or heavy spray
R the optical sensor area of the windshield is
dirty, fogged up, or covered by a sticker for
example
The system cannot recognize the following
road users:
R Road users without a lighting system of
their own, e.g. pedestrians
R Road users with dim lighting of their own,
e.g. cyclists
R Road users whose lighting is obstructed,
e.g. road users behind a guardrail
R In some seldom cases, even road users with
a lighting system of their own may be
recognized too late or not at all.
The automatic high-beam headlamps will then
not be deactivated or it will be activated in
spite of preceding or oncoming road users.
This could endanger you and/or others and
cause an accident. Always pay close attention
to the traffic situation and switch off the high
beam manually if necessary.
Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
XDrive with the headlamps switched on.
The level of moisture diminishes,
depending on the length of the journey and
the weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).
If the level of moisture does not diminish:
XHave the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.110Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

XTo show menu bar ;: press the =
or ; button on the steering wheel.
Further information on displaying the
transmission position ( Y page 140).
The following messages may appear in the
multifunction display:
X j YActive Parking Assist ( Y page 175)_Adaptive Highbeam Assist
( Y page 109)ÀATTENTION ASSIST ( Y page 180)ÃLane Keeping Assist ( Y page 186) or
Active Lane Keeping Assist
( Y page 191)HOLDHOLD function ( Y page 166)ÄPRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 67)Displays and operation199On-board computer and displaysZ