cruise control MERCEDES-BENZ CLS500 2008 W219 User Guide

223 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Setting the current speed
Accelerate or decelerate to the desired
speed.
Briefly lift or depress the cruise control
lever.
Distronic is activated and the current
speed is set.
Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.Setting a higher speed
Briefly tip the cruise control lever in di-
rection of arrow1 (
page 222) to in-
crease vehicle speed in increments of
5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h).
The new speed is set.
The stored speed is displayed in the
multifunction display for approximately
5 seconds (
page 222), and one or
two segments around the stored speed
come on, on the speedometer
(
page 219).iIf you do not take your foot off the
accelerator completely, the following message
will appear in the multifunction display:
DISTRONIC Override
The distance to a slower moving vehicles in front
of you will not be set. Your vehicle speed will
then be determined only by the accelerator ped-
al position.
Warning!G
If you increase the vehicle set speed, keep in
mind that it may take a brief moment until
the vehicle has reached the set speed.
Increase the vehicle set speed to a value
that the prevailing road conditions and legal
speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden and
unexpected acceleration of the vehicle
could cause an accident and/or serious in-
jury to you and others.
iDepressing the accelerator pedal does not
deactivate Distronic. After brief acceleration
(e.g. for passing), the cruise control will resume
the last speed set.

224 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Setting a lower speedBriefly tip the cruise control lever in di-
rection of arrow2 (
page 222) to de-
crease vehicle speed in increments of
5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h).
The new speed is set.
The stored speed is displayed in the
multifunction display for approximately
5 seconds (
page 222), and one or
two segments around the stored speed
come on, on the speedometer
(
page 219).Fine adjustment in 1 mph
(Canada: 1 km/h) increments
Faster
Briefly tip the cruise control lever in di-
rection of arrow4 (
page 222).
Warning!G
If you increase the vehicle set speed, keep in
mind that it may take a brief moment until
the vehicle has reached the set speed.
Increase the vehicle set speed to a value
that the prevailing road conditions and legal
speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden and
unexpected acceleration of the vehicle
could cause an accident and/or serious in-
jury to you and others.
iWhen you use the cruise control lever to de-
celerate, the brakes will be applied to support
deceleration.
In addition, the transmission will automatically
downshift on long downhill grades.

225 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Setting stored speed
(“Resume” function)
Briefly tip the cruise control lever in di-
rection of arrow4 (
page 222).
Distronic is activated and set to the last
stored speed.
Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.Deactivating Distronic
There are several ways to deactivate the
Distronic system:
Briefly tip the cruise control lever in di-
rection of arrow3 (
page 222).
or
Step on the brake pedal.
Distronic will be deactivated. The last
speed set will be stored in memory.Distronic deactivates automatically when:

you set the parking brake

you drive slower than 20 mph
(30 km/h)

the ESP® is active (page 92) or you
deactivate the ESP®

you move the gear selector lever into
positionN
A s i g n a l w i l l s o u n d . T h e
DISTRONIC Off
message appears in the multifunction
display for approximately 5 seconds.
Warning!G
The speed stored in memory should only be
set again if prevailing road conditions per-
mit. Possible acceleration or deceleration
differences arising from returning to the pre-
set speed could cause an accident and/or
serious injury to you and others.
iThe following message will appear in the
multifunction display for approximately
5 seconds:
DISTRONIC Off
The last stored speed is deleted when you turn
off the engine.Warning!G
Distronic switches off and releases the
brakes when the vehicle decelerates below
the minimum speed of approximately
20 mph (30 km/h) by operation of the
system. At that time the driver must apply
the brakes in order to reduce vehicle speed
further or bring it to a stop.

278 Operation
Driving instructions
For information on how to identify the tire
speed rating on a tire’s sidewall, see “Tire
size designation, load and speed rating”
(
page 314).
If you are uncertain about the correct read-
ing of the information given on a tire’s side-
wall, any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to assist you.
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to positionN. Try
to keep the vehicle under control by cor-
rective steering action.Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible
after driving is resumed.
iFor information on speed rating for winter
tires, see “Winter driving” (
page 328).
For additional general information on tire speed
markings on tire sidewall, see “Tire speed rating”
(
page 316).
iFor more information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains” (
page 329).
Warning!G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of control loss.

346 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
vThe yellow ESP® warning
lamp flashes while driving.The ESP® or traction control has come into
operation because of detected traction loss
in at least one tire.
The cruise control and the Distronic* system
are deactivated.When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
While driving, ease up on the accelerator.
Adapt your speed and driving to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
Do not deactivate the ESP®.
Exceptions: (
page 94).
Failure to follow these instructions increases
the risk of an accident.

361 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
Cruise
Control--- MPH
(USA only)
--- Km/h
(Canada only)
You have tried to switch on cruise control
below a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h).Drive faster than 20 mph (30 km/h) and save
the speed.
DISTRONIC--- MPH
(USA only)
--- Km/h
(Canada only)
You have tried to switch on Distronic be-
low a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h).Drive faster than 20 mph (30 km/h) and save
the speed.
InoperativeThe Distronic* is malfunctioning or the
display is malfunctioning.Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

378 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbolDisplay messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
DThe cooling fan for the coolant is
malfunctioning.Observe the coolant temperature indicator in the
instrument cluster (
page 26).
If the coolant temperature is under 248°F (120°C),
you may continue driving to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Avoid placing heavy loads on the engine (e.g. by
driving uphill) as well as stop-and-go traffic.
Have the fan replaced as soon as possible.
± Display Malfunction
Service RequiredCertain electronic systems are
unable to relay information to
the control system. The follow-
ing systems may have failed:

Coolant temperature display

Tachometer

Cruise control display
Have the electronic systems checked by an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Engine
ServiceThere may be a malfunction in:

the fuel injection system

the ignition system

the exhaust system
Have the engine checked as soon as possible by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

460 Index
Coolant
Checking level 290
Messages in display 375–377
Temperature 282
Temperature indicator 137
Warning lamp 350
Corner-illuminating front fog lamps* 130
Cruise control 213
Canceling 215
Driving downhill 214
Driving uphill 214
Fine adjustment 216
Lever 222
Saving current speed 214
Setting speed 214
Cruise control lever 213, 222
Cup holders 246
Curb weight 324
D
Date display, setting 158, 159
Daytime running lamp mode 128
Setting 159
Deceleration
With Distronic* 221
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging windshield 197Defrosting
Front 197
Rear window 186
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps 161
Interior lighting 162
Department of Transportation see DOT
Dialing
A number (telephone) 167
Difficulties
While driving 58
With starting 52
Digital clock see Clock
Digital speedometer 145
Dimensions, vehicle 447
Direction of rotation (tires) 295Displays
Digital speedometer 145
Distronic* 219
Maintenance service indicator
message 330
Messages in display 358
Multifunction display 139
Outside temperature 139, 156
Selecting 156
Symbol messages 372
Text messages 360
Vehicle status message memory 151
Vehicle system settings, Control
system 152
Distance
Decreasing in Distronic* 226
Increasing in Distronic* 226
Warning function 226
Distance to empty (range) 166
Trip computer 164

461 Index
Distronic* 217
Activating/deactivating 222
Cleaning system sensor 337
Control system 151
Distance warning function 226
Driving hints 227
Intermittent warning sound 226
Menu 221
Messages in display 361, 362
Sensor cover 337
Symbol in multifunction display 151
Warning and indicator lamps 220
Door
Entry lamps 135
Locking/unlocking, SmartKey 102
Locking/unlocking, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 106
Message in display 372
Opening from inside/outside 108
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) 261
Door control panel 34
Door handle, inside 34
DOT 324
Drinking and driving 271Driving
Abroad 280
Hydroplaning 276
In winter 278
Instructions 48
Problems 58
Safety systems 89
Systems 213
Through standing water 279
With Distronic* 217
Driving off 274
Driving safety systems
ABS 89
BAS 90
EBP 92
Electronic traction system 93
ESP
®92
Driving systems 213
Airmatic DC 230
Cruise control 213
Distronic* 217
Parktronic* 234Driving tips 173
Accelerator position 173
Kickdown 173
Dual control
Airmatic DC 230
E
Easy-entry/exit feature* 45, 163
EBP 92
Electric air pump 416
Electrical fuses see Fuses
Electrical system, Technical data 446
Electronic Brake Proportioning see EBP
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
®
Emergency calls
Tele Aid calls 257
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) 182
Emergency operations
Fuel filler flap 400
Gear selector lever, Unlocking 400
Locking/unlocking the vehicle 398
Remote door unlock 261
Trunk lid, Releasing from inside 114
Trunk lid, Unlocking 399
Emergency Tensioning Device see ETD

467 Index
M
Main Dimensions 447
Maintenance 12
Calling up service indicator 331
Clearing service indicator
message 331
Resetting service indicator 332
Service indicator message 330
Service term exceeded 331
Maintenance, Maintenance system 330
Manual headlamp mode 127
Manual shift program CLS 63 AMG 179
Deactivating 181
Maximum load rating, Tires 324
Maximum loaded vehicle weight 324
Maximum tire inflation pressure 325
Mechanical key 398
Memory functions 123
Menus see Control system menus
Microphone, Hands-free 31
Minispare wheel see Spare wheel 393Mirrors
Adjusting 47
Auto-dimming 183
Exterior rear view mirror 47
Exterior rear view mirror parking
positions 184
Interior rear view mirror 47
Storing exterior mirror parking
position 125
Mobile phone see Telephone*
MOE tires* see MOExtended system*
MOExtended system* 313, 419
MOExtended tires* 313, 444
MON 284
MP3
Selecting track 150
Multicontour seat* 120
Multifunction display 139
Changing settings see Control system
menus and Control system
submenus 139
Selecting language 155
Multifunction display messages
ABS 360, 374
Airmatic DC 391, 392
Brake fluid 374Brake pads 373
Check engine 348, 349
Coolant 375, 376, 377
Cruise control 361
Distronic* 361
Door 372
Engine oil 379
ESP
®360, 363, 374
Fog lamps 382–384, 386
Hood 372
Light sensor 385
Parking brake 374
Parking lamps 384
PRE-SAFE
®360, 368
Reserve fuel 380
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 380,
381
SRS 388
Tail lamps 386, 387
Tele Aid 388
Telephone* 391
Tires 390
Trunk 372
Turn signals 387
Windshield washer fluid 391