air condition MERCEDES-BENZ CLS SHOOTING BRAKE 2012 User Guide

is being refuelled. You must therefore switch
off the auxiliary heating at filling stations.
! Operating the auxiliary heating/ventila-
tion draws on the vehicle battery. After you
have heated or ventilated the vehicle a
maximum of two times, drive for a longer
distance.
i Switch the auxiliary heatin gonregularly
once a month for about ten minutes.
The auxiliary heating heats the air in the
passenger compartment to the selected tem-
perature. It does not use the heat of the run-
ning engine to do this. The auxiliary heating
is operated directly using the vehicle's fuel.
For this reason, the tank content must be at
least at reserve fuel level to ensure that the
auxiliary heating functions.
The auxiliary heating/ventilation automati-
cally adjusts to changes in temperature and
weather conditions .For this reason, the aux-
iliary heating could switch from ventilation
mode to heating mode or from heating mode
to ventilation mode.
The auxiliary heating switches off automati-
cally after 50 minutes. This time limit can be
altered. To do this, visit a qualified specialist
workshop.
You cannot use the auxiliary ventilation to
cool the vehicle interior to a temperature
lower than the outside temperature.
Before switching on X
Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Set the temperature.
The auxiliary heating/ventilation can be acti-
vated even when climate control is set to
manual. Optimum comfort can be attained
when the system is set to automatic mode.
Set the temperature to 22 †.
The auxiliary heating/ventilation can be acti-
vated or deactivated using the remote control
or the button on the centre console. The on-board computer can be used to spec-
ify up to three departure times, one of which
may be preselected (Y
page 243).
Switching the auxiliary heating/venti-
lation on/off using the centre console
button The colours of the indicator lamps on the but-
ton have the following meanings:
Blue Auxiliary ventilation switched on
Red Auxiliary heating switched on
Yellow Departure time preselected
(Ypage 243) Switch in the centre console
X
To switch the auxiliary heating/ventila-
tion on: press button :.
The red or blue indicator lamp in but-
ton :lights up.
X To switch the auxiliary heating/ventila-
tion off: press button :.
The red or blue indicator lamp in but-
ton :goes out.
Switching the auxiliary heating/venti-
lation on/off using the remote control Points to observe before use
Your vehicle comes with one remote control.
You may use two additional remote controls
for your vehicle. For more information, please
contact a qualified specialist workshop.Operating the climate control system
139Climate control Z

The ECO start/stop function is operational
and the
¤symbol is displayed in green in
the multifunction display if:
R the indicator lamp in the ECO button is lit
green.
R the vehicle is stationary.
R the outside temperature is within the com-
fort range.
R the engine is at normal operating temper-
ature.
R the set temperature for the vehicle interior
has been reached.
R the battery is sufficiently charged.
R the system detects that the windscreen is
not misted up when the air-conditioning
system is switched on.
R the bonnet is closed.
R the driver's door is closed and the driver's
seat belt is fastened.
If not all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off have been fulfilled, the ¤sym-
bol is shown in yellow.
AMG vehicles: the AMG menu in the multi-
function display additionally shows the Stop/Start inactive message.
i If you shift the transmission from Rto D,
the ECO start/stop function is available
again once the ¤symbol reappears in
green in the multifunction display.
i All vehicle systems remain active during
automatic engine switch-off.
i All vehicles (except AMG vehicles):
automatic engine switch-off can take place
a maximum of four times consecutively (ini-
tial stop, then three subsequent stops). The
¤ symbol is shown in yellow in the mul-
tifunction display after the engine has been
started automatically for the fourth time.
When the ¤symbol is shown in green
in the multifunction display, automatic
engine switch-off is again possible. i
AMG vehicles: The number of times
which the engine can be automatically
switched off consecutively is unlimited.
i You can also activate the HOLD function
when the vehicle is stationary if the engine
has been switched off automatically. It is
then not necessary to continue applying
the brakes during the automatic stop
phase. When you depress the accelerator
pedal, the engine starts automatically and
the braking effect of the HOLD function is
deactivated. Depress the accelerator pedal
gently, as the engine must be started first.
i During automatic engine switch-off, the
climate control system only operates at a
reduced capacity. If you require full climate
control capacity, the ECO start/stop func-
tion can be deactivated by pressing the
ECO button (Y page 152).
Automatic engine start The engine is started automatically if:
R
you switch off the ECO start/stop function
by pressing the ECO button
R you release the brakes when in transmis-
sion position Dor N, when the HOLD func-
tion is inactive
R you depress the accelerator pedal
R you engage reverse gear R
R you move the transmission out of position
P
R you switch to drive program S,S+ orM
(AMG vehicles)
R you unfasten your seat belt or open the
driver's door
R the vehicle starts to roll
R the brake system requires this
R the temperature in the vehicle interior devi-
ates from the set range
R the system detects moisture on the wind-
screen when the air-conditioning system is
switched on
R the battery's charge status is too low Driving
151Driving and parking Z

i
This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, SPEEDTRONIC or DIS-
TRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to prevent the
vehicle from gaining speed. This relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly.
Heavy and light loads G
WARNING
The braking system can overheat if you leave
your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
This increases the braking distance and could
even cause the braking system to fail. There
is a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do
not simultaneously depress both the brake
pedal and the accelerator pedal while driving.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the air-
flow to cool the brakes more quickly.
If the brakes have been used only moderately,
you should occasionally test their effective-
ness. To do this, brake more firmly from a
higher speed. This improves the grip of the
brakes.
Wet road surfaces If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehi-
cle washed, brake firmly while paying atten- tion to the traffic conditions. This will warm
up the brake discs, thereby drying them more
quickly and protecting them against corro-
sion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance.
R
Brake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
R Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
R Maintain a greater distanc eto the vehicle
ahead.
New brake pads/linings New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after sev-
eral hundred kilometres of driving. Compen-
sate for this by applying greater force to the
brake pedal.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only have brake pads/linings
fitted to your vehicle which have been
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or
which correspond to an equivalent quality
standard. Brake pads/linings which have not
been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or
which are not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety.
AMG high-performance and ceramic
brakes
AMG brake systems are designed for heavy
loads. This may lead to noise when braking.
This is dependent on:
R
speed
R braking force
R environmental conditions, such as temper-
ature and humidity Driving tips
169Driving and parking Z

The wear of individual components of the
brake system, such as the brake pads/linings
or brake discs, depends on the individual driv-
ing style and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a
mileage (service life) that will be valid under
all circumstances. An aggressive driving style
will lead to high wear. You can obtain further
information about this from your Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre.
New brake pads/brake pads and discs that
have been replaced only achieve optimum
braking effect after several hundred kilome-
tres of driving. Compensate for the reduced
braking effect by applying greater force to the
brake pedal. Always be aware of this and
adapt your driving and braking accordingly
during the running-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in corre-
spondingly high brake wear. Observe the
# brake pad wear warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and note any brake status
messages in the multifunction display .Ifyou
regularly drive at high speeds, it is particularly
important to have the brake system checked
and maintained regularly. Driving on wet roads
Aquaplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of aqua-
planing occurring, even if:
R
you are driving at low speeds.
R the tyres have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, do not drive in tyre ruts and
brake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads !
Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in
front or in the opposite direction create
waves. This may cause the maximum per-
missible water depth to be exceeded. These notes must be observed under all
circumstances. You could otherwise dam-
age the engine, the electronics or the trans-
mission.
If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in
mind that:
R the maximum permissible still water depth
is 25 cm.
R you should drive no faster than at walking
pace. Winter driving
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
This increases the risk of skidding and having
an accident.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface. G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y page 356). 170
Driving tipsDriving and parking

Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLU
Sis selec-
ted.
Variable SPEEDTRONIC is deactivated auto-
matically if you depress the accelerator pedal
beyond the pressure point (kickdown), but
only if your current speed does not differ by
more than 20 km/h from the stored speed.
You will hear a warning tone if this is the case.
i The last speed stored is cleared when you
switch off the engine.
Permanent SPEEDTRONIC You can use the on-board computer to limit
the speed permanently to avalue between
160 km/h(e.g. for driving on winter tyres) and
the maximum speed ( Ypage 242).
Shortly before the store dspeed is reached, it
appears in the multifunction display.
Permanent SPEEDTRONIC remains active,
even if variable SPEEDTRONIC is deactivated.
You cannot exceed the stored limit speed,
even if you depress the accelerator pedal
beyond the pressure point (kickdown). DISTRONIC PLUS
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid. G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid designed to
assist driving. The driver remains fully respon-
sible for the vehicle's distance from other
vehicles, the vehicle's speed and for braking
in good time. DISTRONIC PLUS does not react in particular
to:
R
pedestrians
R stationary obstacles on the road, e.g. stop-
ped or parked vehicles
R oncoming and crossing traffic
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narro wvehi-
cles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or vehi-
cles driving on a differen tline. Therefore,
always pay attention to traffic conditions even
when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Other-
wise, you may fail to recognise dangers in
time, cause an accident and injure yourself
and others. G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot tak eaccount of road
and traffic conditions. If DISTRONIC doe snot
recognise or no longer recognises the vehicle
in front, do not activate DISTRONIC or, if it is
already active, deactivate it. This is especially
the case:
R before corners
R on filter lanes
R when changing to a lane with faster moving
traffic
R in complex driving situations or where lanes
are diverted, e.g. at roadworks on a motor-
way
DISTRONIC PLUS otherwise maintains the
current speed set by you or accelerates up to
the set speed.
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take account of
weather conditions. Deactivate, or do not
activate, DISTRONIC PLUS:
R if the roads are slippery, snow-covered or
icy. The wheels could lose their grip when
braking or accelerating. The vehicle could
start to skid.
R if the sensors are dirty or there is poor vis-
ibility, e.g. due to snow, rain or fog. Dis-
tance control may be impaired.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Driving systems
177Driving and parking
Z

Select the "Normal" setting for normal road
surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow
chains or on particularly poo rroad surfaces.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the key from the ignition lock.
Setting raised level X
Start the engine.
If indicator lamp ;is not lit:
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. The vehicle
height is adjusted to raised level.
The Vehicle rising message appears in
the display .
The "Raised level" setting is cancelled if you:
R drive at a speed over approximately
120 km/h
R drive for approximately three minutes at a
speed over 80 km/h
The "Raised Level" remains saved when you
are not driving within these speed ranges.
Setting the normal level
X Start the engine.
If indicator lamp ;is lit:
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to normal level. Suspension tuning General notes
The electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.
The damping is tuned individually to each
wheel and depends on:
R
your driving style, e.g. sporty
R the road surface condition, e.g. bumps
R your individual selection, i.e. sports or com-
fort
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the key from the ignition lock.
Sports tuning The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
Select this mode when employing a sporty
driving style, e.g. on winding country roads.
X
Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. You have selec-
ted "Sports tuning".
The AIRMATIC SPORT message appears in
the multifunction display.
Comfort tuning
In comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable. There-
fore, select this mode if you prefer a more
comfortable driving style. Select comfort
mode also when driving fast on straight roads,
e.g. on straight stretches of motorway. Driving systems
189Driving and parking Z

X
Press button :.
Indicator lamp =lights up. You have selec-
ted "Comfort tuning".
The AIRMATIC COMFORT message appears
in the multifunction display. AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspen-
sion
General notes i
AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension
is available for the CLS 63 AMG model.
Vehicle level The vehicle automatically sets the vehicle
level at the rear axle. Rear axle level control
ensures the best possible suspension and
that the ground clearance remains constant
even when the vehicle is loaded. This
improves driving safety and fuel consump-
tion.
Suspension tuning General notes
The electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.
The damping is tuned individually to each
wheel and depends on:
R your driving style, e.g. sporty
R the road surface condition, e.g. bumps
R your individual selection of Sport, Sport +
or Comfort
If you select Sport or Sport + mode and
restart the engine, the suspension setting
reverts to Comfort mode. Sport mode :
Switch for selecting the mode
; Switch for storing, calling up and display-
ing the selected mode
= Sport + mode indicator lamp
? Sport mode indicator lamp
The firmer suspension tunin ginSport mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
Select this mode when employing a sporty
driving style, e.g. on winding country roads.
X Press button :once.
Indicator lamp ?lights up. You have selec-
ted Sport mode.
The AMG Ride Control SPORT message
appears in the multifunction display.
Sport + mode
The very firm setting of the suspension tuning
in Sport +mode ensures the best possible
contact with the road. Select this mode only
when driving on race circuits.
If indicator lamps =and ?are off:
X Press button :twice.
Indicator lamps =and ?light up. You
have selected Sport +mode.
The AMG Ride Control SPORT + message
appears in the multifunction display.
If indicator lamp ?lights up:
X Press button :once.
Second indicator lamp =lights up. You
have selected Sport +mode. 190
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Speed Limit Assist
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Speed Limit Assist is only an aid and may
detect speed limit signs incorrectly or not at
all.
The system may be impaired or may not func-
tion if:
R there is poor visibility, e.g. due to snow,
rain, fog or spray.
R there is glare, e.g. from the sun or from
oncoming traffic.
R the windscreen is dirty, misted up or cov-
ered, for instance by a sticker, in the vicinity
of the camera.
R the traffic signs are covered, for instance
by dirt, snow or trees.
R the traffic signs are poorly illuminated.
R there are ambiguous traffic signs, for
instance near roadworks or on multi-lane
roads.
Traffic signs always have priority over the
Speed Limit Assist display.S peed Limit Assist
cannot detect road and traffic conditions. It is
not a substitute for attentive driving.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions and
your surroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to
recognise dangers in time, cause an accident
and injure yourself and others. :
Speed Limit Assist camera
Speed Limit Assist shows you detected speed
limits in the multifunction display. Data from the navigation system is also used for this
purpose. If a traffic sign indicating a speed
limit or the end of a speed limit is detected,
it is shown in the multifunction display. If
Speed Limit Assist does not detec
tany traffic
signs, the speed limit from the digital road
map is take nand shown in the display.
Speed Limit Assist detects the traffic signs
with a camera attached behind the top of the
windscreen.
Information in the multifunction display :
Traffi csign indicating aspeed limit or the
end of a speed limit (example)
; Speed Limit Assist is available and the
warning function is switched on in the on-
board computer
= Units used in the traffic sign displayed
Briefly showing detected traffic signs in
the multifunction display
X Activate the Speed Limit Assist warning
function using the on-board computer
(Y page 236).
Symbol ;appears.
At raffic sign indicating a speed limi torthe
end of a speed limit :appears in the mul-
tifunction display for around five seconds
as soon as it is detected. Any other infor-
mation in the multifunction display is hid-
den for this period. 204
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Permanently showing detected traffic
signs in the multifunction display
X Display Speed Limit Assist using the on-
board computer (Y page 236).
At raffic sign indicating a speed limi torthe
end of a speed limit :appears in the mul-
tifunction display as soon as it is detected.
Traffic sign indicating a speed limit :is
generally displayed until:
R a traffic sign indicating the end of the
speed limit is detected.
R you make a turn.
R you leave or enter a town.
R the road type changes (e.g. motorway,
country road).
R you have travelled a certain minimum
distance without the traffic sign being
repeated or detected again.
i You can also activate Speed Limit Assist
using COMAND APS. The maximum per-
missible speed is then shown in the
COMAND display; see the COMAND APS
operating instructions. Night View Assist Plus
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Night View Assist Plus is only an aid designed
to assist driving and does not relieve you of
the responsibility to pay attention. Continue
to look through the windscreen instead of
relying on the Night View Assist Plus display.
You are responsible for safety and must drive
in accordance with traffic conditions. You
could otherwise endanger yourself and oth-
ers. The system may be impaired or may not func-
tion if:
R
there is poor visibility, e.g. due to snow,
rain, fog or spray.
R the windscreen is dirty, misted up or cov-
ered, for instance by a sticker, in the vicinity
of the camera.
R on bends, on uphill gradients or downhill
gradients. G
WARNING
Night View Assist Plus does not detect
objects in the immediate vicinity of the vehi-
cle. Look through the windscreen when
manoeuvring. Make sure that there are no
people or animals in the area in which you are
manoeuvring. In addition to the illumination provided by the
normal headlamps, Night View Assist Plus
uses infrared light to illuminate the road.
Night View Assist Plus camera
:picks up
the infrared light and displays a monochrome
image in COMAND. The image displayed in
COMAND corresponds to a road lit up by
main-beam headlamps. This enables you to
see the road's course and any obstacles in
good time. When pedestrian recognition is
active, pedestrians recognised by the system
are highlighted in the Night View Assist Plus
display.
Light from the headlamps of oncoming vehi-
cles does not affect the Night View Assist Plus
display in the multifunction display. This is
also the case if you cannot switch on the Driving systems
205Driving and parking Z

main-bea
mheadlamps due to oncoming traf-
fic.
i Infrared light is not visible to the human
eye and therefore does not dazzle. Night
View Assist Plus can therefore remain
switched on even if there is oncoming traf-
fic.
Activating Night View Assist Plus Activation conditions
You can only activate Night View Assist Plus
if:
R the key is in position 2in the ignition lock.
R it is dark.
R the light switch is in the ÃorL posi-
tion.
R reverse gear has not been engaged.
Activating Night View Assist Plus X
Make sure that COMAND APS is switched
on.
X Press button :.
The Night View Assist Plus display appears
in the COMAND display.
You can read about how to adjust the bright-
ness of the COMAND display in the COMAND
APS operating instructions.
i The infrared headlamps only switch on
when the vehicle is being driven at speeds
of at least 10 km/h. This means that you
do not have the full visual range while sta-
tionary and cannot check whether Night
View Assist Plus is working. Pedestrian recognition G
WARNING
Pedestrian recognition may be impaired or
inoperative if:
R pedestrians are partially or entirely
obscured by objects, e.g. by parked vehi-
cles.
R the silhouette of the pedestrian in the Night
View Assist Plus display is incomplete or
interrupted, e.g. by powerful light reflec-
tions.
R pedestrians do not contrast with the sur-
roundings.
R pedestrians are not in an upright position,
e.g. sitting, squatting or lying. :
Night View Assist Plus display
; Pedestrian recognised
= Framing
? Symbol for active pedestrian recognition
i Animals are not recognised by pedestrian
recognition.
Night View Assist Plus can recognise pedes-
trians using typical characteristics, e.g. when
there is a silhouette in the shape of a person.
Pedestrian recognition is then switched on
automatically if:
R Night View Assist Plus is activated.
R you are driving faster than about 10 km/h.
R the surroundings are dark, e.g .when driv-
ing outside built-up areas without street
lighting. 206
Driving systemsDriving and parking