ABS MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 2016 Owners Manual

1, 2, 3 ... 4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic Trac-
tion System)
4MATIC (permanent all-wheel
drive)
Function/notes ............................ .1 69
12 V socket
see Sockets
360° camera
Cleaning ......................................... 283
Display in the multimedia system .. 183
Function/notes ............................ .1 81
A ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Display message ............................ 213
Function/notes ................................ 64
Important safety notes .................... 64
Warning lamp ................................. 238
Accident
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 58
Activating media mode
General notes ................................ 250
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 120
Active Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 205
Display message ............................ 226
Function/information .................... 190
Active Driving Assistance package .. 190
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 205
Display message ............................ 226
Function/information .................... 193
Active multicontour seat
Adjusting (on the seat) ..................... 98
Active Parking Assist
Detecting parking spaces .............. 174
Display message ............................ 227
Exiting a parking space .................. 176
Function/notes ............................. 173
Important safety notes .................. 173 Parking .......................................... 175
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 72
Adaptive Brake Assist
Function/notes ................................ 68
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) ..... 167
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message ............................ 221
Function/notes ............................. 109
Switching on/off ........................... 110
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 334
Address book
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 245
Adjusting the volume
Audio 20 ........................................ 246
COMAND ....................................... 246
Air bags
Deployment ..................................... 53
Display message ............................ 219
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 47
Important safety notes .................... 46
Introduction ..................................... 46
Knee bag .......................................... 47
Occupant Cla ssification System
(
OCS) ............................................... 49
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indica-
tor lamp ........................................... 42
Pelvis air bag ................................... 48
Side impact air bag .......................... 48
Window curtain air bag .................... 49
AIR FLOW ........................................... 121
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 125
Important safety notes .................. 125
Setting ........................................... 125
Setting the side air vents ............... 125
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIRMATIC
Display message ............................ 224
Function/notes ............................. 166
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 75
Switching off (ATA) .......................... 75
Switching the function on/off
(ATA) ................................................ 75 Index 3

Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Amb ient lighting
Se tting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 206
Se tting the color (on-board com-
puter) ............................................ .2 07
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ................................................ 167
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ashtray ............................................... 260
Assistance display (on-board com-
puter) ................................................. .2 03
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) ................................................. .2 03
ASSYST PLUS
Displaying a service message ....... .2 78
Hiding a service message .............. 278
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 278
Service message ............................ 277
Special service requirements ......... 278
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 75
Function .......................................... .7 5
Switching off the alarm .................... 75
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 205
Display message ............................ 224
Function/notes ............................. 184
Audio 20
Switching on/off ........................... 246
Audio system
see separate operating instructions
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 221
see Lights
Automatic car wash (care) ............... 279
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop functio n) .................................... 131 A uto
matic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 130
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 107
Automatic transmission
Accelerator pedal position ............. 137
Automatic drive program ............... 139
Changing gear ............................... 137
DIRECT SELECT lever ..................... 135
Display message ............................ 232
Drive program display .................... 135
Driving tips .................................... 137
Emergency running mode .............. 143
Engaging drive position .................. 136
Engaging neutral ............................ 136
Engaging park position
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. 134
Engaging park position automati-
cally ............................................... 135
Engaging reverse gear ................... 135
Engaging the park position ............ 135
Kickdown ....................................... 138
Manual drive program .................... 140
Manual drive program (Mercedes-
AMG vehicles) ................................ 141
Manual drive program (vehicles
with Sports package AMG) ............ 141
Overview ........................................ 134
Problem (malfunction) ................... 143
Program selector button ................ 138
Pulling away ................................... 129
Selector lever ................................ 134
Starting the engine ........................ 129
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 139
Transmission position display ........ 134
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ................... 135
Transmission positions .................. 137
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 143
B
Back button ....................................... 246
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 65
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) with Cross-Traffic Assist
Function/notes ................................ 654
Index

BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist
(Brake Assist PLUS with Cross-
Traffic Assist)
Important safety notes .................... 65
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 79
Important safety notes .................... 78
Replacing ......................................... 79
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 293
Display message ............................ 223
Important safety notes .................. 291
Jump starting ................................. 294
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 205
Display message ............................ 226
Notes/function .............................. 187
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Bluetooth ®
Connecting another mobile
phone ............................................ 250
Searching for a mobile phone ........ 249
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 245
Telephony ...................................... 248
Box (trunk) ......................................... 255
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 215
Notes ............................................. 334
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 221
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 64
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 68
BAS .................................................. 65
BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic
Assist ............................................... 65
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 334
Display message ............................ 213
High-performance brake system .... 151 HOLD function ............................... 164
Important safety notes .................. 150
Maintenance .................................. 151
Parking brake ................................ 147
Riding tips ...................................... 150
Warning lamp ................................. 237
Breakdown
Where will I find...? ........................ 286
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 34
C California
Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 26
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
360° camera ................................. 283
Car wash ........................................ 279
Carpets .......................................... 285
Display ........................................... 283
Exhaust pipe .................................. 283
Exterior lights ................................ 282
Gear or selector lever .................... 284
Interior ........................................... 283
Matte finish ................................... 281
Notes ............................................. 279
Paint .............................................. 280
Plastic trim .................................... 283
Power washer ................................ 280
Rear view camera .......................... 282
Roof lining ...................................... 285
Seat belt ........................................ 284
Seat cover ..................................... 284
Sensors ......................................... 282
Steering wheel ............................... 284
Trim pieces .................................... 284
Washing by hand ........................... 280
Wheels ........................................... 281
Windows ........................................ 281
Wiper blades .................................. 282
Wooden trim .................................. 284 Index 5

Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ...................................... .7 6
Control panel .................................. .4 0
Display message ............................ 233
Emergency locking ........................... 83
Emergency unlocking ....................... 83
Important safety notes .................... 81
Opening (from inside) ...................... 81
Drinking and driving ......................... 149
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 139
Display ........................................... 134
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 135
Manual ........................................... 140
Manual (Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles) ............................................... 141
Manual (vehicles with Sports
package AMG) ............................... 141
SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 209
Drive program selector ..................... 139
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service ................. 278
Driving on flooded roads .................. 152
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 64
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 72
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 68
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 65
BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic
Assist ............................................... 65
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS ................................................ 67
Distance warning function ............... 67
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution) ............................................. 72
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 69
Important safety information ........... 64
Overview .......................................... 64
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 73
Driving system
RACE START (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 165
Driving systems
360°camera .................................. 181 Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 190
Active Driving Assistance pack-
age ................................................. 190
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 193
Acti ve
Parking Assist ..................... 173
AIRMATIC ...................................... 166
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 167
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 184
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 187
Cruise control ................................ 153
Display message ............................ 224
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 155
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering
Assist and Stop&Go Pilot ............... 162
HOLD function ............................... 164
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 189
Lane Tracking package .................. 187
PARKTRONIC ................................. 170
Rear view camera .......................... 177
Traffic Sign Assist .......................... 186
Driving tips
AMG ceramic brakes ..................... 151
Automatic transmission ................. 137
Brakes ........................................... 150
Break-in period .............................. 126
Downhill gradient ........................... 150
Drinking and driving ....................... 149
Driving in winter ............................. 152
Driving on flooded roads ................ 152
Driving on wet roads ...................... 152
Exhaust check ............................... 149
Fuel ................................................ 149
General .......................................... 148
Hydroplaning ................................. 152
Icy road surfaces ........................... 152
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 151
Snow chains .................................. 303
Wet road surface ........................... 151
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 202
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 2458
Index

Reporting problem s ........................ .2 9
Securing from rolling away ............ 321
Towing away .................................. 296
Transporting .................................. 298
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 83
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 76
Vehicle data ................................... 336
Vehicle data ....................................... 336
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 336
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 83
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 330
Vehicle level
AIRMATIC ...................................... 166
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 224
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 286
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 202
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 245
VIN
Seat ............................................... 331
Type plate ...................................... 330
Voice Control System
see Separate operating instructions
W
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 238
Brakes ........................................... 237
Check Engine ................................. 241
Coolant .......................................... 241
Distance warning ........................... 243
ESP ®
.............................................. 238
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 239
Fuel tank ........................................ 241
General notes ................................ 235
Overview .......................................... 34
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ............... 42
Reserve fuel ................................... 241
Restraint system ............................ 240
Seat belt ........................................ 236
SPORT handling mode ................... 240
Tire pressure monitor .................... 244
Warranty .............................................. 26 Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 234
Wheel and tire combinations
Tires ............................................... 325
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 324
Wheel chock ...................................... 321
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 320
Checking ........................................ 301
Cleaning ......................................... 281
Emergency spare wheel ................. 326
Important safety notes .................. 301
Information on driving .................... 301
Interchanging/changing ................ 320
Mounting a new wheel ................... 324
Mounting a wheel .......................... 321
Removing a wheel .......................... 323
Storing ........................................... 321
Tightening torque ........................... 324
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 325
Window curtain air bag
Operation ......................................... 49
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 122
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid ....................... 277
Important safety notes .................. 335
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ................... 113
Replacing the wiper blades ............ 112
Switching on/off ........................... 111
Winter driving
Important safety notes .................. 303
Slippery road surfaces ................... 152
Snow chains .................................. 303
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 303
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 282
Important safety notes .................. 112
R e
placing ....................................... 112
Wooden trim (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 284 Index 21

The seat belt system comprises: R
Seat belts R
Emergency Tensioning Devices for the front
seat belts and the outer seat belts in the rear R
Seat belt force limiters for the front seat belts
and the outer seat belts in the rear
If the seat belt is pulled out of the belt outlet
quickly or with a jerky movement, the belt
retractor locks. The belt strap cannot be extrac-
ted any further.
The Emergency Tensioning Device tightens the
seat belt in an accident, pulling the belt close
against the body. However it does not pull the
vehicle occupant back in the direction of the
backrest.
The Emergency Tensioning Device does not cor-
rect an incorrect seat position or the routing of
an incorrectly fastened seat belt.
When triggered, a seat belt force limiter helps to
reduce the force exerted by the seat belt on the
vehicle occupant.
The seat belt force limiters for the front seats are
synchronized with the front air bags, which
absorb part of the deceleration force. This can
reduce the force exerted on the vehicle occu-
pants during an accident.
! If the front-passenger seat is not occupied,
do not engage the seat belt tongue in the
buckle on the front-passenger seat. Other-
wise, in the event of an accident, the Emer-
gency Tensioning Device and front-passenger
front air bag may be triggered and would need
to be replaced.
Important safety notes The use of seat belts and child restraint systems
is required by law in: R
all 50 states R
the U.S. territories R
the District of Columbia R
all Canadian provinces
Even where this is not required by law, all vehicle
occupants should correctly fasten their seat
belts before starting the journey.
G WARNING
If the seat belt is incorrectly fastened, it can-
not protect as intended. Furthermore, an
incorrectly fastened seat belt can cause addi-
tional injury, for example, in an accident, dur- ing braking or when abruptly changing direc-
tion. This poses an increased risk of injury or
even fatal injury.
Make sure that all vehicle occupants are
seated properly with a correctly fastened seat
belt.
G WARNING
The seat belt does not offer the intended level
of protection if you have not moved the back-
rest to an almost vertical position. When brak-
ing or in the event of an accident, you could
slide underneath the seat belt and sustain
abdomen or neck injuries, for example. This
poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal
injury.
Adjust the seat properly before beginning
your journey. Always ensure that the backrest
is in an almost vertical position and that the
shoulder section of your seat belt is routed
across the center of your shoulder.
G WARNING
Persons under 5 ft (1.50 m) in height cannot
fasten the seat belt correctly without an addi-
tional suitable restraint system. If the seat
belt is incorrectly fastened, it cannot protect
as intended. Furthermore, an incorrectly fas-
tened seat belt can cause additional injury, for
example, in an accident, during braking or an
abrupt change of direction. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
For this reason, always secure persons under
5 ft (1.50 m) in height in suitable restraint
systems.
If a child younger than twelve years old and
under 5 ft (1.50 m) in height is traveling in the
vehicle: R
always secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for this Mercedes-Benz vehi-
cle. The child restraint system must be appro-
priate to the age, weight and size of the child R
always observe the instructions and safety
notes on "Children in the vehicle"
( Y
page 58) in addition to the child restraintOccupant safety 43
Safety Z

of whether the front-passenger seat is occupied
or not.
Window curtain air bags
Window curtain air bags C are integrated into
the side of the roof frame and deployed in the
area from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.
When deployed, the window curtain air bag
enhances the level of protection for the head.
However, it does not protect the chest or arms.
In the event of a side impact, the window curtain
air bag is deployed on the side on which the
impact occurs.
If the system determines that they can offer
additional protection to that provided by the
seat belt, a window curtain air bag may be
deployed in other accident situations
( Y
page 53).
Occupant Classification System
(OCS)
Introduction The Occupant Classification System (OCS) cat-
egorizes the person in the front-passenger seat.
Depending on that result, the front-passenger
front air bag and front-passenger knee bag are
either enabled or deactivated.
The system does not deactivate: R
the side impact air bag R
the pelvis air bag R
the window curtain air bag R
the Emergency Tensioning Devices Prerequisites To be classified correctly, the front passenger
must sit: R
with the seat belt fastened correctly R
in an almost upright position with their back
against the seat backrest R
with their feet resting on the floor, if possible
If the front passenger does not observe these
conditions, OCS may produce a false classifica-
tion, e.g. because the front passenger: R
transfers their weight by supporting them-
selves on a vehicle armrest R
sits in such a way that their weight is raised
from the seat cushion
If it is absolutely necessary to install a child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat, be
sure to observe the correct positioning of the
child restraint system. Never place objects
under or behind the child restraint system, e.g.
cushions. The entire base of the child restraint
system must always rest on the seat cushion of
the front-passenger seat. The backrest of the
forward-facing child restraint system must lie as
flat as possible against the backrest of the front-
passenger seat.
The child restraint system must not touch the
roof or be subjected to a load by the head
restraint. Adjust the angle of the seat backrest
and the head restraint position accordingly.
Only then can OCS be guaranteed to function
correctly. Always observe the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instructions.
Occupant Classification System opera-
tion (OCS) Occupant safety 49
Safety Z

G WARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems which have been damaged or subjected
to a load in an accident can no longer protect
as intended. The child cannot then be
restrained in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or sudden changes of direction. There
is an increased risk of injury, possibly even
fatal.
Replace child restraint systems which have
been damaged or subjected to a load in an
accident as soon as possible. Have the secur-
ing systems on the child restraint system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop,
before you install a child restraint system
again.
The securing systems of child restraint systems
are: R
the seat belt system R
the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing rings R
the Top Tether anchorages
If it is absolutely necessary to carry a child on
the front-passenger seat, be sure to observe the
information on the "Occupant Classification
System (OCS)" ( Y
page 49). There you will also
find information on deactivating the front-
passenger front air bag.
All child restraint systems must meet the fol-
lowing standards: R
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 225 R
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 210.2
Confirmation that the child restraint system cor-
responds to the standards can be found on an
instruction label on the child restraint system.
This confirmation can also be found in the instal-
lation instructions that are included with the
child restraint system.
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle inte-
rior and on the child restraint system. LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat secur-
ing system
G WARNING
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint systems
do not offer sufficient protective effect for
children whose weight is greater than 48 lbs
(22 kg) who are secured using the safety belt
integrated in the child restraint system. In the
event of an accident, a child might not be
restrained correctly. This poses an increased
risk of injury or even fatal injury.
If the child weighs more than 48 lbs (22 kg),
only use LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint
systems with which the child is also secured
with the vehicle seat belt. Also secure the
child restraint system with the Top Tether
belt, if available.
Always comply with the manufacturer's instal-
lation and operating instructions for the child
restraint system used.
Before every trip, make sure that the LATCH-
type (ISOFIX) child restraint system is engaged
correctly in both LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing
rings
When installing the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restraint system, fold protective caps D of
securing rings C inwards. X
Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint
system on both LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing
rings C .
ISOFIX is a standardized securing system for
specially designed child restraint systems on
the rear seats. LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing
rings for two LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint
systems are installed on the left and right of the
rear seats.60
Children in the vehicle
Safety

Child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat
General notes Accident statistics show that children secured
in the rear seats are safer than children secured
in the front-passenger seat. For this reason,
Mercedes-Benz strongly advises that you install
the child restraint system on a rear seat.
If it is absolutely necessary to install a child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat,
always observe the instructions and safety
notes on the "Occupant Classification System
(OCS)" ( Y
page 49).
You can thus avoid the risks that could arise as
a result of: R
an incorrectly categorized person in the front-
passenger seat R
the unintentional deactivation of the front-
passenger front air bag R
the unsuitable positioning of the child
restraint system, e.g. too close to the dash-
board
Rearward-facing child restraint system If it is absolutely necessary to install a rearward-
facing child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat, always make sure that the
front-passenger front air bag is deactivated.
Only if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp is permanently lit ( Y
page 42) is the front-
passenger front air bag deactivated.
Always observe the child restraint system man-
ufacturer's installation and operating instruc-
tions.
Forward-facing child restraint system If it is absolutely necessary to install a forward-
facing child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat, always move the front-
passenger seat as far back as possible. The
entire base of the child restraint system must
always rest on the seat cushion of the front-
passenger seat. The backrest of the child
restraint system must lie as flat as possible
against the backrest of the front-passenger
seat. The child restraint system must not touch
the roof or be subjected to a load by the head
restraint. Adjust the angle of the seat backrest
and the head restraint position accordingly.
Always make sure that the shoulder belt strap is correctly routed from the vehicle belt outlet to
the shoulder belt guide on the child restraint
system. The shoulder belt strap must be routed
forwards and downwards from the vehicle belt
outlet. If necessary, adjust the vehicle belt out-
let and the front-passenger seat accordingly.
Always observe the child restraint system man-
ufacturer's installation and operating instruc-
tions.
Child-proof locks
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If children are traveling in the vehicle, they
could: R
open doors, thus endangering other people
or road users R
exit the vehicle and be caught by oncoming
traffic R
operate vehicle equipment and become
trapped
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always activate the child-proof locks and
override feature if children are traveling in the
vehicle. When leaving the vehicle, always take
the key with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unattended in the vehicle.
Override feature for: R
the rear doors ( Y
page 63)R
the rear side windows ( Y
page 63)
G WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P .R
start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.62
Children in the vehicle
Safety

Never leave animals unattended in the vehi-
cle. Always secure animals properly during
the journey, e.g. use a suitable animal trans-
port box.
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems: R
ABS ( A nti-lock B raking S ystem)
( Y
page 64)R
BAS ( B rake A ssist S ystem) ( Y
page 65)R
BAS PLUS ( B rake A ssist S ystem PLUS) with
Cross-Traffic Assist ( Y
page 65)R
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
( Y
page 67)R
ESP ®
( E lectronic S tability P rogram)
( Y
page 69)R
EBD ( E lectronic B rake force D istribution)
( Y
page 72)R
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ( Y
page 72)R
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Y
page 73)
Important safety notes If you fail to adapt your driving style or if you are
inattentive, the driving safety systems can nei-
ther reduce the risk of an accident nor override
the laws of physics. Driving safety systems are
merely aids designed to assist driving. You are
responsible for maintaining the distance to the
vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in
good time, and for staying in lane. Always adapt
your driving style to suit the prevailing road and
weather conditions and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
The driving safety systems described only work
as effectively as possible when there is ade-
quate contact between the tires and the road
surface. Please pay special attention to the
notes on tires, recommended minimum tire
tread depths, etc. ( Y
page 301).
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)
General information 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.
The % ABS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h), regardless of road-surface conditions.
ABS works on slippery surfaces, even when you
only brake gently.
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 64).
G WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking charac-
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition-
ally, further driving safety systems are deac-
tivated. There is an increased danger of skid-
ding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe the information
on the ABS warning lamp ( Y
page 238) and dis-
play messages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster ( Y
page 213).
Braking X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking sit-
uation is over. X
To make a full brake application: depress
the brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel a
pulsing in the brake pedal.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication
of hazardous road conditions, and functions as a
reminder to take extra care while driving.64
Driving safety systems
Safety