open hood MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 2018 Owners Manual

Head restraints
Adjusting ........................................ .9 5
Adjusting (electrically) ..................... 95
Adjusting (rear) ................................ 95
Installing/removing (rear) ................ 96
Luxury .............................................. 95
see NECK-PRO head restraints
see NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
Headlamps
Fogging up .................................... .1 08
see Automatic headlamp mode
Heating
see Climate control
High beam flasher ............................ .1 06
High-beam headlamps
Adaptive Highbeam Assist ............. 107
Display message ............................ 212
Switching on/off ........................... 106
Hill start assist .................................. 126
HOLD function
Activating ....................................... 158
Deactivating ................................... 158
Display message ............................ 216
Function/notes ............................ .1 57
Home address
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ................................................. .2 36
Hood
Closing .......................................... .2 66
Display message ............................ 224
Important safety notes .................. 265
Opening ......................................... 265
Horn ...................................................... 33
Hydroplaning ..................................... 147
I
Ignition lock
see Key positions
Immobilizer .......................................... 74
Indicator and warning lamps
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS .............................................. 234
Indicator lamps
see Warning and indicator lamps
Indicators
see Turn signals
Insect protection on the radiator .... 266 Instrument cluster
Overview .......................................... 34
Settings ......................................... 197
Warning and indicator lamps ........... 34
Instrument cluster lighting .............. 198
Interior lighting
Automatic control .......................... 109
Control .......................................... .1 09
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 199
Overview ........................................ 108
Reading lamp ................................. 108
Setting the brightness of the
ambient lighting (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 198
Setting the brightness of the dis-
play/switch (on-board computer) .. 198
Setting the color of the ambient
lighting (on-board computer) ......... 198
iPod ®
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ................................................. .2 36
J Jack
Storage location ............................ 277
Using ............................................. 313
Jump starting (engine) ..................... .2 85
K
Key positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 123
SmartKey ....................................... 123
KEYLESS-GO
Activating ......................................... 76
Convenience closing feature ............ 89
Deactivation ..................................... 76
Display message ............................ 225
Locking ............................................ 76
Removing the Start/Stop button ... 124
Start/Stop button .......................... 123
Starting the engine ........................ 125
Unlocking ......................................... 76
Kickdown
Driving tips ................................... .1 33
Manual drive program .................... 13712
Index

i The immobilizer is always deactivated when
you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be started
(yet the vehicle's battery is charged), the sys-
tem is not operational. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or call
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA) or
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
ATA (anti-theft alarm system) X
To arm: lock the vehicle with the SmartKey or
KEYLESS-GO.
Indicator lamp C flashes. The alarm system
is armed after approximately 15 seconds. X
To disarm: unlock the vehicle with the Smart-
Key or KEYLESS-GO.
or X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or X
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: press the
Start/Stop button.
The SmartKey must be in the vehicle.
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open: R
a door R
the vehicle with the mechanical key R
the trunk lid R
the hood X
To stop the alarm with the SmartKey:
press the 6 or 7 button on the Smart-
Key.
The alarm is stopped.
or X
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
( Y
page 124). X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
The alarm is stopped. X
To stop the alarm using KEYLESS-GO:
grasp the outside door handle. The SmartKey
must be outside the vehicle.
The alarm is stopped.
or X
Press the Start/Stop button on the dash-
board. The SmartKey must be inside the vehi-
cle.
The alarm is stopped.
The alarm is not switched off, even if you close
the open door that triggered it, for example.
i If the alarm continues for more than
30 seconds, the mbrace emergency call sys-
tem automatically notifies the Customer
Assistance Center. This is done either by text
message or data connection.
The emergency call system sends the mes-
sage or data provided that: R
you have subscribed to the mbrace service. R
the mbrace service has been activated
properly. R
the necessary mobile phone network is
available.Protection against theft 75
Safety Z

R
the system detects that the windshield is not
fogged up when the air-conditioning system is
switched on R
the hood is closed R
the driver's door is closed and the driver's
seat belt is fastened
i All of the vehicle's systems remain active
when the engine is stopped automatically.
i The HOLD function can also be activated if
the engine has been switched off automati-
cally. It is then not necessary to continue
applying the brakes during the automatic stop
phase. When you depress the accelerator
pedal, the engine starts automatically and the
braking effect of the HOLD function is deac-
tivated.
Automatic engine switch-off can take place a
maximum of four times in a row (initial stop, then
three subsequent stops).
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the number of con-
secutive automatic engine switch-offs is unlimi-
ted.
All other models: automatic engine switch-off
can take place a maximum of four times in a row
(initial switch-off, then three subsequent switch-
offs).
Automatic engine start The engine starts automatically if: R
you switch off the ECO start/stop function by
pressing the ECO button R
in transmission position D or N the brake
pedal is released and the HOLD function is not
active R
you depress the accelerator pedal R
you engage reverse gear RR
you move the transmission out of position PR
you switch to drive program S , S+ or M
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) R
you unfasten your seat belt or open the driv-
er's door R
the vehicle starts to roll R
the brake system requires this R
the temperature in the vehicle interior devi-
ates from the set range R
the system detects moisture on the wind-
shield when the air-conditioning system is
switched on R
the battery's condition of charge is too low i Shifting the transmission to position P does
not start the engine.
Deactivating or activating the ECO
start/stop function Mercedes-AMG vehicles X
To deactivate: in drive program C , press ECO
button C .
or X
Switch to drive program S , S+ or M
( Y
page 134).
Indicator lamp D goes out.X
To activate: press ECO button C .
Indicator lamp D lights up.
If drive program S , S+ or M is active, the auto-
matic transmission switches to drive program
C .
If indicator lamp D is off, the ECO start/stop
function has been deactivated manually or as
the result of a malfunction. The engine will then
not be switched off automatically when the vehi-
cle stops.
All other models Driving 127
Dr ivi ng an d parking Z

Important safety notes
G WARNIN G
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipmen t integrate d in th e vehi-
cle while driving , you will be distracte d from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of th e vehicle. Ther e is a ris k of an accident.
Only operate th e equipmen t when th e traffic
situation permits. If you are no t sur e that this
is possible , park th e vehicl e payin g attention
to traffic condition s and operate th e equip-
men t when th e vehicl e is stationary.
You must observ e th e legal requirements for th e
country in whic h you are currentl y driving when
operating th e on-board computer.
G WARNIN G
If th e instrumen t cluste r has faile d or mal-
functioned, you may no t recognize function
restriction s in systems relevan t to safety. The
operating safet y of your vehicl e may be
impaired . Ther e is a ris k of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Hav e th e vehicl e checke d
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
The on-board computer only shows message s or
warning s from certain systems in th e multifunc-
tion display. You should therefor e mak e sur e
your vehicl e is operating safely at all times .
If th e operating safet y of your vehicl e is
impaired , pull ove r as soo n as it is saf e to do so.
Contac t a qualified specialist workshop.
Fo r an overview, see th e instrumen t panel illus-
tration ( Y
page 34).
Displays and operation
Speedometer with segments
The segments in th e speedometer indicat e
whic h spee d range is available.R
Cruis e control activated ( Y
page 148):
The segments ligh t up from th e store d spee d
to th e en d of th e scale.R
DISTRONI C PLU S activated ( Y
page 149): On e or two segments in th e set spee d range
ligh t up. R
DISTRONI C PLU S detects a vehicl e in fron t
moving mor e slowly than th e store d speed:
The segments between th e spee d of th e vehi-
cle in fron t and th e store d spee d ligh t up.
Tachometer
! Do no t driv e in th e overrevving range, as this
could damag e th e engine.
The red ban d in th e tachometer indicates th e
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel suppl y is interrupted to protect th e
engin e when th e red ban d is reached.
Outside temperature display You should pay special attention to road condi-
tion s when temperatures are aroun d freezing
point.
Bea r in min d that th e outside temperature dis-
play indicates th e temperature measured and
does no t record th e road temperature.
The outside temperature display is in th e multi-
function display ( Y
page 190).
The multifunction display shows changes in th e
outside temperature wit h a delay.
Coolant temperature gauge
G WARNIN G
Opening th e hoo d when th e engin e is over-
heated or when there is a fir e in th e engin e
compartmen t could expos e you to hot gase s
or other servic e products . Ther e is a ris k of
injury.
Let an overheate d engin e cool down before
opening th e hood. If there is a fir e in th e
engin e compartment, keep th e hoo d closed
and contact th e fir e department.
! A display message is shown if th e coolan t
temperature is to o high .
If th e coolan t temperature is ove r 24 8 ‡
(12 0 †), do no t continue driving . The engin e
will otherwise be damaged.188
Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays

Engine compartment
Hood
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it may open up when
the vehicle is in motion and block your view.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never unlatch the hood while driving. Before
every trip, ensure that the hood is locked.
G WARNING
When opening and closing the hood, it may
suddenly fall into the closed position. There is
a risk of injury to persons within range of
movement of the hood.
Open and close the hood only when no one is
within its range of movement.
G WARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
G WARNING
The engine compartment contains moving
components. Certain components, such as
the radiator fan, may continue to run or start
again suddenly when the ignition is off. There
is a risk of injury.
If you need to do any work inside the engine
compartment: R
switch off the ignition R
never reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area R
remove jewelry and watches R
keep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, away from moving parts
G WARNING
The ignition system and the fuel injection sys-
tem work under high voltage. If you touch
components which are under voltage, you
could get an electric shock. There is a risk of
injury.
Never touch components of the ignition sys-
tem or fuel injection system when the ignition
is switched on.
Opening the hood
G WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and
touch only the components described in the
following.
G WARNING
When the hood is open and the windshield
wipers are set in motion, you can be injured by
the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before opening the hood.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield wip-
ers or the hood.Engine compartment 265
Maintenance and care Z

X
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
turned off. X
Pull release lever C on the hood.
The hood is released.
X
Reach into the gap, pull hood catch handle D
up and lift the hood.
If you lift the hood by approximately 15 in
(40 cm), the hood is opened and held open
automatically by the gas-filled strut.
Closing the hood X
Lower the hood and let it fall from a height of
approximately 8 in (20 cm). X
Check that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close it
with a little more force.
Radiator
Do not cover up the radiator, such as with a
thermal mat or insect protection cover. The
readings of the on-board-diagnostic system may
otherwise be inaccurate. Some of these read-
ings are required by law and must be accurate at
all times. Engine oil
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and
touch only the components described in the
following.
G WARNING
The engine compartment contains moving
components. Certain components, such as
the radiator fan, may continue to run or start
again suddenly when the ignition is off. There
is a risk of injury.
If you need to do any work inside the engine
compartment: R
switch off the ignition R
never reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area R
remove jewelry and watches R
keep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, away from moving parts
G WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot com-
ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil is not spilled next to
the filler neck. Let the engine cool down and
thoroughly clean the engine oil off the com-
ponents before starting the engine.
G WARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.266
Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
General notes Depending on your driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.8 US qt (0.8 liters) of oil per
600 miles (1,000 km). The oil consumption may
be higher than this when the vehicle is new or if
you frequently drive at high engine speeds.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may be
in a different location.
When checking the oil level: R
park the vehicle on a level surface R
the engine should be switched off for approx-
imately five minutes if the engine is at normal
operating temperature R
if the engine is not at normal operating tem-
perature, e.g. if the engine was only started
briefly, wait about 30 minutes before carrying
out the measurement
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick
Example X
Pull oil dipstick C out of the dipstick guide
tube. X
Wipe off oil dipstick C .X
Slowly slide oil dipstick C into the guide tube
to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark

Additional service products
Import ant safety notes
G WARNIN G
Certain component s in th e engin e compart-
ment, suc h as th e engine, radiato r and part s
of th e exhaust system, can become ver y hot .
Working in th e engin e compartmen t poses a
ris k of injury.
Wher e possible, let th e engin e cool down and
touch only th e component s described in th e
following.
G WARNIN G
The engin e compartmen t contain s moving
components. Certain components, suc h as
th e radiato r fan , may continu e to run or start
again suddenly when th e ignition is off . There
is a ris k of injury.
If you need to do any wor k inside th e engin e
compartment: R
switch off th e ignitionR
never reac h int o th e area wher e there is a
ris k of danger from moving components,
suc h as th e fan rotation areaR
remove jewelr y and watchesR
keep items of clothing and hair , for exam-
ple, away from moving part s
G WARNIN G
The coolin g system is pressurized, particularly
when th e motor is warm . If you open th e cap ,
you could be scalded if hot coolan t sprays out .
There is a ris k of injury.
Let th e engin e cool down before you open th e
cap . Wear gloves and eye protection . Slowly
open th e cap to reliev e pressure.
G WARNIN G
Opening th e hoo d when th e engin e is over-
heated or when there is a fir e in th e engin e
compartmen t could expos e you to hot gase s
or other servic e products . There is a ris k of
injury. Let an overheate d engin e cool down before
opening th e hood. If there is a fir e in th e
engin e compartment, keep th e hoo d closed
and contact th e fir e department.
Checking coolant level
Exampl e X
Park th e vehicl e on a level surface.
Only chec k th e coolan t level when th e vehicl e
is on a level surfac e and th e engin e has cooled
down . X
Turn th e SmartKey to position 2 in th e ignition
loc k ( Y
page 123).
or X
On vehicles wit h KEYLESS-GO , press th e
Start/Sto p butto n twice ( Y
page 123).X
Chec k th e coolan t temperature display in th e
instrumen t cluster.
The coolan t temperature mus t be belo w
15 8 ‡ (70 †). X
Turn th e SmartKey to position 0 in th e ignition
loc k ( Y
page 123).
or X
Press th e Start/Sto p butto n once on vehicles
wit h KEYLESS-GO ( Y
page 123).X
Slowly tur n cap C half a tur n counter-clock -
wise and allow excess pressur e to escape.X
Turn cap C further counter-clockwise and
remove it .
If th e coolan t is at th e level of marke r bar

Mercedes-Benz. These batteries provide
increased impact protection to prevent vehicle
occupants from suffering acid burns should the
battery be damaged in the event of an accident.
In order for the battery to achieve the maximum
possible service life, it must always be suffi-
ciently charged.
Like other batteries, the vehicle battery may
discharge over time if you do not use the vehicle.
In this case, have the battery disconnected at a
qualified specialist workshop. You can also
charge the battery with a charger recommended
by Mercedes-Benz. Contact a qualified special-
ist workshop for further information.
Have the battery condition of charge checked
more frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for
short trips or if you leave it standing idle for a
lengthy period. Consult a qualified specialist
workshop if you wish to leave your vehicle
parked for a long period of time.
Remove the SmartKey if you park the vehicle
and do not require any electrical consumers.
The vehicle will then use very little energy, thus
conserving battery power.
If the power supply has been interrupted, e.g. if
you reconnect the battery, you will have to: R
set the clock; see the Digital Operator's Man-
ual
On vehicles with a multimedia system, the
time is set automatically. R
reset the function for folding the exterior mir-
rors in/out automatically, by folding the mir-
rors out once ( Y
page 101).
Charging the battery
! Only use battery chargers with a maximum
charging voltage of 14.8 V.
G WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is a
risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting.
Do not lean over a battery.
G WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately with
plenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
G WARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at tempera-
tures below freezing point. When jump-start-
ing the vehicle or charging the battery, gases
can escape from the battery. There is a risk of
an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before
charging it or jump-starting.
! Only charge the battery using the jump-
starting connection point.
The jump-starting connection point is in the
engine compartment ( Y
page 285).X
Open the hood. X
Connect the battery charger to the positive
terminal and ground point in the same order
as when connecting the donor battery in the
jump-starting procedure ( Y
page 285).
Keep away from fire and open flames. Do not
lean over a battery. Never charge the battery if it
is still installed in the vehicle, unless you use a
battery charger which has been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. A battery charger
unit specially adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehi-
cles and tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz is available as an accessory. It permits the
charging of the battery in its installed position.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for further information and availability. Read the
battery charger's operating instructions before
charging the battery.
If the warning and indicator lamps do not light up
on the instrument cluster when temperatures
are low, it is probably because the discharged
battery has frozen. In this case, you may neither
charge the battery nor jump-start the vehicle.
The service life of a thawed-out battery may be
shorter. The starting characteristics can be
impaired, particularly at low temperatures. Have
the thawed-out battery checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.284
Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance

Do not start the vehicle using a rapid charging device. If your vehicle's battery is discharged, the
engine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a second battery using jumper cables.
Observe the following points: R
The battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible, jump-
start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device. R
You may only jump-start the vehicle when the engine and exhaust system are cold. R
Only jump-start from batteries with a 12 V voltage rating. R
Only use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps. R
If the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected for
a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the battery slightly. R
Make sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
Make sure that: R
the jumper cables are not damaged. R
when the jumper cables are connected to the battery, uninsulated sections of the terminal clamp
do not come into contact with other metal sections. R
the jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts which can move when the engine is
running, such a s the V-belt pulley or the fan.X
Apply the parking brake firmly. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Make sure that the ignition is switched off. All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster must be
off. When using the SmartKey, turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition lock and remove it
( Y
page 123).X
Switch off all electrical consumers, e.g. rear window defroster, lighting, etc. X
Open the hood.
Position number