winter tires MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 2014 Owners Manual

Tighteningtorque ........................... 361
Wheel size/tire size.......................362
Windowcurtain air bag
Operation .........................................47
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting......................................139
Windshieldwasher fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid.......................309
Notes.............................................378
Windshieldwipers
Problem (malfunction)...................128
Replacing the wiper blades............126
Switching on/off...........................125
Winterdriving
Important safety notes..................336
Slippery road surfaces...................174
Snow chains..................................337
Wintertires
M+S tires.......................................336
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 314
Important safety notes..................126
Replacing.......................................126
Wooden trim (cleaning
instructions)......................................316
Z
ZONE function
Switching on/off...........................139
20Index

XTo activate/deactivate:press button.
If indicator lampis lit, operationofthe
rear side windows is disabled. Operation is
only possible using the switches in the
driver's door. If indicator lampis off,
operation is possible using the switches in
the rear compartment.
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
RABS (Anti-lockBrakingSystem)
(Ypage 66)
RBAS (BrakeAssistSystem) (Ypage 67)
RBAS PLUS (BrakeAssistSystem Plus)
(Ypage 67)
RESP®(ElectronicStabilityProgram)
(Ypage 68)
REBD (ElectronicBrake forceDistribution)
(Ypage 71)
RADAPTIVE BRAKE (Ypage 72)
RPRE-SAFE®Brake (Ypage 72)
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style or
become distracted, the driving safety
systems can neither reduce the risk of
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Driving safety systems are merely aids
designed to assist driving. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front,for vehicle speed and for braking in
good time. Always adapt your driving style to
suit the prevailing road, weather and traffic
conditionsand maintainasafe distancefrom
thevehicle in front. Drive carefully.
iThe driving safety systems describedonly
work as effectivelyaspossible when there
is adequatecontactbetween thetires and
theroad surface. Pleasepay special
attentiontothenotesontires,
recommendedminimumtire tread depths,
etc.(Ypage 334).
In wintry drivingconditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snowchains. Only in this way will the
drivingsafetysystems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock BrakingSystem)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Importantsafetynotes"
section(Ypage 66).
GWARNING
If ABSisfaulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
Additionally, further driving safety systems
are deactivated. There is an increased danger
of skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully.Have ABS checked
immediately ataqualified specialist
workshop.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe the information
on the ABS warning lamp (Ypage 267) and
displaymessages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster (Ypage 238).
ABS regulates brake pressure in suchaway
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
66Driving safety systems
Safety

New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after
several hundred kilometers of driving.
Compensate for this by applying greater force
to the brake pedal. Keep this in mind, and
adapt yourdriving and braking accordingly
during this break-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in
correspondingly high brake wear. Observe
thebrake wearwarning lamp in the
instrumentcluster and noteany brakestatus
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performancedriving, it is
importanttomaintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated toacertain depth
on the road surface, there isadanger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
Ryou drive at low speeds.
Rthe tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason,inthe eventofheavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning may
occur, you must drive in the following
manner:
Rlower your speed.
Ravoid ruts.
Rbrakecarefully.
Driving on flooded roads
!Do not drive through floodedareas.
Check the depthofany water beforedriving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water.Otherwise, water mayenterthe
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you shift down onaslippery 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
braking onaslippery road surface.
GDANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There isarisk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
awindow on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed ataqualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Ypage 336).
Driving with summer tires
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Ypage 336).
Slippery road surfaces
GWARNING
If you shift down onaslippery 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
braking onaslippery road surface.
174Driving tips
Driving and parking

Load compensation
The vehicle can compensatedifferences in
thevehicle level by raisingorlowering the
rear axle. This is the case, for example, if
people get out or if luggage is being loaded.
Load compensation takes place if:
Radoor or the trunk lid/tailgate is opened
Rthe parked vehicle is unlocked
For larger level changes, the engine must be
running.
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
If you fail to adapt your driving style, 4MATIC
can neither reduce the risk of accident nor
override the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot
take account of road, weather and traffic
conditions. 4MATIC is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front,for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
Ifadrive wheel spins due to insufficientgrip:
ROnly depress the accelerator pedalasfar
as necessary when pulling away.
RAccelerate less when driving.
!Never tow the vehiclewith one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damageofthis sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remaineitheronthe ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
iIn 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.
4MATIC ensures that allfour wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP®,it
improves the traction of yourvehicle
wheneveradrive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip.
PARKTRONIC
Important safetynotes
PARKTRONIC is an electronic parkingaid with
ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and
audibly the distancebetween your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is not a
replacementfor your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
responsible for safe maneuvering, parking
and exitingaparkingspace. When
maneuvering, parkingorpulling out of a
parkingspace, make sure that thereare no
persons, animals or objects in the area in
which you are maneuvering.
!When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer drawbars.
PARKTRONIC does not detectsuch objects
when they are in theimmediatevicinity of
thevehicle. You could damagethe vehicle
or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objectsthat absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a
truck orapneumatic drill could cause
PARKTRONIC to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on
uneven terrain.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
Rswitch on the ignition
Rshift the transmission to positionD,RorN
Rrelease the parking brake
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.
Driving systems193
Driving and parking
Z

Do not remove the SmartKeyfromthe
ignition lock. Do not open the driver's
door or front-passengerdoor when the
engine is switched off. Otherwise, the
automatic transmission selects park
positionPautomatically and locks the
wheels. You can prevent this by shifting
the automatic transmission toN
beforehand.
RVehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
Do not open the driver's door or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park positionP
automatically and locks the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in positionN:
XMake sure the vehicle is stationary and the
ignition is switched off.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the
ignition lock (Ypage 147).
Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/
Stop button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the automatic transmission to
positionN.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowedatspecially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in all
countries concerned.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUseasoft sponge to clean.
XUseamild cleaning agent, such asacar
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
XDo not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlet.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly withachamois.
XDo not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Power washers
GWARNING
The water jet fromacircular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components.
Componentsdamaged in this way may fail
unexpectedly. There isarisk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced
immediately.
!Always maintainadistance of at least
11.8in(30 cm) between the vehicleand the
powerwasher nozzle. Information about
thecorrectdistanceisavailablefromthe
equipmentmanufacturer.
Movethepower washernozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
Rtires
Rdoor gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
Relectrical components
312Care
Maintenance and care

In addition to the vehicle load, the driving
distance possible depends upon:
RSpeed
RRoadcondition
ROutside temperature
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode
may be reduced by extreme driving
conditions/maneuvers, or it can be increased
throughamoderate style of driving.
The maximum permissible distance which
can be driven in run-flat mode is counted from
the moment the tire pressure loss warning
appears in the multifunction display.
You must not exceedamaximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).
iWhen replacing one or all tires, make sure
that you use only tires:
Rof the size specified for the vehicle and
Rmarked "MOExtended"
Ifatire has gone flat and cannot be
replaced withaMOExtended tire, a
standard tire may be used asatemporary
measure. Make sure that you use the
proper size and type (summerorwinter
tire).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When drivinginemergencymode, the driving
characteristics deteriorate, e.g. when
cornering, accelerating quickly and when
braking. There isarisk of an accident.
Do not exceed the stated maximum speed.
Avoid abrupt steeringand drivingmaneuvers,
and drivingover obstacles (curbs, potholes,
off-road). This applies in particular toaladen
vehicle.
Stop drivinginemergencymode if:
Ryou hear bangingnoises.
Rthe vehicle starts to shake.
Ryou see smokeand smell rubber.
RESP®is interveningconstantly.
Rthere are tearsinthe sidewalls of the tire.
After drivinginemergency mode, have the
wheel rims checked ataqualified specialist
workshop with regardtotheir further use. The
defectivetiremust be replaced in everycase.
Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes
Special tools and expert knowledge are
requiredwhen working on the battery, e.g.
removal and installing. You should therefore
have all work involvingthe battery carried out
ataqualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can lead, for example, toashortcircuit and
thus damage the vehicle electronics. This can
lead to function restrictionsapplying to
safety-relevantsystems,e.g.thelighting
system, ABS(anti-lockbrakingsystem) or
ESP®(Electronic StabilityProgram). The
operating safetyofyour vehiclemay be
restricted. You could lose control of the
vehicle, for example:
Rbraking
Rin theevent of abruptsteeringmaneuver
and/orwhen the vehicle's speed is not
adapted to the road conditions
There isarisk of an accident.
In the event ofashort circuit orasimilar
incident, contactaqualified specialist
workshop immediately. Do not drive any
further. You should have all work involving the
battery carried out ataqualifiedspecialist
workshop.
GWARNING
Electrostatic build-up can lead to thecreation
of sparks,whichcould ignite thehighly
explosive gases ofabattery. Thereisariskof
an explosion.
322Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance

Useful information............................334
Importantsafetynotes....................334
Operation...........................................334
Winter operation...............................336
Check.................................................338
Loading the vehicle..........................345
All about wheels and tires...............349
Changingawheel.............................357
Wheel and tirecombinations...........362
Emergency sparewheel...................367
333
Wheels and tires

Bar indicatorfor treadwearisintegrated
into the tire tread.
Treadwear indicators(TWI) are required by
law. Six indicatorsare positioned on the tire
tread. Theyare visible once the treaddepth
is approximatelyin (1.6 mm). If this is the
case,the tire is so worn that it mustbe
replaced.
Selecting, mounting and replacing
tires
ROnly mount tires and wheels of the same
type and make.
Exception: it is permissible to install a
different type or make in the event ofaflat
tire. Observe the "MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics" section
(Ypage321).
ROnly mount tires of the correct size onto
the wheels.
RBreak in new tires at moderate speeds for
the first 60 miles(100 km).They only reach
their full performance after this distance.
RDo not drive with tires which have too little
tread depth, as this significantly reduces
the traction on wet roads (hydroplaning).
RReplace the tires after six years at the
latest, regardless of wear.
Observe the notes on the emergency spare
wheel (Ypage 367).
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive
your vehicle even if there isatotal loss of
pressure in one or more tires.
MOExtended tires may only be used in
conjunction with an active tire pressure loss
warning system or with an active tire pressure
monitor and on wheels specifically tested by
Mercedes-Benz.
Notes on driving with MOExtended tires with
aflat tire (Ypage 321).
iVehicles equipped with MOExtended tires
are not equipped withaTIREFIT kit at the
factory. It is therefore recommended that
you additionallyequip your vehicle with a
TIREFIT kit if you mount tires that do not
feature run-flat properties, e.g. winter tires.
ATIREFIT kit can be obtained from a
qualified specialist workshop.
Winter operation
General notes
Have your vehicle winterproofed ataqualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Changingawheel"
section (Ypage 357).
Driving with summer tires
At temperatures below 45‡(+7 †), summer
tires lose elasticity significantly,and
therefore traction and braking power as well.
Change the tires on yourvehicle to
M+S tires. Using summer tires at very cold
temperatures could cause crackstoform,
thereby damaging the tires permanently.
Mercedes-Benz cannot accept responsibility
for this type of damage.
M+S tires
GWARNING
M+S tires withatiretread depthofless than
in (4 mm)are notsuitable for use in winter
and do notprovide sufficient traction.There
isariskofanaccident.
M+S tires withatread depthofless than
in (4 mm)must be replacedimmediately.
At temperatures below 45‡(+7 †), use
winter tires or all-weather tires. Both typesof
tireare identified by theM+S marking.
336Winteroperation
Wheels and tires

Only winter tires bearing thesnowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking
provide the best possiblegrip in wintry road
conditions.
Only these tires will allowdriving safety
systems such as ABS and ESP®to function
optimally in winter. These tires have been
developedspecificallyfor driving in snow.
Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on
all wheels to maintain safe handling
characteristics.
Alwaysobserve the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted.
Once the winter tires are mounted:
XCheck the tire pressures (Ypage 341).
XVehiclesfor Canada:restart the tire
pressure loss warning system
(Ypage 342).
XRestart the tire pressure monitor
(Ypage 342).
For more information on driving with the
emergency spare wheel, see (Ypage 367).
Snow chains
GWARNING
If snow chains are installed to the front
wheels, they may drag against the vehicle
body or chassis components. This could
cause damage to the vehicle or the tires.
There isarisk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations:
Rnever install snow chains to the front
wheels
Ralways install snow chains in pairs to the
rear wheels.
!On vehicles with AIRMATIC, you must
drive at raised vehicle level if snow chains
have been mounted. The vehicle may
otherwise be damaged.
!On some tire sizes there is not enough
space for snow chains. To avoid damage to
the vehicle or tires, observe the "Wheel and
tire combinations" section under "Tires and
wheels".
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use snow chains
that have been speciallyapproved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz,orare of a
corresponding standard of quality.
If you intend to mount snow chains, please
bear the following points in mind:
RSnow chains may not be mounted on all
wheel/tire combinations. Permissible
wheel-tire combinations (Ypage 362).
ROnly use snow chains when driving on
roads completely covered by snow.
Remove the snow chains as soon as
possiblewhen you come toaroad that is
not snow-covered.
RLocal regulations may restrict the use of
snow chains. Observe the appropriate
regulations if you wish to mount snow
chains.
RDo not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
iYou may wish to deactivate ESP®when
pulling away with snow chains installed
(Ypage 69). This way you can allow the
wheels to spin inacontrolled manner,
achieving an increased driving force
(cutting action).
For more information on driving with the
emergencyspare wheel, see (Ypage 367).
Winter operation337
Wheels and tires
Z

Example:
RTreadweargrade:200
RTractiongrade:AA
RTemperature grade:A
All passengercar tires must conform to the
statutory safety requirements in additionto
these grades.
iTheactual values for tires arevehicle-
specificand maydeviate from the values in
the illustration.
Treadwear
The treadweargrade isacomparative rating
based on the wearrate of thetirewhen tested
undercontrolled conditions onaspecified
U.S. government course. For example,atire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government course as a
tire graded 100.
The relative performanceoftires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm, due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate conditions.
Traction
GWARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
!Avoid wheelspin. This can lead to damage
to the drive train.
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop onawet surface as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete.Atire markedCmay have poor
traction performance.
The safe speed onawet, snowcovered or icy
road is always lower than on dry road
surfaces.
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezingpoint.
Mercedes-Benzrecommendsaminimum
tread depthofin(4mm)onall four winter
tires. Observe the legally required minimum
tire tread depth (Ypage335). Winter tires can
reduce the braking distance on snow-covered
surfaces in comparison with summer tires.
The braking distance is still much further than
on surfaces that are not icy or covered with
snow. Take appropriate care when driving.
Further informationonwinter tires (M+S
tires) (Ypage336).
Temperature
GWARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established foratire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
The temperature grades areA(the highest),
B, and C. Theserepresent the tire's
resistancetothe generationofheat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions onaspecified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerateand reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The gradeCcorresponds toalevel
of performancewhich all passenger car tires
must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. GradesBand A
represent higher levels of performanceonthe
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
350All about wheelsand tires
Wheels and tires