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

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 21At a glance ........................................... 25Safety ................................................... 35Opening/closing ................................. 71Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....91Lights and windshield wipers ..........105Climate control ................................. 117Driving and parking ..........................131On-board computer and displays ....195Stowing and features .......................255Maintenance and care ......................279Breakdown assistance .....................293Wheels and tires ............................... 313Technical data ................................... 343
Contents3

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

E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................212
Function/notes ................................ 99
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 100
Function/notes ................................ 99
Switching on/off ........................... 212
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 218
Function/notes ................................ 67
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating .................137
General information .......................135
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic brake force distribution
see EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 81
Fuel filler flap ................................. 149
Trunk ............................................... 85
Vehicle ............................................. 81
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 295
Stowing .......................................... 295
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 54
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....21
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 248
Display message ............................ 226
ECO start/stop function ................135
Emergency starting ........................309
Engine number ............................... 346
Irregular running ............................ 138
Starting problems ..........................138Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 134
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............134
Switching off .................................. 150
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................138
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 282
Additives ........................................ 349
Checking the oil level ..................... 281
Display message ............................ 228
Filling capacity ............................... 347
Notes about oil grades ................... 349
Notes on oil level/consumption ....281
Temperature (on-board computer) . 213
Viscosity ........................................ 349
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) AMG menu (on-board computer) ...213
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 65
Deactivating/activating (except
AMG vehicles) ................................ 206
Deactivating/activating (notes;
except AMG vehicles) ......................64
Display message ............................ 217
ETS/4ETS ........................................ 64
Function/notes ................................ 63
Important safety information ...........63
Warning lamp ................................. 245
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 64
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 290
Exterior lighting see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 100
Dipping (automatic) .......................101
Folding in/out (automatically) .......101
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........101
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 212
Out of position (troubleshooting) ...101
Setting ........................................... 101
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 102
Storing the parking position ..........102Index9

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

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

automatic transmission directly from D to
R , from R to D or directly to P. The
automatic transmission could otherwise be
damaged.
HOLD function or DISTRONIC PLUS: the
automatic transmission automatically
switches to transmission position P if the
vehicle is braked by the HOLD function or
DISTRONIC PLUS. In addition, at least one of
the following conditions must be fulfilled:
R the engine is switched off.
R the driver's door is open and the seat belt
is not in the buckle.
Engaging parking position P in AMG
vehiclesXIf the vehicle is stationary, press P
button :.
Engaging reverse gear R
!
Only shift the automatic transmission to
R when the vehicle is stationary.
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
Neutral N with ECO start/stop function
activated
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle is
braked to a standstill when in neutral N and
the brake is still depressed.
For further information on the ECO start/stop
function ( Y page 135).
Shifting to neutral NXWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down
to the first point of resistance.
If the engine has been switched off, the
automatic transmission automatically
switches to N.
Remaining in neutral N
If the automatic transmission is to remain in
neutral N, e.g. for washing the vehicle in car
washes with a towing device, please observe
the following instructions:
GWARNING
When leaving the SmartKey in the starter
switch, do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle. It is possible for children to switch
on the ignition which could result in
unsupervised use of vehicle equipment.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Using the SmartKey:
R make sure that the ignition is switched on.
R when the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R shift to neutral N.
R release the brake pedal.
R if applied, release the parking brake.
R switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Using KEYLESS-GO:
R make sure that the ignition is switched on.
R when the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R engage park position P.
R release the brake pedal.
R remove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock.
Automatic transmission141Driving and parkingZ

Immediately brake the vehicle to increase
your distance to the preceding vehicle. The
warning sound is intended as a final caution
in which you should intercede with your own
braking inputs to avoid a potentially
dangerous situation. Do not wait for the
operation of the warning signal to intercede
with your own braking. This will result in
potentially dangerous emergency braking
which will not always result in an impact being
avoided.
Tailgating increases the risk of an accident.GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with a
maximum deceleration of 13 ft/s 2
(4 m/s 2
).
This is equivalent to approximately 40 % of
your vehicle's maximum possible
deceleration.
You need to brake yourself to prevent a
collision. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes the vehicle
to restore the set distance from the vehicle
ahead or the set speed.
GWARNING
If you do not receive visual or acoustic
warning signals during a critical traffic
situation, DISTRONIC PLUS has either not
recognized the collision risk, has been
deactivated or is malfunctioning.
Remember, whether or not DISTRONIC PLUS
is operating, it is ultimately always the drivers
responsibility to apply the brakes in order to
control the vehicle and avoid a collision.
Cruise control lever:To store the current speed or a higher
speed;To store the current speed or a lower
speed=To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS?To store the current speed or to call up
the last stored speedATo set the specified minimum distance
Switching on DISTRONIC PLUS, storing
the current speed and maintaining it
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The vehicle can be braked when DISTRONIC
PLUS is activated. For this reason, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle is to be set in
motion by other means (e.g. in a car wash or
by towing).
In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the
following conditions must be fulfilled:
R the engine must be running. It may take up
to two minutes of driving before
DISTRONIC PLUS is ready for use.
R the parking brake must not be applied.
R your vehicle must not be secured by the
electric parking brake.
R ESP ®
must be activated.
R the transmission must be in position D.
R the hood must be closed.
Driving systems159Driving and parkingZ

iIf depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function,
wait briefly and then try again.GWARNING
The vehicle's brakes are applied when the
HOLD function is activated. For this reason,
deactivate the HOLD function if the vehicle is
to be set in motion by other means (e.g. in a
car wash or by towing).
Deactivating the HOLD function
The HOLD function is deactivated
automatically if:
R you accelerate and the transmission is in
position D or R.
R the transmission is in position P.
R you apply the brakes again with a certain
amount of pressure until HOLD disappears
from the multifunction display.
R you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
GWARNING
Never get out of the vehicle when the HOLD
function is activated.
The HOLD function must never be operated
or deactivated by a passenger or from outside
the vehicle.
The HOLD function does not replace the
parking brake and must not be used for
parking.
The braking effect of the HOLD function is
canceled and the vehicle could roll away if:
R the HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal.
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 leave the vehicle or park it, deactivate
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
When the HOLD function 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.
RACE START
Important safety notes
i RACE START is only available in AMG
vehicles.
RACE START enables optimal acceleration
from a standing start. The precondition for
this is a suitable high-grip road surface.
GWARNING
RACE START is only available when SPORT
handling mode is activated. SPORT handling
mode only stabilizes the vehicle to a limited
extent in the event of swerving or wheelspin.
RACE START should only be used on specially
designated roads. Always adapt your speed
and driving style to the prevailing road and
weather conditions.
Conditions for activation
RACE START can be activated when:
R the doors are closed.
R the engine is running and it has reached an
operating temperature of approximately
176 ‡ (80 †). This is the case when the
engine oil temperature in the multifunction
display stops flashing.
R SPORT handling mode is activated.
( Y page 65)
Driving systems167Driving and parkingZ

If indicator lamp ? lights up:XPress button : once.
The second indicator lamp = lights up. You
have selected Sport + mode.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT +
message appears in the multifunction
display.
Comfort mode
In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select
this mode if you prefer a more comfortable
driving style, but also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. highways.
XPress button : repeatedly until indicator
lamps = and ? go out.
You have selected Comfort mode.
The AMG Suspension System COMFORT
message appears in the multifunction
display.
Storing and calling up settings
Once the suspension tuning and drive
program have been selected, you can store
and call up your settings using AMG
button ;.
XTo store: press AMG button ; until you
hear a tone.XTo call up: press AMG button ;.
The stored suspension tuning and drive
program are selected.XTo display: briefly press AMG button ;.
Your selection appears in the multifunction
display.
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP ®
, it
improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip.
GWARNING
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires ( M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The PARKTRONIC is a supplemental system.
It is not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always remains with the driver.
GWARNING
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
Driving systems171Driving and parkingZ