seats MERCEDES-BENZ CLS550 2007 W219 User Guide

77 Safety and Security
Occupant safety
The 75indicator lamp locat-
ed in the center console will be illuminat-
ed, except with the SmartKey removed or
in starter switch position0.
Self-test BabySmart
TM without special
child seat installed (Canada only)
After turning the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position1 or2 or pressing the
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button once or
twice, the 75indicator lamp
located in the center console comes on for
approximately 6 seconds and then goes
out.
If the 75indicator lamp
should not come on or is continuously lit,
the system is not functioning. You must
see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
before seating any child on the passenger
seat.
More information can be found in the
“Practical hints” section (page 355).
i
The system does not deactivate the side im-
pact air bag, the window curtain air bag and the
Emergency Tensioning Device.
Warning!
G
The BabySmart
TM air bag deactivation sys-
tem will ONLY work with a special child seat
designed to operate with it. It will not work
with child seats which are not BabySmart
TM
compatible.
Never place anything between seat cushion
and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces
the effectiveness of the deactivation sys-
tem. The bottom of the child seat must
make full contact with the passenger seat
cushion. An incorrectly mounted child seat
could cause injuries to the child in case of an
accident, instead of protecting the child.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
installation of special child seats.
Warning!
G
When using a BabySmart
TM compatible child
seat on the front passenger seat, the front
passenger front air bag will not deploy only
if the 75indicator lamp re-
mains illuminated.
Please be sure to check the indicator every
time you use the special system child seat.
Should the indicator lamp go out while the
restraint is installed, please check installa-
tion. If the indicator lamp remains out, do
not use the BabySmart
TM restraint to trans-
port children on the front passenger seat un-
til the system has been repaired.

80 Safety and SecurityOccupant safety
When the engine is started, the seat belt
telltale< will always illuminate
for 6 seconds to remind you and your pas-
sengers to fasten your seat belts.
If the driver’s seat belt is not fastened
when the engine is started, an additional
warning chime will also sound for a maxi-
mum of 6 seconds or until the driver’ s
seat belt is fastened.
The system is designed to enhance the
protection offered to properly belted oc-
cupants in certain frontal (front air bags,
driver-side knee bag and ETD) and side
(side impact and window curtain air
bags and ETD) impacts which exceed
preset deployment thresholds and in
certain rollovers (window curtain air
bags and ETD).


Never wear the shoulder belt under your
arm, against your neck or off your shoul-
der. In a frontal crash, your body would
move too far forward. That would in-
crease the chance of head and neck in-
juries. The seat belt would also apply too
much force to the ribs or abdomen,
which could severely injure internal or-
gans such as your liver or spleen.


Never wear seat belts over rigid or
breakable objects in or on your clothing,
such as eyeglasses, pens, SmartKeys
etc., as these might cause injuries.


Position the lap belt as low as possible
on your hips and not across the abdo-
men. If the seat belt is positioned across
your abdomen, it could cause serious in-
juries in a crash.


Never use a seat belt for more than one
person at a time. Do not fasten a seat
belt around a person and another per-
son or other objects.


Seat belts should not be worn twisted.
In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full
width of the seat belt to distribute im-
pact forces. The twisted seat belt
against your body could cause injuries.


Pregnant women should also always use
a lap-shoulder seat belt. The lap belt
portion should be positioned as low as
possible on the hips to avoid any possi-
ble pressure on the abdomen.


Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.


When using a seat belt to secure infant
or toddler restraints or children in boost-
er seats, always follow the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions.


81 Safety and Security
Occupant safety
If after these 6 seconds the driver’s or the
front passenger’s seat belt (with the front
passenger seat occupied) is not fastened
with front doors closed,

the seat belt telltale< remains illu-
minated for as long as either the driv-
er’s or front passenger’s seat belt is not
fastened.


and if the vehicle speed once exceeds
15 mph (25 km/h), the seat belt
telltale< starts flashing and a
warning chime sounds with increasing
intensity for a maximum of 60 seconds
or until the driver’s and the front pas-
senger’s seat belt are fastened.
If the driver’s or the front passenger’s
seat belt remains unfastened after
60 seconds, the warning chime stops
sounding, the seat belt telltale<
stops flashing but continues to be illu-
minated.The seat belt telltale < will only go out
if both the driver’s and front passenger’s
seat belt (with the front passenger seat oc-
cupied) are fastened, or the vehicle is
standing still and a front door is opened.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
page 348).
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD),
seat belt force limiter
The seat belts for the front and rear outer
seats are equipped with Emergency Ten-
sioning Devices and belt force limiters.
The ETD is designed to activate in the fol-
lowing cases:


in frontal or rear-end impacts exceed-
ing the system deployment threshold


in certain vehicle rollovers


if the restraint systems are operational
and functioning correctly, see
1indicator lamp (
page 64)In an impact, Emergency Tensioning Devic-
es remove slack from the seat belts. Seat
belt force limiters reduce the peak force
exerted by the seat belts on occupants
during a crash.
i
The ETDs for the front seats will only acti-
vate if the front seat belts are fastened (latch
plate properly inserted into buckle).
The ETDs for the rear outer seats will activate
with or without the respective seat belts fas-
tened.Warning!
G
An Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) that
was activated must be replaced.
When disposing of the Emergency Tension-
ing Device, our safety instructions must be
followed. These are available at your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.

82 Safety and SecurityOccupant safetyAutomatic comfort-fit feature seat belt
An automatic comfort-fit feature for front
seats reduces the retracting force of the
seat belts when they are in normal use.
Preventive occupant safety (PRE-SAFE
®)Your vehicle automatically takes preven-
tive measures to better protect the occu-
pants in the following hazardous
situations:


You execute an emergency braking ma-
neuver and the Brake Assist System
(page 92) is activated.


The PRE-SAFE
® system detects a criti-
cal driving dynamics situation.
In such cases, the following systems are
automatically activated:


The front seat belts are pre-tensioned
electrically.


If the vehicle is in a severe skid or is
spinning, the door windows and the
tilt/sliding sunroof close until a small
gap remains.Vehicles with front passenger seat memo-
ry function*:


If the seat is in an unfavorable position,
it will be adjusted to a better position.
If the seat belts do not release:

Adjust the backrest or seat slightly to
the rear until the seat belt tension is di-
minished.
The locking mechanism releases.
Warning!
G
The PRE-SAFE
® system is intended to re-
duce the effects of a crash on properly
seat-belted vehicle occupants. Despite hav-
ing the PRE-SAFE® system in your vehicle,
the possibility of injuries occurring as a re-
sult of an accident cannot be eliminated.
Therefore, you should always drive carefully
and adjust your driving to the prevailing
road, weather, and traffic conditions.
i
If the closing procedure of the tilt/sliding
sunroof or door window is blocked, the tilt/slid-
ing sunroof or door window will stop and open
slightly.
i
The PRE-SAFE
® system is activated in the
previously described circumstances only at
speeds exceeding 20 mph (30 km/h).
When the critical driving dynamic situation has
passed without an accident occurring, the
pre-tensioning on the seat belts is deactivated.
You can then adjust the seat, the door windows
and the tilt/sliding sunroof to their previous po-
sition.

83 Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Active head restraints
The active head restraints offer the driver’s
and front passenger increased protection
from whiplash type injuries. In the event of
a rear-end collision, the active head re-
straints on the driver’s and front passen-
ger’s seats are designed to move forward
in the direction of travel, providing the
head with increased support earlier on in
the collision sequence. The active head re-
straints move forward whether the seat is
occupied or not.For information on resetting the activated
active head restraints, see “Resetting acti-
vated head restraints” (
page 401).
You cannot remove the active head
restraint on the driver’s and front passen-
ger’s seat.
For removal of the active head restraints
we recommend that you contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
For information on head restraint adjust-
ment, see “Seats” (
page 41).
Warning!
G
Do not attach any objects (e.g. hangers) to
the head restraint posts. Otherwise, the ac-
tive head restraints may not be able to func-
tion properly or offer the intended degree of
protection in the event of a collision.
Warning!
G
Only use seat or head restraint covers which
have been tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model.
Using other seat or head restraint covers
may interfere with or prevent the activation
of active head restraint. Contact your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.
Warning!
G
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust head restraints 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.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat
head restraints. Head restraints are intend-
ed to help reduce injuries during an acci-
dent.

84 Safety and SecurityOccupant safetyChildren in the vehicle
If an infant or child is traveling with you in
the vehicle:
Secure the child using an infant or child
restraint appropriate to the age and
size of the child.

Make sure that the infant or child is
properly secured at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
Infant and child restraint seats and
information on choosing an appropriate
restraint system can be obtained from any
Mercedes-Benz Center.Infant and child restraint systems
We recommend all infants and children be
properly restrained at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
Canada only:
Use only a BabySmart
TM compatible child
restraint for the front passenger seat in
this vehicle.
All lap-shoulder belts except the driver’s
seat belt have special seat belt retractors
for secure fastening of child restraints.
To fasten a child restraint, follow child
restraint instructions for mounting. Then
pull the shoulder belt out completely and
let it retract. During seat belt retraction, a
ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate
that the special seat belt retractor is acti-
vated. The seat belt is now locked. Push
down on child restraint to take up any
slack.
To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and
let seat belt retract completely. The seat
belt can again be used in the usual
manner.
Warning!
G
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system. The children could

injure themselves on parts of the vehicle


be seriously or fatally injured through
exposure to extreme heat or cold
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system’s
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned on these
parts.
If children open a door, they could

injure other persons


get out of the car and injure themselves
or be injured by following traffic
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger or cargo compartment unless
they are firmly secured in place. For more in-
formation, see “Loading” (
page 239) and
“Useful features” (
page 244).
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child’s risk of injury in the event
of


strong braking maneuvers


sudden changes of direction


an accident

85 Safety and Security
Occupant safety
The use of infant or child restraints is re-
quired by law in all 50 states, the District
of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all Ca-
nadian provinces.
Infants and small children should be seat-
ed in an appropriate infant or child re-
straint system properly secured in
accordance with the manufacturer's in-
structions for the child restraint, that com-
plies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards 213 and 225 and Canadi-
an Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213
and 210.2.A statement by the child restraint manu-
facturer of compliance with these stan-
dards can be found on the instruction label
on the restraint and in the instruction man-
ual provided with the restraint.
When using any infant or child restraint
system, be sure to carefully read and fol-
low all manufacturer’s instructions for in-
stallation and use.
Please read and observe warning labels af-
fixed to the inside of the vehicle and to in-
fant or child restraints.Warning!
G
Never release the seat belt buckle while the
vehicle is in motion, since the special seat
belt retractor will be deactivated.i
Information on child seats with mounting fit-
tings for tether anchorages (
page 87).
For information on LATCH-type child seat
mounts (
page 88).
Warning!
G
Canada only: Children 12 years old and un-
der must never ride in the front seat, except
in a Mercedes-Benz authorized
BabySmart
TM compatible child seat, which
operates with the BabySmart
TM system in-
stalled in the vehicle to deactivate the front
passenger front air bag when it is properly
installed. Otherwise they will be struck by
the air bag when it inflates in a crash. If this
happens, serious or fatal injury will result.
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seat-
ing position. Thus, we strongly recommend
that children be placed in the rear seats
whenever possible. Regardless of seating
position, children 12 years old and under
must be seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat recommended for
the size and weight of the child.
The infant or child restraint must be properly
secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, the seat
belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors
and top tether strap, fully in accordance
with the child seat manufacturer’s
instructions.
Always sit nearly upright, properly use the
seat belts and use an appropriately sized in-
fant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster
seat recommended for the size and weight
of the child.


87 Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Installation of infant and child restraint
systems
This vehicle is equipped with tether an-
chorages for a top tether strap at each of
the rear seating positions.1Cover

Remove cover1 from anchorage ring.

Store cover1 in a convenient place
(e.g. glove box).

Guide tether strap between head re-
straint and top of the seat back.
Head restraint must be positioned such
that the top tether strap can pass freely
between the head restraint and the top
of the seat back.
Make sure the tether strap is not
twisted.
Warning!
G
Infants and small children should never
share a seat belt with another occupant.
During an accident, they could be crushed
between the occupant and seat belt.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle
and/or the child is not properly secured in
the child restraint.
Children too big for a toddler restraint must
ride in seats using regular seat belts. Posi-
tion shoulder belt across chest and shoul-
der, not face or neck. A booster seat may be
necessary to achieve proper belt positioning
for children over 41 lb until they reach a
height where a lap/shoulder belt fits
properly without a booster.
When the child restraint is not in use,
remove it from the vehicle or secure it with
the seat belt to prevent the child restraint
from becoming a projectile in the event of
an accident.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, even if the children are secured in a
child restraint system. Unsupervised chil-
dren in a child restraint system may use
vehicle equipment and may cause an acci-
dent and/or serious personal injury.


88 Safety and SecurityOccupant safety2Hook
3Anchorage ring
Securely fasten the hook2 to the
anchorage ring3.
Once the top tether anchorage hook is
attached, the child restraint itself can be
secured. Tighten the top tether strap
according to the child restraint manufac-
turer’s instructions.Child seat anchors – LATCH type
This vehicle is equipped with two LATCH
(L
ower A
nchors and T
ethers for CH
ildren)
type anchors (at each of the rear seats) for
the installation of a “LATCH” child seat
with the matching mounting fittings.
The anchors are located behind an uphol-
stery blend.
1Indicates the position of the anchors
2Anchors

Lift upholstery blend up to access the
anchors.

Install child seat according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
i
For safety, make sure the hook2 has at-
tached to the ring3 beyond the safety catch, as
illustrated.
i
Non-LATCH type child seats may also be
used and can be installed using the vehicle’s
seat belt system. Install child seat according to
the manufacturer’s instructions.Warning!
G
Children too big for a toddler restraint must
ride in seats using regular seat belts. Posi-
tion shoulder belt across chest and shoul-
der, not face or neck. A booster seat may be
necessary to achieve proper seat belt posi-
tioning for children over 41 lb until they
reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits
properly without a booster.
Install child seat according to manufactur-
er’s instructions.


89 Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Blocking of rear door window operation
You can disable select functions in the rear
passenger compartment for added safety
(for instance when you have children riding
in the rear passenger compartment).
You can disable the following functions in
the rear passenger compartment:

rear door windows operation


12-V power outlet in the rear center
console
1Override switch
2Indicator lamp

Press override switch1.Indicator lamp2 comes on. The func-
tions in the rear are disabled.
T h e c h i l d s e a t m u s t b e f i r m l y a t t a c h e d t o t h e
right and left side anchors2.
An incorrectly mounted child seat may come
loose during an accident which could result
in serious personal injury or death to the
child.
Damaged or impact damaged child seats or
child seat mounting fittings must be re-
placed.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, even if the children are secured in a
child restraint system.
i
Operation of the rear door windows with the
switches located on the door control panel of the
driver’s door is still possible.Warning!
G
Activate the override switch when children
are riding in the back seats of the vehicle.
The children may otherwise injure them-
selves, e.g. by becoming trapped in the win-
dow opening.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you, and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unat-
tended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. access to an unlocked ve-
hicle. A child’s unsupervised access to a ve-
hicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.