tires MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 2012 Owners Manual

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 21At a glance ........................................... 25Safety ................................................... 35Opening/closing ................................. 71Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....91Lights and windshield wipers ..........105Climate control ................................. 117Driving and parking ..........................131On-board computer and displays ....195Stowing and features .......................255Maintenance and care ......................279Breakdown assistance .....................293Wheels and tires ............................... 313Technical data ................................... 343
Contents3

Setting the temperature (rear
compartment) ................................ 124
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 126
Switching on/off ........................... 122
Switching residual heat on/off ......127
Switching the rear window
heating on/off ............................... 126
Switching the ZONE function on/
off .................................................. 125
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 26
see Instrument cluster
Collapsible spare wheel
Inflating ......................................... 300
see Emergency spare wheel
COMAND
see separate operating instructions
Combination switch .......................... 108
Compass Calibrating ..................................... 278
Calling up ....................................... 277
Setting ........................................... 277
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 201
Convenience closing feature .............. 87
Convenience opening feature ............ 87
Coolant (engine) Checking the level .........................282
Display message ............................ 226
Notes ............................................. 350
Temperature (on-board computer) . 213
Temperature gauge ........................ 196
Warning lamp ................................. 249
Cooling
see Climate control
Cornering light (display message) ... 224
Cornering light function Function/notes ............................. 109
Crash-responsive emergency
lighting ............................................... 111
Cruise control Cruise control lever .......................155
Deactivating ................................... 156
Display message ............................ 234
Driving system ............................... 155
Function/notes ............................. 155
Important safety notes ..................155LIM indicator lamp .........................155
Setting a speed .............................. 156
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 155
Cup holder
Center console .............................. 262
Important safety notes ..................261
Rear compartment .........................262
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 23
Customer Relations Department ....... 23
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Daytime running lamp mode
see Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 225
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Switching on/off (switch) ..............107
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 210
Interior lighting .............................. 210
Digital speedometer ......................... 201
DIRECT SELECT lever see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 290
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer) .....216
Driving systems ............................. 229
Engine ............................................ 226
General notes ................................ 216
Hiding (on-board computer) ...........216
Key ................................................ 239
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 239
Lights ............................................. 224
Safety systems .............................. 217
Service interval display ..................284
Tires ............................................... 234
Vehicle ........................................... 237
Distance display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 206
Distance recorder ............................. 201
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Index7

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

Sliding sunroofImportant safety notes ....................88
Opening/closing .............................. 89
Problem (malfunction) .....................90
Resetting ......................................... 89
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................76
Changing the programming .............75
Checking the battery .......................76
Convenience closing feature ............87
Convenience opening feature ..........87
Display message ............................ 239
Door central locking/unlocking .......72
Important safety notes ....................72
Loss ................................................. 78
Mechanical key ................................ 75
Positions (ignition lock) .................132
Problem (malfunction) .....................78
Starting the engine ........................134
Snow chains ...................................... 317
Socket Under the armrest .........................266
Sockets
Center console .............................. 267
Points to observe before use .........266
Rear compartment .........................267
Trunk ............................................. 267
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 341
Storage location ............................ 295
Stowing .......................................... 295
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 22
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 201
In the Instrument cluster .................27
Segments ...................................... 197
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 208
see Instrument cluster
SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 65
Warning lamp ................................. 246SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 221
Introduction ..................................... 36
Warning lamp ................................. 247
Warning lamp (function) ................... 36
Standing lamps
Display message ............................ 225
Switching on/off ........................... 106
Starting (engine) ................................ 134
Station see Radio
Steering (display message) .............. 239
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) .....................99
Button overview ............................... 29
Buttons (on-board
computer) ...................................... 197
Important safety notes ....................98
Paddle shifters ............................... 144
Steering wheel heating ....................99
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 102
Steering wheel (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 291
Steering wheel heating Indicator lamp (malfunction) ............99
Switching on/off .............................. 99
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 144
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 213
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 257
Glove box ....................................... 256
Parcel net ...................................... 258
Rear ............................................... 258
Under driver's seat/front-
passenger seat .............................. 258
Stowage space
Center console .............................. 257
Cup holders ................................... 261
Important safety information .........256
Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor .................................................... 260
Summer opening see Convenience opening feature
Summer tires ..................................... 316
Sun visor ............................................ 26316Index

Supplement Restraint Systemsee SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 210
Suspension tuning AIRMATIC ...................................... 169
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 170
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........213
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 126
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 69
T
Tachometer ........................................ 197
Tail lamps Display message ............................ 225
see Lights
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 27
Technical data
CLS 550 4MATIC
BlueEFFICIENCY ............................ 351
CLS 550 BlueEFFICIENCY ..............351
CLS 63 AMG .................................. 352
Tires/wheels ................................. 339
TELEAID
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
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 205
Menu (on-board computer) ............204
Number from the phone book ........ 205
Redialing ........................................ 205
Rejecting/ending a call .................205
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 196
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 213
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 213
Outside temperature ...................... 197
Setting (climate control) ................123
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 69
Through-loading feature ................... 259
Tilt/sliding sunroof see Sliding sunroof
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 213
Tiredness assistant see ATTENTION ASSIST
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....322
Checking manually ........................321
Display message ............................ 234
Maximum ....................................... 320
Notes ............................................. 318
Pressure loss warning ....................321
Recommended ............................... 317
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 322
Restarting ...................................... 324
Warning lamp ................................. 252
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................337
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................335
Bar (definition) ............................... 335
Characteristics .............................. 335
Checking ........................................ 315
Definition of terms .........................335
Direction of rotation ......................338
Display message ............................ 234
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................338
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 334
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............335
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 336Index17

WindshieldDefrosting ...................................... 125
Windshield washer system .............. 283
Notes ............................................. 351
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................115
Replacing the wiper blades ............114
Switching on/off ........................... 113
Winter driving
Important safety notes ..................316
Slippery road surfaces ...................154
Snow chains .................................. 317
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 316
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 289
Important safety notes ..................114
Wooden trim (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 29120Index

Maintenance
The Service and Warranty Booklet describes
all the necessary maintenance work which
should be done at regular intervals.
Always have the Service and Warranty
Booklet with you when you bring the vehicle
to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The
service advisor will record every service for
you in the Service and Warranty Booklet.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program offers technical help in the event of
a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside
Assistance Hotline are answered by our
agents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
For additional information, refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (USA) or the "Roadside
Assistance" section in the Service and
Warranty booklet (Canada). You will find both
in your vehicle literature portfolio.
Change of address or ownership
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave the
entire literature in the vehicle so that it is
available to the next owner.
Operating safety
Safety notes
GWARNING
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.GWARNING
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole.
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that damage
to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Qualified specialist workshop
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a
qualified specialist workshop. It has the
necessary specialist knowledge, tools and
qualifications to correctly carry out the work
required on your vehicle. This is especially the
case for work relevant to safety.
Observe the notes in the service booklet.
22Introduction

Important safety notesGWARNING
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
i Please note that the driving safety
systems described only work as effectively
as possible when there is adequate contact
between the tires and the road surface. Pay
particular attention to the information
regarding tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and
tires" section ( Y page 314).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 61).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
GWARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
GWARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
Driving safety systems61SafetyZ

! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition system must be switched
off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or Start/Stop button in
position 0 or 1) when:
R testing the parking brake on a brake
dynamometer.
R you intend to have the vehicle towed with
one of the axles raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
If your brake system is subject only to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals by pressing firmly on the brake pedal
at high speeds. This improves the grip of the
brake pads.GWARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on ( Y page 62) or of BAS PLUS on
( Y page 62).
Winter driving
General information
GWARNING
If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow,
ensure that snow is kept away from the
exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as
long as the engine is running. Otherwise,
poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter
the vehicle, resulting in loss of consciousness
and even death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
At the onset of winter, have your vehicle
winterproofed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 316).
Driving with summer tires
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 316).
Slippery road surfaces
GWARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
GWARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to position N.
i
For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 317).
GWARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
154Driving tipsDriving and parking

If indicator lamp ? lights up:XPress button : once.
The second indicator lamp = lights up. You
have selected Sport + mode.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT +
message appears in the multifunction
display.
Comfort mode
In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select
this mode if you prefer a more comfortable
driving style, but also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. highways.
XPress button : repeatedly until indicator
lamps = and ? go out.
You have selected Comfort mode.
The AMG Suspension System COMFORT
message appears in the multifunction
display.
Storing and calling up settings
Once the suspension tuning and drive
program have been selected, you can store
and call up your settings using AMG
button ;.
XTo store: press AMG button ; until you
hear a tone.XTo call up: press AMG button ;.
The stored suspension tuning and drive
program are selected.XTo display: briefly press AMG button ;.
Your selection appears in the multifunction
display.
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP ®
, it
improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip.
GWARNING
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires ( M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The PARKTRONIC is a supplemental system.
It is not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always remains with the driver.
GWARNING
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
Driving systems171Driving and parkingZ