Active park assist MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class 2012 W218 Owner's Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
12 V socket see Sockets
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
4MATIC off-road system ................... 171
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 217
Function/notes ................................ 61
Important safety notes ....................61
Warning lamp ................................. 244
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 122
Active Blind Spot Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 207
Function/information ....................188
Active Driving Assistance package . 187
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 207
Display message ............................ 231
Function/information ....................191
Active Light System
Display message ............................ 226
Active multicontour seat .................... 96
Active Parking Assist Display message ............................ 232
Important safety notes ..................175
Active service system PLUS
see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 67
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 226
Function/notes ............................. 109
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 349
Air bags Display message ............................ 223
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 40
Important safety notes ....................38
Knee bag .......................................... 40
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 43
Pelvis air bag ................................... 42
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Side impact air bag ..........................41
Window curtain air bag ....................42
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIR FLOW ........................................... 123
AIRMATIC Display message ............................ 229
Function/notes ............................. 168
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 128
Important safety notes ..................127
Rear ............................................... 129
Setting ........................................... 127
Setting the center air vents ...........128
Setting the side air vents ...............128
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Alertness Assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Setting the color (on-board
computer) ...................................... 210
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ................................................ 170
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 213
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........69
Ashtray ............................................... 264
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 206
ASSYST PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display 4Index

ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)Activating/deactivating ...................69
Function ........................................... 69
Switching off the alarm ....................69
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................207
Display message ............................ 229
Function/notes ............................. 180
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 203
Audio system see separate operating instructions
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 226
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 136
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 136
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 107
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............144
Changing gear ............................... 142
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................140
Display message ............................ 237
Driving tips .................................... 142
Emergency running mode ..............147
Kickdown ....................................... 142
Manual drive program ....................145
Problem (malfunction) ...................147
Program selector button ................143
Pulling away ................................... 135
Selector lever ................................ 139
Shift ranges ................................... 144
Starting the engine ........................134
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......144
Transmission position display ........140
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 147
B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs .............................. 113
Display message ............................ 225
Bag hook ............................................ 260
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 62
Basic settings see Settings
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 62
Battery (key) Checking .......................................... 76
Battery (SmartKey)
Important safety notes ....................76
Replacing ......................................... 76
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 304
Display message ............................ 228
Important safety notes ..................302
Jump starting ................................. 305
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................207
Notes/function .............................. 184
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Bottle holder ...................................... 263
Brake Assist System see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 219
Notes ............................................. 350
Brake fluid level ................................ 284
Brake lamps Display message ............................ 224
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 61
BAS .................................................. 62
BAS PLUS ........................................ 62
Brake fluid (notes) .........................350
Display message ............................ 217
Driving tips .................................... 152
Important safety notes ..................152
Maintenance .................................. 153
Parking brake ................................ 151
Warning lamp ................................. 243
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs Index5

Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 251
DISTRONIC PLUS Deactivating ................................... 164
Display message ............................ 232
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 163
Driving tips .................................... 164
Function/notes ............................. 157
Important safety notes ..................157
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 162
Warning lamp ................................. 251
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 211
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 80
Central locking/unlocking (key) ......72
Control panel ................................... 34
Display message ............................ 238
Emergency locking ........................... 81
Emergency unlocking .......................81
Important safety notes ....................79
Opening (from inside) ......................80
Drinks holder
see Cup holders
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 144
Display ........................................... 140
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ......140
Manual ........................................... 145
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........213
Drive program selector ..................... 143
Driver's door see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................285
Symmetrical low beam ..................106
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......61
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 67
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............62
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 62
Electronic brake force distribution ...67ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 63
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 64
Important safety information ...........61
Overview .......................................... 60
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 67
Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist .................188
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 187
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............191
Active Parking Assist .....................175
AIRMATIC ...................................... 168
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 170
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................180
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 184
Cruise control ................................ 155
Display message ............................ 229
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 157
HOLD function ............................... 166
Lane Keeping Assist ......................186
Lane Tracking package ..................184
Night View Assist Plus ...................181
PARKTRONIC ................................. 171
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ..........167
Rear view camera .......................... 178
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................142
Brakes ........................................... 152
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 164
Downhill gradient ........................... 152
Driving abroad ............................... 106
Driving in winter ............................. 154
Icy road surfaces ........................... 154
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 153
Snow chains .................................. 317
Symmetrical low beam ..................106
Wet road surface ........................... 153
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 2038Index

MOExtended run-flat system ........... 302
MP3 Operating ....................................... 203
see separate operating instructions
Multicontour seat ................................ 96
Multifunction display Function/notes ............................. 198
Permanent display .........................208
Multifunction steering wheel
Operating the on-board computer . 197
Overview .......................................... 29
N
Navigation Menu (on-board computer) ............202
On-board computer .......................202
see separate operating instructions
NECK-PRO head restraints
Operation ......................................... 48
Resetting after being triggered ........49
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
Operation ......................................... 48
Resetting after being triggered ........49
Night View Assist Plus
Activating/deactivating .................181
Cleaning ......................................... 290
Function/notes ............................. 181
Problem (malfunction) ...................184
O
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) Faults ............................................... 47
Operation ......................................... 43
System self-test ............................... 46
Occupant safety
Children in the vehicle .....................55
System overview .............................. 36
Octane number (fuel) ........................ 348
Odometer ........................................... 201
see Trip odometer
Off-road system
4MATIC .......................................... 171
Oil
see Engine oil
On-board computer
AMG menu ..................................... 213
Assistance menu ........................... 206
Audio menu ................................... 203
Convenience submenu ..................212
Displaying a service message ........285
Display messages ..........................216
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 163
Factory settings submenu .............212
Important safety notes ..................196
Instrument cluster submenu ..........208
Lighting submenu .......................... 209
Menu overview .............................. 200
Message memory .......................... 216
Navigation menu ............................ 202
Operating video DVD .....................204
Operation ....................................... 197
RACETIMER ................................... 213
Service menu ................................. 208
Settings menu ............................... 208
Standard display ............................ 201
Telephone menu ............................ 204
Trip menu ...................................... 201
Vehicle submenu ........................... 211
Operating system
see On-board computer
Outside temperature display ........... 197
Overhead control panel ...................... 33
Override feature Rear side windows ...........................59
P
Paint code number ............................ 345
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 287
Panic alarm .......................................... 60
Parking Important safety notes ..................150
Parking brake ................................ 151
Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side ............................... 102
Rear view camera .......................... 178
see Parking
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
Active Parking Assist .....................175
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Index13

XTo activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate PRE-SAFE ®
Brake in the on-
board computer ( Y page 207).
The Ä symbol appears in the
multifunction display as long as the HOLD
function is not activated ( Y page 166).
On vehicles with Active Parking Assist, the
Ä symbol is displayed when
transmission position P is selected or if you
drive faster than 22 mph(35 km/h).
For PRE-SAFE ®
Brake to assist you when
driving, the radar sensor system must be
switched on ( Y page 211) and operational.
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle, have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at slow speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
Theft deterrent locking systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
XTo activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignition off and open the driver's door.XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
i
The immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started when the starter battery is fully
charged, the immobilizer may be faulty.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
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
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that has triggered it, for
example.
i If the alarm stays on for more than 30
seconds, the emergency call system
mbrace (USA only) or TELE AID (Canada
only) initiates a call to the Customer
Assistance Center automatically. The
emergency call system initiates the call
provided that:
R you have subscribed to the mbrace/
TELE AID service.
R the mbrace/TELE AID service has been
activated properly.
R the required mobile phone, power supply
and GPS are available.XTo arm: lock the vehicle with the SmartKey
or KEYLESS-GO.
Indicator lamp : flashes. The alarm
system is armed after approximately 15
seconds.XTo deactivate: unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO.Theft deterrent locking systems69SafetyZ

DISTRONIC PLUS
Important safety notes
DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and
automatically helps you maintain the
distance to the vehicle detected in front. It
brakes automatically in order to avoid
exceeding the set speed.
On long and steep downhill gradients,
especially if the vehicle is laden, you must
select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time. By
doing so, you will make use of the braking
effect of the engine, which relieves the load
on the brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly.
If a slower-moving vehicle is detected in front,
DISTRONIC PLUS causes your vehicle to
brake and maintain a preset distance to the
vehicle in front.
GWARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS requires familiarity with
its operational characteristics. We strongly
recommend that you review the following
information carefully before operating the
system.
GWARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS is a convenience
system. Its speed adjustment reduction
capability is intended to make cruise control
more effective and usable when traffic speeds
vary. It is not however, intended to, nor does
it, replace the need for extreme care.
The responsibility for the vehicle's speed,
distance to the preceding vehicle and, most
importantly, brake operation to ensure a safe
stopping distance, always remains with the
driver.
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take street and
traffic conditions into account.
Complex driving situations are not always
fully recognized by the DISTRONIC PLUS. This
could result in wrong or missing distance
warnings.
If you want DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you,
the radar sensor system must be activated
( Y page 211) and operational.
If there is no vehicle driving in front of you,
DISTRONIC PLUS functions like cruise
control at a speed range between 20 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h) and 120 mph
(Canada: 200 km/h). If a vehicle is driving in
front of you, it functions at a speed range
between 0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph
(Canada: 200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on
roads with steep gradients.
As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves,
it can resemble the radar detectors of the
responsible authorities. You can refer to the
applicable section in the Operator's Manual if
there are any questions concerning this.
i USA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC
as a “Vehicular Radar System”. The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removal, tampering, or
altering of the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.GWARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control
is not a substitute for active driving
involvement. It does not react to pedestrians
or on stationary objects, nor does it recognize
or predict the curvature and lane layout or the
movement of preceding vehicles. The
DISTRONIC PLUS can only apply a maximum
of 40% of the vehicle's braking power.
The DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles possibly driving in front of you, such
as motorcycles and vehicles driving in an
offset formation.
It is the driver's responsibility at all times to
be attentive to the road, weather and traffic
Driving systems157Driving and parkingZ

vehicle. In such cases, control the distance
from vehicles travelling in front with the brake
alone. You could otherwise cause an accident
and thereby injure yourself and others. The
driver remains fully responsible for the
vehicle's distance from other vehicles, the
speed being driven and for braking in good
time.
Changing lanes
If you wish to change to the passing lane (in
left-hand-drive vehicles, the passing lane is
the left-hand lane), DISTRONIC PLUS
supports you if:
R you are driving faster than 40 mph
(60 km/h).
R DISTRONIC PLUS is maintaining the
distance to a vehicle in front.
R you switch on the appropriate turn signals.
R DISTRONIC PLUS does not detect a danger
of collision.
If these conditions are met, your vehicle is
accelerated. Acceleration will be interrupted
if changing lanes takes too long or if the
distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front becomes too small.GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS and Active Blind Spot Assist
are only aids designed to assist driving.
They do not relieve you of the responsibility
of paying attention. The driver remains fully
responsible for the vehicle's distance from
other vehicles, the vehicle's speed and for
braking in good time. Always pay attention to
traffic conditions and your surroundings.
Otherwise, you may fail to recognize dangers
in time, cause an accident and injure yourself
and others.
Stopping
GWARNING
Never get out of the vehicle when DISTRONIC
PLUS is activated.
DISTRONIC PLUS must also never be
operated, activated or deactivated by a
passenger or from outside the vehicle.
DISTRONIC PLUS does not replace the
parking brake and must not be used for
parking.
The DISTRONIC PLUS braking effect is
canceled and the vehicle can start moving if:
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated using the
cruise control lever.
R you accelerate.
R there is a malfunction in the system or an
interruption in the power supply, e.g.
battery failure.
R the electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses are
tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected.
If you wish to leave the vehicle or park it,
deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the
vehicle against rolling away.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle
in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until
it is stationary.
Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains
stationary and you do not need to depress the
brake.
i Depending on the specified minimum
distance, your vehicle will come to a
standstill at a sufficient distance behind the
vehicle in front. The specified minimum
distance is set using the control on the
cruise control lever.
When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, the
transmission is shifted automatically to
position P if:
R the driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.
R the engine is switched off.
R the hood is opened.
R a system malfunction occurs.
R the power supply is not sufficient.Driving systems161Driving and parkingZ

If indicator lamp : lights up, PARKTRONIC is
deactivated. Active Park Assist is then also
deactivated.
i PARKTRONIC is automatically activated
when you turn the SmartKey to position 2
in the ignition lock.174Driving systemsDriving and parking

Problems with PARKTRONICProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsOnly the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
You also hear a warning
tone for approximately
two seconds.
PARKTRONIC is
deactivated after
approximately
20 seconds, and the
indicator lamp in the
PARKTRONIC button
lights up.PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off.XIf problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
PARKTRONIC is
deactivated after
approximately 20
seconds.The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference.XClean the PARKTRONIC sensors ( Y page 289).XSwitch the ignition back on.The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or
ultrasound waves.XSee if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location.Active Parking Assist
Important safety notes
Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking
aid with ultrasound. Ultrasound is used to
measure the road on both sides of the vehicle.
A suitable parking space is indicated by the
parking symbol. Active steering intervention
can assist you during parking. You may also
use PARKTRONIC ( Y page 171). When
PARKTRONIC is switched off, Active Parking
Assist is also unavailable.
GWARNING
Active Parking Assist is merely an aid and may
sometimes recommend parking spaces that
are not suitable for parking. For example,
these might be spaces where parking is
prohibited, driveways, unsuitable surfaces,
etc.
Active Parking Assist measures the parking
space as you drive past it. Any later changes
to the parking space are not taken into
account. For instance, this may be the case
when the vehicle parked in front of or behind
the space changes its position or when an
obstacle is moved into the parking space.
Active Parking Assist does not relieve you of
the responsibility of paying attention. If you
rely solely on Active Parking Assist, you could
cause an accident and injure yourself and
others.
You are always responsible for safety and
must continue to pay attention to your
immediate surroundings when parking and
maneuvering.Driving systems175Driving and parkingZ

GWARNING
Objects located above the height range of
Active Parking Assist will not be detected
when the parking space is measured. These
are not taken into account when the parking
procedure is calculated, e.g. overhanging
loads, tail sections or loading ramps of goods
vehicles. In some circumstances, Active
Parking Assist may therefore guide you into
the parking space too early. This may lead to
a collision. For this reason, you should avoid
using Active Parking Assist in such situations.
GWARNING
The front of the vehicle will veer out in the
direction of the oncoming traffic during the
parking operation. In some cases, the vehicle
will also take you onto sections of the
oncoming lane during the parking procedure.
You are responsible for safety at all times and
must pay attention to any road users
approaching or passing. Stop the vehicle if
necessary or cancel the Active Parking Assist
parking procedure.
GWARNING
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
Use Active Parking Assist for parking spaces:
R that are parallel to the direction of travel
R that are on straight roads, not bends
R that are on the same level as the road, e.g.
not on the pavement
Parking tips:
R on narrow roads, drive past the parking
space as close as possible.
R parking spaces that are littered, overgrown
or partially occupied by trailer drawbars
might be identified incorrectly or not at all.
R snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately.
R pay attention to the PARKTRONIC
( Y page 173) warning messages during the
parking procedure.
R you can intervene in the steering procedure
to correct it at any time. Active Parking
Assist will then be canceled.
R when transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you should not use
Active Parking Assist.
R never use Active Parking Assist when snow
chains or an emergency spare wheel are
mounted.
R make sure that the tire pressures are
always correct. This has a direct influence
on the parking characteristics of the
vehicle.
R the way your vehicle is positioned in the
parking space after parking is dependent
on various factors. These include the
position and shape of the vehicles parked
in front and behind it and the conditions of
the location. In some cases, Active Parking
Assist may guide you too far into a parking
space, or not far enough into it. In some
cases, it may also lead you across or onto
the curb. If necessary, you should abort the
parking procedure with Active Parking
Assist.
R you can also engage forward gear
prematurely. The vehicle redirects and
does not drive as far into the parking space.
Should the gear change occur too soon to
achieve a sensible parking position, the
parking procedure will be aborted.
! If unavoidable, you should drive over
obstacles such as curbs slowly and not at
a sharp angle. Otherwise, you may damage
the wheels or tires.
Detecting a parking space
Active Parking Assist is switched on
automatically when driving forwards. The
system is operational at speeds of up to
approximately 22 mph (35 km/h). While in
operation, the system independently locates
176Driving systemsDriving and parking