Workshop MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class 2012 W218 Owner's Manual

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

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

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

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

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

GWARNING
Seat or head restraint covers can cause a
malfunction when the NECK-PRO head
restraints/NECK PRO luxury head restraints
are activated or when the side impact air bags
or pelvis air bags are deployed, or they can
prevent this completely. The NECK-PRO head
restraints/NECK PRO luxury head restraints
or side impact air bags/pelvis air bags can
therefore not provide the intended protection.
Do not use any seat or head restraint covers.
If the NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO
luxury head restraints have been triggered in
an accident, reset the NECK-PRO head
restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
on the driver's and front-passenger seats
( Y page 49). Otherwise, the additional
protection will not be available in the event of
another rear-end collision. NECK-PRO head
restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
that have been triggered are moved forwards
and can no longer be adjusted.
GWARNING
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close
to the head as possible and the center of the
head restraint supports the back of the head
at eye level. This will reduce the potential for
injury to the head and neck in the event of an
accident or similar situation.
Resetting triggered NECK-PRO head
restraints
Important safety notes
GWARNING
For reasons of safety, have the NECK-PRO
head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head
restraints checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center after a rear-end
collision.
GWARNING
When pushing back the NECK-PRO head
restraint cushion, make sure your fingers do
not become caught between the head
restraint cushion and the cover. Failure to
observe this could result in injuries.
NECK-PRO head restraints
i Resetting the NECK-PRO head restraints
requires a lot of strength. If you have
difficulty resetting the NECK-PRO head
restraints, have this work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
XTilt the top of the NECK-PRO head restraint
cushion forwards in the direction of
arrow :.XPush the NECK-PRO head restraint cushion
down in the direction of arrow ; as far as
it will go.XFirmly push the NECK-PRO head restraint
cushion back in the direction of arrow =
until the cushion engages.XRepeat this procedure for the second
NECK-PRO head restraint.
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
i If you have difficulty resetting the NECK-
PRO luxury head restraints, have this work
carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Occupant safety49SafetyZ

GWARNING
BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify
objects and complex traffic situations. BAS
PLUS cannot intervene in these cases.
There is a risk of an accident. Always pay
careful attention to the traffic situation and be
ready to brake.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R the possibility of strong radar reflections,
for example in parking garages
R a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle traveling in front on a different line
GWARNING
BAS PLUS does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R in curves
As a result, BAS PLUS cannot intervene in
critical situations. There is a risk of an
accident. Always pay careful attention to the
traffic situation and be ready to brake.
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.
If BAS PLUS is not available due to a
malfunction in the radar sensor system, the
brake system remains available with full
brake boosting effect and BAS.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
i See the "Important safety notes" section
( Y page 61).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
GWARNING
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP ®
when the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. Proceed as follows:
R when driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R while driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R adapt your speed to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC: switch the
ignition off when:
R the parking brake is being tested using a
dynamometer
R the vehicle is being towed with the front
axle raised
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the
ignition when the parking brake is being
tested on a brake dynamometer.
Driving safety systems63SafetyZ

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

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 You can find information on qualified
specialist workshops here ( Y page 22).
SmartKey
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, and do not give them access
to an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. They could:
R injure themselves on vehicle parts
R be seriously or fatally injured by extreme
heat or cold
R injure themselves or have an accident with
vehicle equipment that may still be in
operation even after the SmartKey has
been removed from the ignition, such as the
seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment or memory function.
If children open a door, they could cause
severe or even fatal injury to other persons; if
they get out of the vehicle, they could injure
themselves when doing so or be seriously or
even fatally injured by any passing traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and a child could be burned on these
parts.GWARNING
If a key ring is too heavy or too large, the
weight acting on the key could cause it to turn
in the ignition lock or catch on the steering
wheel. This could cause the engine to be
switched off suddenly. You could lose control
of the vehicle and cause an accident. Do not
attach any heavy or large key rings to the key
that is inserted in the ignition.
General information
If you cannot lock or unlock the vehicle with
the SmartKey, either the battery in the
SmartKey is discharged, the SmartKey is
faulty or the starter battery is discharged.
XCheck the battery in the SmartKey and
replace it if necessary ( Y page 76).XUnlock the driver's door using the
mechanical key ( Y page 81).XLock the vehicle using the mechanical key
( Y page 81).XHave the starter battery and battery
contacts checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
If the SmartKey is faulty, contact Roadside
Assistance or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
SmartKey functions
General notes
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
72SmartKeyOpening/closing

XPush release catch : in the direction of
the arrow and at the same time, remove
mechanical key ; from the SmartKey.
SmartKey battery
Important safety notes
It is advisable to have batteries replaced at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
GWARNING
Batteries contain toxic and caustic
substances. For this reason, keep batteries
out of the reach of children.
If a battery has been swallowed, seek medical
help immediately.
GWARNING
The SmartKey batteries contain perchlorate
material, which may require special handling
and regard for the environment. Observe
government disposal guidelines. California
residents, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/
HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/
index.cfm .
Checking the battery
XPress the & or % button.
The SmartKey battery is working properly if
battery check lamp : lights up briefly.
If battery check lamp : does not light up
briefly during the test, the SmartKey battery
is discharged.
XChanging the battery ( Y page 76)
i
The battery can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
i If the SmartKey battery is checked within
the signal reception range of the vehicle,
pressing the & or % button locks or
unlocks the vehicle.
Changing the battery
You require a CR 2025 3 V cell battery.
XTake the mechanical key out of the
SmartKey ( Y page 75).XPress mechanical key ; into the opening
in the SmartKey in the direction of the
arrow until battery tray cover : opens.
When doing so, do not hold cover : shut.XRemove battery tray cover :.XRepeatedly tap the SmartKey against your
palm until battery = falls out.XInsert the new battery with the positive
terminal facing upwards. Use a lint-free
cloth to do so.76SmartKeyOpening/closing