ABS MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 2018 Owners Manual

1, 2, 3 ...4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic Trac-
tion System)
4MATIC (permanent all-wheel
drive)
Function/notes ............................ .1 63
12 V socket
see Sockets
360° camera
Cleaning ......................................... 274
Display in the multimedia system .. 175
Function/notes ............................ .1 73
AABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Display message ............................ 204
Function/notes ................................ 64
Important safety notes .................... 64
Warning lamp ................................. 229
Accident
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 58
Activating media mode
General notes ................................ 241
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 116
Active Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 196
Display message ............................ 217
Function/information .................... 182
Active Driving Assistance package .. 182
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 197
Display message ............................ 217
Function/information .................... 184
Active multicontour seat
Adjusting (on the seat) ..................... 97
Active Parking Assist
Detecting parking spaces .............. 166
Display message ............................ 217
Exiting a parking space .................. 168
Function/notes ............................. 165
Important safety notes .................. 165 Parking .......................................... 167
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 72
Adaptive Brake Assist
Function/notes ................................ 68
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) ..... 160
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message ............................ 212
Function/notes ............................. 107
Switching on/off ........................... 108
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 326
Address book
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Adjusting the volume
Audio 20 ........................................ 237
COMAND ....................................... 237
Air bags
Deployment ..................................... 53
Display message ............................ 210
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 .......................... 47
Window curtain air bag .................... 49
AIR FLOW ........................................... 117
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 121
Important safety notes .................. 121
Rear ............................................... 121
Setting ........................................... 121
Setting the center air vents ........... 121
Setting the side air vents ............... 121
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIRMATIC
Display message ............................ 215
Function/notes ............................. 159
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 75
Switching off (ATA) .......................... 754
Index

Switching the function on/off
(ATA) ................................................ 75
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 198
Setting the color (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 198
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ................................................ 161
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ashtray ............................................... 252
Assistance display (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 195
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 195
ASSYST PLUS
Displaying a service message ........ 270
Hiding a service message .............. 269
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 270
Service message ............................ 269
Special service requirements ......... 270
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 75
Function ........................................... 75
Switching off the alarm .................... 75
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 196
Display message ............................ 215
Function/notes ............................. 177
Audio 20
Switching on/off ........................... 237
Audio system
see separate operating instructions
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 212
see Lights
Automatic car wash (care) ............... 270 Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 127
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 126
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 105
Automatic transmission
Accelerator pedal position ............. 133
Automatic drive program ............... 135
Cha nging gear ............................... 133
DIR
ECT SELECT lever ..................... 130
Display message ............................ 223
Drive program display .................... 130
Driving tips .................................... 133
Emergency running mode .............. 138
Engaging drive position .................. 132
Engaging neutral ............................ 131
Engaging park position
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. 130
Engaging park position automati-
cally ............................................... 131
Engaging reverse gear ................... 131
Engaging the park position ............ 131
Kickdown ....................................... 133
Manual drive program .................... 135
Manual drive program (Mercedes-
AMG vehicles) ................................ 136
Manual drive program (vehicles
with Sports package AMG) ............ 136
Overview ........................................ 129
Problem (malfunction) ................... 138
Program selector button ................ 133
Pulling away ................................... 125
Selector lever ................................ 129
Starting the engine ........................ 125
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 135
Transmission position display ........ 129
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ................... 130
Transmission positions .................. 132
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 138
B
Back button ....................................... 237
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 65Index 5

BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) with Cross-Traffic Assist
Function/notes ................................ 65
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 ........................................ 284
Display message ............................ 214
Important safety notes .................. 282
Jump starting ................................. 285
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 196
Display message ............................ 217
Notes/function .............................. 179
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Bluetooth ®
Connecting a different mobile
phone ............................................ 241
Searching for a mobile phone ........ 240
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Telephony ...................................... 239
Box (trunk) ......................................... 246
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 206
Notes ............................................. 326
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 212
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 64
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 68
BAS .................................................. 65
BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic
Assist ............................................... 65 Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 326
Display message ............................ 204
High-performance brake system .... 146
HOLD function ............................... 157
Important safety notes .................. 145
Maintenance .................................. 145
Parking brake ................................ 142
Riding tips ...................................... 145
Warning lamp ................................. 228
Breakdown
Where will I find...? ........................ 277
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster li ghtin g) ...................................
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 ................................. 274
Car wash ........................................ 270
Carpets .......................................... 276
Display ........................................... 275
Exhaust pipe .................................. 274
Exterior lights ................................ 274
Interior ........................................... 275
Matte finish ................................... 272
Notes ............................................. 270
Paint .............................................. 272
Plastic trim .................................... 275
Power washer ................................ 271
Rear view camera .......................... 274
Roof lining ...................................... 276
Seat belt ........................................ 276
Seat cover ..................................... 275
Selector lever ................................ 275
Sensors ......................................... 274
Steering wheel ............................... 275
Trim pieces .................................... 275
Washing by hand ........................... 271
Wheels ........................................... 2736
Index

Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ...................................... .7 6
Control panel .................................. .4 0
Display message ............................ 224
Emergency locking ........................... 83
Emergency unlocking ....................... 83
Important safety notes .................... 81
Opening (from inside) ...................... 81
Drinking and driving ......................... 143
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 135
Display ........................................... 129
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 130
Manual ........................................... 135
Manual (Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles) ............................................... 136
Manual (vehicles with Sports
package AMG) ............................... 136
SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 201
Drive program selector ..................... 134
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service ................. 270
Driving on flooded roads .................. 147
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 ............................. 72
Driving system
RACE START (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 158
Driving systems
360°camera .................................. 173 Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 182
Active Driving Assistance pack-
age ................................................. 182
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 184
Acti ve
Parking Assist ..................... 165
AIRMATIC ...................................... 159
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 161
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 177
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 179
Cruise control ................................ 148
Display message ............................ 215
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 149
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering
Assist and Stop&Go Pilot ............... 155
HOLD function ............................... 157
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 181
Lane Tracking package .................. 179
PARKTRONIC ................................. 163
Rear view camera .......................... 169
Traffic Sign Assist .......................... 178
Driving tips
AMG ceramic brakes ..................... 146
Automatic transmission ................. 133
Brakes ........................................... 145
Break-in period .............................. 122
Downhill gradient ........................... 145
Drinking and driving ....................... 143
Driving in winter ............................. 147
Driving on flooded roads ................ 147
Driving on wet roads ...................... 147
Exhaust check ............................... 144
Fuel ................................................ 143
General .......................................... 143
Hydroplaning ................................. 147
Icy road surfaces ........................... 147
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 145
Snow chains .................................. 294
Wet road surface ........................... 145
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 193
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236 Index 9

Data acquisition ............................... 30
Display message ............................ 223
Equipment ....................................... 26
Individual settings .......................... 197
Limited Warranty ............................. 30
Loading .......................................... 302
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 83
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 76
Lowering ........................................ 316
Maintenance .................................... 27
Parking for a long period ................ 143
Pulling away ................................... 125
Raising ........................................... 313
Reporting problems ........................ .2 9
Securing from rolling away ............ 313
Towing away .................................. 287
Transporting .................................. 289
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 83
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 76
Vehicle data ................................... 328
Vehicle data ....................................... 328
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 328
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 83
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 322
Vehicle level
AIRMATIC ...................................... 159
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 215
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 277
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 193
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
VIN
Seat ............................................... 323
Type plate ...................................... 322
Voice Control System
see See also Digital Operator's Manual
W
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 229
Brakes ........................................... 228
Check Engine ................................. 232
Coolant .......................................... 232
Distance warning ........................... 234 ESP ®
.............................................. 229
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 230
Fuel tank ........................................ 232
General notes ................................ 226
Overview .......................................... 34
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ............... 42
Reserve fuel ................................... 232
Restraint system ............................ 231
Seat belt ........................................ 227
SPORT handling mode ................... 231
Tire pressure monitor .................... 235
Warranty .............................................. 26
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 225
Weather display (COMAND)
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Wheel and tire combinations
Tires ............................................... 317
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 316
Wheel chock ...................................... 313
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 312
Checking ........................................ 292
Cleaning ......................................... 273
Emergency spare wheel ................. 317
Important safety notes .................. 292
Information on driving .................... 292
Interchanging/changing ................ 312
Mounting a new wheel ................... 315
Mounting a wheel .......................... 313
Removing a wheel .......................... 315
Storing ........................................... 313
Tightening torque ........................... 316
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 317
Window curtain air bag
Operation ......................................... 49
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 118
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid ....................... 269
Important safety notes .................. 32722
Index

occupant in the best position in relation to the
air bag.
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 not worn correctly, it cannot
perform its intended protective function. An incorrectly fastened seat belt can also cause
injuries, for example, in the event of an acci-
dent or when braking or changing direction
abruptly. This poses an increased risk of injury
or even fatal injury.
Always ensure that all vehicle occupants have
their seat belts fastened correctly and are sit-
ting properly.
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 less than 5 ft (1.50 m) tall cannot
wear the seat belt correctly without an addi-
tional and suitable restraint system. If the
seat belt is not worn correctly, it cannot per-
form its intended protective function. An
incorrectly fastened seat belt can also cause
injuries, for example, in the event of an acci-
dent or when braking or changing direction
abruptly. This poses an increased risk of injury
or even fatal injury.
For this reason, always secure persons under
5 ft (1.50 m) tall in suitable additional 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-Occupant safety 43
Safety Z

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 Requirements 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. a
cushion. 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 and operating
instructions.
Occupant Classification System opera-
tion (OCS) Occupant safety 49
Safety Z

Replac e child restrain t systems whic h hav e
been damaged or subjecte d to a load in an
acciden t as soo n as possible. Hav e th e secur-
ing systems on th e child restrain t system
checke d at a qualified specialist workshop,
before you instal l a child restrain t system
again .
The securin g systems of child restrain t systems
are: R
th e seat belt systemR
th e LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securin g ringsR
th e Top Tether anchorages
If it is absolutely necessar y to carry a child on
th e front-passenger seat , be sur e to observ e th e
information on th e "Occupant Classification
Syste m (OCS)" ( Y
page 49). There you will also
fin d information on deactivating th e front-
passenger fron t air bag.
All child restrain t systems mus t mee t th e fol -
lowin g standards :R
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicl e Safet y Standards
21 3 and 22 5R
Canadian Motor Vehicl e Safet y Standards
21 3 and 210. 2
Confirmation that th e child restrain t system cor-
responds to th e standards can be foun d on an
instruction label on th e child restrain t system.
This confirmation can also be foun d in th e instal -
lation instruction s that are included wit h th e
child restrain t system.
Observ e th e warning labels in th e vehicl e inte-
rio r and on th e ch ild re strain t s
ystem.
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat secur-
ing system
G WARNIN G
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restrain t systems
do no t offer sufficien t protective effec t for
children whos e weigh t is greate r than 48 lbs
(22 kg ) who are secured usin g th e safet y belt
integrate d in th e child restrain t system. In th e
event of an accident, a child might no t be
restrained correctly. This poses an increased
ris k of injury or eve n fatal injury.
If th e child weigh s mor e than 48 lbs (22 kg),
only use LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restrain t systems wit h whic h th e child is also secured
wit h th e vehicl e seat belt . Als o secure th e
child restrain t system wit h th e Top Tether
belt , if available.
Always comply wit h th e manufacturer' s instal -
lation and operating instruction s for th e child
restrain t system used .
Before every trip, mak e sur e that th e LATCH -
typ e (ISOFIX) child restrain t system is engage d
correctl y in bot h LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securin g
rings
When installin g th e LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restrain t system, fol d protective cap s D of
securin g rings C inwards .X
Install th e LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restrain t
system on bot h LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securin g
rings C .
ISOFIX is a standardize d securin g system for
specially designed child restrain t systems on
th e rear seats. LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securin g
rings for two LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restrain t
systems are installed on th e lef t and right of th e
rear seats.
Non-LATCH-typ e (ISOFIX) child seat s may also
be used and can be installed usin g th e vehicle's
seat belt system. Install th e child seat according
to th e manufacturer' s instructions.
Top Tether
Introduction
Top Tether provide s an additional connection
between th e child restrain t system secured wit h
a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) system and th e vehicle.
This help s reduce th e ris k of injury eve n further.
If th e child restrain t system is equipped wit h a
Top Tether belt , this should always be used .60
Children in the vehicle
Safety

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.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
G WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected
to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle.62
Children in the vehicle
Safety

Drivin g safet y systems
Overview of drivin g safet y systemsIn this section , you will fin d information about
th e followin g drivin g safet y systems :R
AB S ( A n ti-loc k B rakin g S ystem)
( Y
page 64)R
BA S ( B rak e A ssist S ystem) ( Y
page 65)R
BA S PLU S ( B rake A s sis t S ystem PLUS) wit h
Cross-Traffic Assis t ( Y
page 65)R
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLU S
( Y
page 67 )R
ES P ®
( E lectronic S t ability P r ogram)
( Y
page 69)R
EB D ( E lectroni c B rak e forc e D istribution )
( Y
page 72 )R
ADAPTIV E BRAKE ( Y
page 72 )R
PRE-SAF E ®
Brak e ( Y
page 72 )
Important safet y notesIf you fail to adapt your drivin g style or if you are
inattentive , th e drivin g safet y systems can nei-
ther reduce th e ris k of an acciden t no r override
th e laws of physics. Driving safet y systems are
merely aids designed to assist driving. You are
responsible fo r maintainin g th e distanc e to th e
vehicle in front, fo r vehicle speed, fo r braking in
goo d time, and fo r stayin g in lane. Always adapt
your drivin g style to suit th e prevailin g road and
weather condition s and maintain a saf e distanc e
from th e vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
The drivin g safet y systems described only wor k
as effectively as possible when there is ade-
quat e contact between th e tires and th e road
surface. Pay particular attention to th e informa-
tion regardin g tires , recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in th e "Wheels and tires "
section ( Y
page 292).
In wintr y drivin g conditions, always use winte r
tires (M+ S tires )a nd 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 229) and dis-
play messages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster ( Y
page 204).
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