Vehicle MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class 2012 W218 User Guide

Parking brakeDisplay message ............................ 219
Notes/function .............................. 151
see Parking brake
PARKTRONIC
Deactivating/activating .................173
Driving system ............................... 171
Function/notes ............................. 171
Problem (malfunction) ...................175
Range of the sensors .....................172
Warning display ............................. 173
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp ...................................................... 43
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) . 290
Power washers .................................. 287
Power windows see Side windows
PRE-SAFE ®
(Preventive occupant
safety system) Display message ............................ 220
Operation ......................................... 48
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS) Display message ............................ 220
Function/notes ................................ 67
Warning lamp ................................. 251
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS) Switching on/off ........................... 207
Preventive occupant safety
system
see PRE-SAFE ®
(Preventive
occupant safety system)
Product information ............................ 21
Program selector button .................. 143
Pulling away (automatic
transmission) ..................................... 135
Q
Qualified specialist workshop ........... 22
R
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ............. 167
RACETIMER (on-board computer) .... 213
Radar sensor system
Activating/deactivating .................211
Display message ............................ 230
Radio
Selecting a station .........................203
see separate operating instructions
Reading lamp ..................................... 111
Rear axle level control (AMG
adaptive sport suspension
system) .............................................. 170
Rear compartment Setting the air vents ......................129
Setting the temperature ................124
Rear lamps
see Lights
Rear seat
Display message ............................ 238
Rear seat (folding the backrest
forwards/back) ................................. 259
Rear view camera Cleaning instructions .....................289
Function/notes ............................. 178
Rear-view mirror
Dipping (automatic) .......................101
Rear window blind ............................ 264
Rear window defroster Problem (malfunction) ...................126
Rear window heating
Switching on/off ........................... 126
Refueling
Fuel gauge ....................................... 27
Important safety notes ..................147
Refueling process ..........................148
see Fuel
Remote control
Garage door opener .......................273
Reserve (fuel tank)
see Fuel
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 229
Warning lamp ................................. 248
see Fuel
Residual heat (climate control) ........ 127
Restraint system see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Roadside Assistance (breakdown) .... 2214Index

Roller blindsee Roller sunblind
Roller sunblind
Rear window .................................. 264
Roof carrier ........................................ 261
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 292
Roof load (maximum) see Technical data
Route
see Route guidance (navigation)
Route guidance (navigation) ............ 202
S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................55
Child restraint systems ....................55
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 43
Overview of occupant safety
systems ........................................... 36
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems
Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................53
Adjusting the height ......................... 53
Belt force limiters ............................ 54
Cleaning ......................................... 292
Correct usage .................................. 51
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 54
Fastening ......................................... 52
Important safety guidelines .............50
Releasing ......................................... 53
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Special seat belt retractor ...............57
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ......................212
Warning lamp ................................. 241
Warning lamp (function) ................... 53
Seats
Active multicontour seat ..................96
Adjusting (electrically) .....................94
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support ............................................ 97
Adjusting the head restraint ............94
Cleaning the cover .........................291
Correct driver's seat position ........... 92
Important safety notes ....................93
Multicontour seat ............................ 96
Seat backrest display message .....238
Seat heating problem ......................98
Seat ventilation problem ..................98
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 102
Switching seat heating on/off .........97
Switching the seat ventilation on/
off .................................................... 98
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 289
Service see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Service interval display
Displaying service messages .........285
Hiding service messages ...............285
Notes ............................................. 285
Service messages ..........................284
Service menu (on-board computer) . 208
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 350
Capacities ...................................... 347
Coolant (engine) ............................ 350
Engine oil ....................................... 349
Fuel ................................................ 347
Important safety notes ..................346
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 350
Washer fluid ................................... 351
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........212
On-board computer .......................208
Setting the air distribution ............... 124
Setting the airflow ............................ 124
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 213
Side impact air bag ............................. 41
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 225
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............87
Convenience opening feature ..........87
Important safety information ...........86
Opening/closing .............................. 86
Problem (malfunction) .....................88
Resetting ......................................... 88Index15

Sliding sunroofImportant safety notes ....................88
Opening/closing .............................. 89
Problem (malfunction) .....................90
Resetting ......................................... 89
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................76
Changing the programming .............75
Checking the battery .......................76
Convenience closing feature ............87
Convenience opening feature ..........87
Display message ............................ 239
Door central locking/unlocking .......72
Important safety notes ....................72
Loss ................................................. 78
Mechanical key ................................ 75
Positions (ignition lock) .................132
Problem (malfunction) .....................78
Starting the engine ........................134
Snow chains ...................................... 317
Socket Under the armrest .........................266
Sockets
Center console .............................. 267
Points to observe before use .........266
Rear compartment .........................267
Trunk ............................................. 267
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 341
Storage location ............................ 295
Stowing .......................................... 295
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 22
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 201
In the Instrument cluster .................27
Segments ...................................... 197
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 208
see Instrument cluster
SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 65
Warning lamp ................................. 246SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 221
Introduction ..................................... 36
Warning lamp ................................. 247
Warning lamp (function) ................... 36
Standing lamps
Display message ............................ 225
Switching on/off ........................... 106
Starting (engine) ................................ 134
Station see Radio
Steering (display message) .............. 239
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) .....................99
Button overview ............................... 29
Buttons (on-board
computer) ...................................... 197
Important safety notes ....................98
Paddle shifters ............................... 144
Steering wheel heating ....................99
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 102
Steering wheel (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 291
Steering wheel heating Indicator lamp (malfunction) ............99
Switching on/off .............................. 99
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 144
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 213
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 257
Glove box ....................................... 256
Parcel net ...................................... 258
Rear ............................................... 258
Under driver's seat/front-
passenger seat .............................. 258
Stowage space
Center console .............................. 257
Cup holders ................................... 261
Important safety information .........256
Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor .................................................... 260
Summer opening see Convenience opening feature
Summer tires ..................................... 316
Sun visor ............................................ 26316Index

Supplement Restraint Systemsee SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 210
Suspension tuning AIRMATIC ...................................... 169
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 170
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........213
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 126
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 69
T
Tachometer ........................................ 197
Tail lamps Display message ............................ 225
see Lights
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 27
Technical data
CLS 550 4MATIC
BlueEFFICIENCY ............................ 351
CLS 550 BlueEFFICIENCY ..............351
CLS 63 AMG .................................. 352
Tires/wheels ................................. 339
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 271
Display message ............................ 220
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 272
Emergency call .............................. 269
Important safety notes ..................267
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............273
MB info call button ........................271
Remote vehicle locking ..................273
Roadside Assistance button ..........270
Search & Send ............................... 272
Self-test ......................................... 268
System .......................................... 268
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............272
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 205
Menu (on-board computer) ............204
Number from the phone book ........ 205
Redialing ........................................ 205
Rejecting/ending a call .................205
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 196
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 213
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 213
Outside temperature ...................... 197
Setting (climate control) ................123
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 69
Through-loading feature ................... 259
Tilt/sliding sunroof see Sliding sunroof
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 213
Tiredness assistant see ATTENTION ASSIST
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....322
Checking manually ........................321
Display message ............................ 234
Maximum ....................................... 320
Notes ............................................. 318
Pressure loss warning ....................321
Recommended ............................... 317
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 322
Restarting ...................................... 324
Warning lamp ................................. 252
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................337
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................335
Bar (definition) ............................... 335
Characteristics .............................. 335
Checking ........................................ 315
Definition of terms .........................335
Direction of rotation ......................338
Display message ............................ 234
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................338
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 334
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............335
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 336Index17

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

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

Product information
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories which have
been specifically approved for your vehicle for
their reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to assess other parts. Therefore,
Mercedes-Benz accepts no responsibility for
the use of such parts in Mercedes-Benz
vehicles, even if they have been
independently or officially approved. The use
of non-approved parts could affect your
vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-Benz
therefore recommends that you use genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion parts and
accessories that have been approved for the
type of vehicle. Genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts, approved conversion parts and
accessories are available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Here, you will receive
advice about permissible technical
modifications, and the parts will be
professionally installed.
Operator's Manual
Notes on the Operator's Manual
This Operator's Manual contains a great deal
of helpful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator's Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle equipment
This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of
publication of the Operator's Manual.
Country-specific differences are possible.
Please note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all features described. This
also applies to safety-related systems and
functions. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations. All the systems
found in your vehicle are listed in the original
purchase agreement of your vehicle. Should
you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operating Instructions and the
Maintenance Booklet are important
documents and should be kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Service and literature
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
exchange or repair any defective parts
originally installed in the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following
warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission Systems Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont Emission
Control Systems Warranty
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
Introduction21

Maintenance
The Service and Warranty Booklet describes
all the necessary maintenance work which
should be done at regular intervals.
Always have the Service and Warranty
Booklet with you when you bring the vehicle
to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The
service advisor will record every service for
you in the Service and Warranty Booklet.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program offers technical help in the event of
a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside
Assistance Hotline are answered by our
agents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
For additional information, refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (USA) or the "Roadside
Assistance" section in the Service and
Warranty booklet (Canada). You will find both
in your vehicle literature portfolio.
Change of address or ownership
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave the
entire literature in the vehicle so that it is
available to the next owner.
Operating safety
Safety notes
GWARNING
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.GWARNING
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole.
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that damage
to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Qualified specialist workshop
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a
qualified specialist workshop. It has the
necessary specialist knowledge, tools and
qualifications to correctly carry out the work
required on your vehicle. This is especially the
case for work relevant to safety.
Observe the notes in the service booklet.
22Introduction

Always have the following work carried out at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center:
R work relevant to safety
R service and maintenance work
R repair work
R alterations, installation work and
modifications
R work on electronic components
Proper use
GWARNING
There are various warning stickers affixed to
your vehicle. Their purpose is to alert you and
others to various dangers. Therefore, do not
remove any warning stickers unless the
sticker clearly states that you may do so.
If you remove any warning stickers, you or
others could fail to recognize certain dangers
and be injured.
The proper use of the vehicle requires that
you familiarize yourself with the following
information and rules:
R safety notes in this Operator's Manual
R technical data in this Operator's Manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to
your satisfaction, please discuss the problem
again with the Mercedes-Benz Center or
contact us at one of the following addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Limited Warranty
! Follow the instructions in this manual
about the proper operation of your vehicle
as well as about possible vehicle damage.
Damage to your vehicle that arises from
culpable contraventions against these
instructions are not covered either by
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty or by the
New or Used-Vehicle Warranty of
Daimler AG.
Data stored in the vehicle
Information about electronic data
acquisition in the vehicle
( Including notice pursuant to California Code
§ 9951)
Your vehicle records electronic data. If your
vehicle is equipped with mbrace 1
, data is
transmitted in the event of an accident.
This information helps, for example, to test
vehicle systems after an accident and to
continually improve vehicle safety.
Daimler AG can access this data and submit
it:
R for safety research or vehicle diagnosis
purposes
R with the consent of the vehicle owner
1The system is called TELE AID in Canada.Introduction23Z

Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:÷ ESP®245M
SPORT handling
mode in AMG vehicles
246
;Distance warning251=ESP ®
OFF245?Turn signal108ABrakes (USA only)243BBrakes (Canada only)243CABS244DSRS247ECheck engine248FunctionPageFTire pressure monitor252GSeat belt241HESP ®
on AMG vehicles246ICoolant249JThis lamp has no functionKHigh-beam headlamps108LLow-beam headlamps107MThis lamp has no functionNReserve fuel24828Instrument clusterAt a glance