engine MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class 2012 W218 User Guide

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

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

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

Useful information
i 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.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 22).
Occupant safety
Overview of occupant safety
In this section, you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
components of the vehicle.
The restraint system consists of:
R seat belts
R child restraint systems
R LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat anchors
Additional protection is provided by:
R SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
R NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO
luxury head restraints
R PRE-SAFE ®
R Air bag system components with:
- PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
- front-passenger seat with Occupant
Classification System (OCS)
The different air bag systems work
independently of each other. The protective
functions of the system work in conjunction
with each other. Not all air bags are deployed
in an accident.
GWARNING
Modifications to or work improperly
conducted on restraint system components
or their wiring, as well as tampering with
interconnected electronic systems, can lead
to the restraint systems no longer functioning
as intended.
Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices
(ETDs), for example, could deploy
inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents
although the deceleration threshold for air
bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore,
never modify the restraint systems. Do not
tamper with electronic components or their
software.
i See "Children in the vehicle"
( Y page 55) for more information on
infants and children traveling with you in
the vehicle and restraints for infants and
children.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Introduction
SRS consists of:
R the 6 SRS warning lamp
R air bags
R air bag control unit (with crash sensors)
R Emergency Tensioning Devices
R belt force limiters
SRS reduces the risk of occupants coming
into contact with the vehicle's interior in the
event of an accident. It can also reduce the
effect of the forces to which occupants are
subjected during an accident.
SRS warning lamps
SRS functions are checked regularly when
you switch on the ignition and when the
engine is running. Therefore, malfunctions
can be detected in good time.
The 6 SRS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out no later than a few seconds
after the engine is started.
36Occupant safetySafety

The SRS components are in operational
readiness when the 6 SRS warning lamp
is not lit while the engine is running .GWARNING
The SRS self-check has detected a
malfunction if the 6 SRS warning lamp:
R does not come on at all
R fails to go out approximately 4 seconds
after the engine was started
R comes on after the engine was started or
while driving
For your safety, Mercedes-Benz strongly
recommends that you have the system
checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Otherwise the SRS
may not be activated when it is needed in an
accident, which could result in serious or fatal
injury. The SRS might also deploy
unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could
also result in injury.
In addition, improper work on the SRS creates
a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment. Work
on the SRS must therefore only be performed
by qualified technicians. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is necessary to modify an air bag system
to accommodate a person with disabilities,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for details. USA only: Call our Customer
Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) for details.
Safety guidelines for seat belts,
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
and air bags
GWARNING
R Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident
must be replaced. Their anchoring points
must also be checked. Only use seat belts
installed or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain
perchlorate material, which may require
special handling and regard for the
environment. Check your national disposal
guidelines. California residents, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm .
R Air bags and ETDs are designed to function
on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD
that has deployed must be replaced. PRE-
SAFE ®
has electrically operated reversible
belt tensioners in addition to the
pyrotechnic ETDs.
R Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
R Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat belts.
R Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
R No modifications of any kind may be made
to any components or wiring of the SRS.
R Do not change or remove any component
or part of the SRS.
R Do not install additional trim material, seat
covers, badges, etc. to the:
- padded steering wheel boss
- knee bag covers
- front-passenger air bag cover
- outer side of front seat bolsters
- side trim next to the rear seat backrest
- roof lining trim
R Do not install additional electrical/
electronic equipment on or near SRS
components and wiring.
R Keep area between air bags and occupants
free of objects (e.g. packages, purses,
umbrellas, etc.).
R Do not hang items such as coat hangers
from the coat hooks or handles over the
door. These items may be thrown around inOccupant safety37SafetyZ

Rindependently of seat belt use
R if the vehicle overturns and the system
determines that window curtain air bag
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
R independently of the front air bags
Window curtain air bags : will not deploy in
impacts with deceleration rates which do not
exceed the system's preset deployment
thresholds for vehicle deceleration or
acceleration. You will then be protected by
the fastened seat belt.
Occupant Classification System
(OCS)
How the occupant classification
system works
The Occupant Classification System (OCS)
categorizes the occupant on the front-
passenger seat by means of a weight sensor.
The front-passenger front air bag and the
front-passenger knee bag are deactivated
automatically for certain weight categories.
The 45 indicator lamp shows you the
current status. When the 45 indicator
lamp is illuminated, the front-passenger front
air bag and the front-passenger knee bag are
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
To be classified correctly, the front passenger
must sit:
R with the seat belt fastened correctly
R in a position that is as upright as possible
with their back against the seat backrest
R with their feet on the floor
If the front-passenger's weight is transferred
to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by
leaning on armrests), OCS may not be able to
approximate the occupant's weight category.
If the front-passenger seat, the seat cover or
the seat cushion are damaged, have the
necessary repair work carried out at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use seat
accessories which have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Both the driver and the passenger should
always use the 45 indicator lamp as
an indication of whether or not the passenger
is properly positioned.GWARNING
If the 45 indicator lamp illuminates
when an adult or someone larger than a small
individual is in the front-passenger seat, have
the front passenger reposition himself or
herself in the seat until the 45
indicator lamp goes out.
In the event of a collision, the air bag control
unit will not allow front-passenger front air
bag deployment when the OCS has classified
the front-passenger seat occupant as
weighing as much as or less than a typical 12-
month-old child in a standard child restraint
or if the front-passenger seat is classified as
being empty.
When the OCS senses that the front-
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being up to or less than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint, the 45 indicator lamp will
illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated, indicating that the front-
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front-
passenger seat is classified as being empty,
the 45 indicator lamp will illuminate
when the engine is started and remain
illuminated, indicating that the front-
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front-
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being heavier than the weight of a typical 12-
month-old child seated in a standard child
Occupant safety43SafetyZ

restraint or as being a small individual (such
as a young teenager or a small adult), the
45 indicator lamp will illuminate for
approximately 6 seconds when the engine is
started and then, depending on occupant
weight sensor readings from the front-
passenger seat, remain illuminated or go out.
With the 45 indicator lamp
illuminated, the front-passenger front air bag
is deactivated. With the 45 indicator
lamp out, the front-passenger front air bag is
activated.
When the OCS senses that the front-
passenger seat occupant is classified as an
adult or someone larger than a small
individual, the 45 indicator lamp will
illuminate for approximately 6 seconds when
the engine is started and then go out,
indicating that the front-passenger front air
bag is activated.
If the 45 indicator lamp is illuminated,
the front-passenger front air bag and the
front-passenger knee bag are deactivated and
will not be deployed.
If the 45 indicator lamp is not
illuminated, the front-passenger front air bag
and the front-passenger knee bag are
activated and will be deployed:
R in the event of certain frontal impacts
R if impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold
R independently of the side impact air bag or
pelvis air bag
If the front-passenger front air bag is
deployed, the rate of inflation will be
influenced by:
R the rate of relevant vehicle deceleration as
assessed by the air bag control unit
R the front passenger's weight category as
identified by OCS
For further information, see "Air bag display
messages" ( Y page 223).GWARNING
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained on the rear
seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus,
we strongly recommend that children be
placed in the rear seats whenever possible.
Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and
properly secured in an appropriate infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
The infant or child restraint must be properly
secured with the vehicle's seat belt, the seat
belt and Top Tether strap, or lower ISOFIX
child seat retaining loops and Top Tether
strap, fully in accordance with the infant or
child seat manufacturer's instructions.
Occupants, especially children, should always
sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
Children can be killed or seriously injured by
an inflating air bag.
Note the following important information if it
is necessary to carry a child on the front-
passenger seat:
R Your vehicle is equipped with air bag
technology designed to deactivate the
front-passenger front air bag and the front-
passenger knee bag in your vehicle when
the system senses the weight of a typical
12-month-old child or less along with the
weight of a standard appropriate child
restraint on the front-passenger seat.
R A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
front-passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front-passenger
front air bag inflates in a collision which
could occur under some circumstances,
even with the air bag technology installed
in your vehicle. The only means to eliminate
this risk completely is never to place a child
in a rear-facing child restraint in the front-
44Occupant safetySafety

Seat belt adjustment
The seat-belt adjustment function adjusts the
driver's and front-passenger seat belt to the
upper body of the occupants.
The belt strap is tightened slightly when:
R you engage the belt tongue in the belt
buckle and you then turn the SmartKey to
position 2 in the ignition lock.
R the SmartKey is in position 2 in the ignition
lock and you then engage the belt tongue
in the buckle.
The seat-belt adjustment will apply a
retraction force if any slack is detected
between the occupant and the seat belt. Do
not hold on to the seat belt tightly while it is
adjusting. You can switch the seat-belt
adjustment on and off in the on-board
computer ( Y page 212).
The seat-belt adjustment is an integral part of
the PRE-SAFE ®
convenience function. More
information about PRE-SAFE ®
can be found
in the "PRE-SAFE ®
(preventative occupant
protection)" section ( Y page 48).
Belt height adjustment
You can adjust the seat belt height on the
driver's seat and the front-passenger seat.
Adjust the height so that the upper part of the
seat belt is routed across the center of your
shoulder.
XTo raise: slide the belt sash guide upwards.
The belt sash guide engages in various
positions.XTo lower: press and hold belt sash guide
release :.XSlide the belt sash guide downwards.XRelease belt sash guide release : and
make sure that the belt sash guide has
engaged.
Releasing seat belts
XPress release button ?(Y page 52) and
guide belt tongue ; back towards belt
sash guide :.
!
Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled
up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue
will be trapped in the door or in the seat
mechanism. This could damage the door,
the door trim panel and the seat belt.
Damaged seat belts can no longer fulfill
their protective function and must be
replaced. Consult an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Belt warning for the driver and front
passenger
Regardless of whether the driver and front
passenger have fastened their seat belts
already, the 7 seat belt warning lamp
lights up for 6 seconds after every engine
start. It then goes out if the driver and the
front passenger have fastened their seat
belts.
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened after
the engine is started, an additional warning
tone will sound. The warning tone goes out
after approximately six seconds or once the
driver's seat belt is fastened.
Occupant safety53SafetyZ

Important safety notesGWARNING
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
i Please note that the driving safety
systems described only work as effectively
as possible when there is adequate contact
between the tires and the road surface. Pay
particular attention to the information
regarding tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and
tires" section ( Y page 314).
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)
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 61).
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.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
GWARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
GWARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
Driving safety systems61SafetyZ