tow 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

ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)Activating/deactivating ...................69
Function ........................................... 69
Switching off the alarm ....................69
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................207
Display message ............................ 229
Function/notes ............................. 180
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 203
Audio system see separate operating instructions
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 226
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 136
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 136
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 107
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............144
Changing gear ............................... 142
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................140
Display message ............................ 237
Driving tips .................................... 142
Emergency running mode ..............147
Kickdown ....................................... 142
Manual drive program ....................145
Problem (malfunction) ...................147
Program selector button ................143
Pulling away ................................... 135
Selector lever ................................ 139
Shift ranges ................................... 144
Starting the engine ........................134
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......144
Transmission position display ........140
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 147
B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs .............................. 113
Display message ............................ 225
Bag hook ............................................ 260
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 62
Basic settings see Settings
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 62
Battery (key) Checking .......................................... 76
Battery (SmartKey)
Important safety notes ....................76
Replacing ......................................... 76
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 304
Display message ............................ 228
Important safety notes ..................302
Jump starting ................................. 305
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................207
Notes/function .............................. 184
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Bottle holder ...................................... 263
Brake Assist System see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 219
Notes ............................................. 350
Brake fluid level ................................ 284
Brake lamps Display message ............................ 224
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 61
BAS .................................................. 62
BAS PLUS ........................................ 62
Brake fluid (notes) .........................350
Display message ............................ 217
Driving tips .................................... 152
Important safety notes ..................152
Maintenance .................................. 153
Parking brake ................................ 151
Warning lamp ................................. 243
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs Index5

E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................212
Function/notes ................................ 99
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 100
Function/notes ................................ 99
Switching on/off ........................... 212
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 218
Function/notes ................................ 67
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating .................137
General information .......................135
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic brake force distribution
see EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 81
Fuel filler flap ................................. 149
Trunk ............................................... 85
Vehicle ............................................. 81
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 295
Stowing .......................................... 295
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 54
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....21
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 248
Display message ............................ 226
ECO start/stop function ................135
Emergency starting ........................309
Engine number ............................... 346
Irregular running ............................ 138
Starting problems ..........................138Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 134
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............134
Switching off .................................. 150
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................138
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 282
Additives ........................................ 349
Checking the oil level ..................... 281
Display message ............................ 228
Filling capacity ............................... 347
Notes about oil grades ................... 349
Notes on oil level/consumption ....281
Temperature (on-board computer) . 213
Viscosity ........................................ 349
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) AMG menu (on-board computer) ...213
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 65
Deactivating/activating (except
AMG vehicles) ................................ 206
Deactivating/activating (notes;
except AMG vehicles) ......................64
Display message ............................ 217
ETS/4ETS ........................................ 64
Function/notes ................................ 63
Important safety information ...........63
Warning lamp ................................. 245
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 64
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 290
Exterior lighting see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 100
Dipping (automatic) .......................101
Folding in/out (automatically) .......101
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........101
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 212
Out of position (troubleshooting) ...101
Setting ........................................... 101
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 102
Storing the parking position ..........102Index9

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

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 336
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................336
Important safety notes ..................314
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......336
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........336
Labeling (overview) ........................331
Load bearing index (definition) ......337
Load index ..................................... 334
Load index (definition) ...................336
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 336
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 337
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 337
Maximum tire load .........................329
Maximum tire load (definition) .......337
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 337
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 337
Replacing ....................................... 338
Service life ..................................... 315
Sidewall (definition) .......................337
Speed index (definition) .................336
Storing ........................................... 339
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 335
Temperature .................................. 331
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 337
Tire bead (definition) ......................337
Tire pressure (definition) ................337
Tire pressures (recommended) ......335
Tire size (data) ............................... 339
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index ....................332
Tire tread ....................................... 315
Tire tread (definition) .....................337
Total load limit (definition) .............338
Traction ......................................... 330
Traction (definition) .......................338
Tread wear ..................................... 330
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 330Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................335
Unladen weight (definition) ............336
Wear indicator (definition) .............338
Wheel rim (definition) ....................336
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 58
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........306
Installing the towing eye ................307
Removing the towing eye ...............308
With the rear axle raised ................308
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......308
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............309
Important safety notes ..................306
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 309
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 291
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 201
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 201
Resetting (on-board computer) ......202
Trunk
Emergency release ..........................85
Important safety guidelines .............82
Locking separately ...........................84
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 83
Opening (automatically from
inside) .............................................. 84
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 238
Opening/closing .............................. 82
Trunk load (maximum)
see Technical data
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 224
Switching on/off ........................... 108
see Turn signals
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate 18Index

U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................81
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 80
V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 263
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 23
Data acquisition ............................... 23
Display message ............................ 237
Equipment ....................................... 21
Individual settings ..........................208
Limited Warranty ............................. 23
Loading .......................................... 325
Locking (in an emergency) ...............81
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 73
Lowering ........................................ 301
Maintenance .................................... 22
Parking for a long period ................ 152
Pulling away ................................... 135
Raising ........................................... 297
Reporting problems .........................23
Towing away .................................. 306
Transporting .................................. 309
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........81
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................73
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle dimensions
see Technical data
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 81
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 345
Vehicle level AIRMATIC ...................................... 168
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 229
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 294
Vehicle weights see Technical data
Video (DVD) ........................................ 204
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 204
VIN ...................................................... 345
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 244
Brakes ........................................... 243
Check Engine ................................. 248
Coolant .......................................... 249
Cruise control ................................ 155
Distance warning ........................... 251
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 251
ESP ®
.............................................. 245
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 246
Fuel tank ........................................ 248
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) ..................159
Overview .......................................... 28
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 43
Reserve fuel ................................... 248
Seat belt ........................................ 241
SPORT handling mode ...................246
SRS ................................................ 247
Tire pressure monitor ....................252
Warranty ............................................ 344
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 239
see Windshield washer system
Weight
see Technical data
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 301
Wheel chock ...................................... 297
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................338
Changing a wheel .......................... 296
Checking ........................................ 315
Cleaning ......................................... 287
Important safety notes ..................314
Mounting a wheel .......................... 299
Removing a wheel ..........................299
Storing ........................................... 339
Tightening torque ........................... 301
Wheel size/tire size .......................339
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 221
Operation ......................................... 42
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 288
see Side windows Index19

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

Center console, lower sectionFunctionPageEStowage compartment256Ashtray264Cigarette lighter265Power socket266FCup holder261Ge Sets the suspension
tuning
169
FunctionPageHÉ Sets the vehicle level168IStowage compartment256JÛ Selects the drive
program
143
KAudio/COMAND controllerCenter console31At a glance

Center console, lower section - AMG vehiclesFunctionPageECup holder261FEngages parking position P150GSelector lever139HAshtray264Cigarette lighter265Power socket266IAudio/COMAND controllerFunctionPageJStowage compartment256Kß Calls up/saves the
suspension tuning
170
Là Sets the suspension
tuning
170
Må ESP®65NDrive program selector14332Center consoleAt a glance

Seat belt adjustment
The seat-belt adjustment function adjusts the
driver's and front-passenger seat belt to the
upper body of the occupants.
The belt strap is tightened slightly when:
R you engage the belt tongue in the belt
buckle and you then turn the SmartKey to
position 2 in the ignition lock.
R the SmartKey is in position 2 in the ignition
lock and you then engage the belt tongue
in the buckle.
The seat-belt adjustment will apply a
retraction force if any slack is detected
between the occupant and the seat belt. Do
not hold on to the seat belt tightly while it is
adjusting. You can switch the seat-belt
adjustment on and off in the on-board
computer ( Y page 212).
The seat-belt adjustment is an integral part of
the PRE-SAFE ®
convenience function. More
information about PRE-SAFE ®
can be found
in the "PRE-SAFE ®
(preventative occupant
protection)" section ( Y page 48).
Belt height adjustment
You can adjust the seat belt height on the
driver's seat and the front-passenger seat.
Adjust the height so that the upper part of the
seat belt is routed across the center of your
shoulder.
XTo raise: slide the belt sash guide upwards.
The belt sash guide engages in various
positions.XTo lower: press and hold belt sash guide
release :.XSlide the belt sash guide downwards.XRelease belt sash guide release : and
make sure that the belt sash guide has
engaged.
Releasing seat belts
XPress release button ?(Y page 52) and
guide belt tongue ; back towards belt
sash guide :.
!
Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled
up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue
will be trapped in the door or in the seat
mechanism. This could damage the door,
the door trim panel and the seat belt.
Damaged seat belts can no longer fulfill
their protective function and must be
replaced. Consult an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Belt warning for the driver and front
passenger
Regardless of whether the driver and front
passenger have fastened their seat belts
already, the 7 seat belt warning lamp
lights up for 6 seconds after every engine
start. It then goes out if the driver and the
front passenger have fastened their seat
belts.
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened after
the engine is started, an additional warning
tone will sound. The warning tone goes out
after approximately six seconds or once the
driver's seat belt is fastened.
Occupant safety53SafetyZ