traction control MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class CABRIOLET 2013 C207 Owner's Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
12 V socket see Sockets

4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 191
4MATIC off-road system ................... 191A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message

............................ 229
Function/notes ................................ 64
Important safety notes .................... 64
Warning lamp ................................. 258
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 140
Active Blind Spot Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 223
Display message ............................ 244
Function/information .................... 204
Active Driving Assistance package . 204
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 223
Display message ............................ 243
Function/information .................... 208
Active light function .........................126
Active Service System see ASSYST PLUS
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 67
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 239
Function/notes ............................. 126
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 224
Additives (engine oil) ........................365
Air bags Display message ............................ 235
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 42
Head bag ......................................... 45
Important safety notes .................... 41
Knee bag .......................................... 43 PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp
.................................. 46
Pelvis air bag

................................... 45
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
Side impact air bag .......................... 43
Window curtain air bag ....................46
AIRCAP
Cleaning instructions ..................... 302
Extending/retracting .......................97
Important safety notes .................... 97
Installing/removing the wind
screen .............................................. 98
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIRSCARF
Setting the vents ........................... 147
Switching on/off ........................... 112
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 146
Important safety notes .................. 146
Rear ............................................... 147
Setting ........................................... 146
Setting the AIRSCARF vents ..........147
Setting the center air vents ...........146
Setting the side air vents ............... 146
Switching AIRSCARF on/off ..........112
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-theft alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ashtray ............................................... 275
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 221
ASSYST PLUS Displaying a service message ........ 298
Hiding a service message .............. 298
Notes ............................................. 298
Resetting the service interval
display ........................................... 298
Service message ............................ 298
Special service requirements ......... 298
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 70
Function ........................................... 70
Switching off the alarm .................... 704
Index

Setting the specified minimum
distance .........................................
184
Warning lamp .................................
264
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 225
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 80
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 73
Control panel ................................... 35
Display message ............................ 252
Emergency locking ........................... 81
Emergency unlocking .......................80
Important safety notes .................... 79
Opening (from inside) ......................79
Draft stop ............................................. 96
Drinking and driving .........................169
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 161
Display ........................................... 158
Manual ........................................... 162
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................299
Symmetrical low beam .................. 120
Driving on flooded roads ..................173
Driving safety systems ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 64
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 67
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............64
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 65
Electronic brake force distribution ... 67
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 66
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 66
Important safety information ........... 64
Overview .......................................... 63
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 67
Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 204
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 204Active Lane Keeping Assist ............
207
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................199
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 200
Cruise control ................................ 174
Display message ............................ 242
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 177
Dynamic handling package with
sports mode .................................. 190
HOLD function ............................... 189
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 202
Lane Tracking package .................. 200
Parking Guidance ........................... 194
PARKTRONIC ................................. 191
Rear view camera .......................... 197
Driving tips
Automatic transmission ................. 160
Brakes ........................................... 171
Break-in period .............................. 150
Downhill gradient ........................... 171
Drinking and driving .......................169
Driving abroad ............................... 120
Driving in winter ............................. 173
Driving on flooded roads ................173
Driving on wet roads ...................... 173
Exhaust check ............................... 170
Fuel ................................................ 169
General .......................................... 169
Hydroplaning ................................. 173
Icy road surfaces ........................... 174
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 172
Pedals ............................................ 169
Snow chains .................................. 325
Symmetrical low beam .................. 120
Wet road surface ........................... 172
Drowsiness detection assistance
system
see ATTENTION ASSIST
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 219
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 220
Dynamic handling package with
sports mode ....................................... 1908
Index

E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating
.................226
Function/notes ............................. 114
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 114
Function/notes ............................. 114
Switching on/off ........................... 226
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message ............................ 230
Function/notes ................................ 67
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 170
On-board computer ....................... 217
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating ................. 155
General information ....................... 154
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency closing
Soft top ............................................ 91
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 80
Trunk ............................................... 84
Vehicle ............................................. 80
Emergency spare wheel
Important safety notes .................. 355
Points to remember .......................355
Storage location ............................ 356
Technical data ............................... 357
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 57
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 21
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 262
Display message ............................ 240
ECO start/stop function ................ 154
Engine number ............................... 362
Irregular running ............................ 157
Jump-starting ................................. 313
Starting problems .......................... 157
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 153
Starting with KEYLESS-GO ............. 153Switching off
.................................. 168
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 317
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................157
Engine jump starting
see Jump starting (engine)
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 296
Additives ........................................ 365
Checking the oil level ..................... 295
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 295
Display message ............................ 241
Filling capacity ............................... 365
Notes about oil grades ................... 365
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 295
Viscosity ........................................ 365
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Deactivating/activating ................. 222
Deactivating/activating (notes) ....... 67
Display message ............................ 229
ETS/4ETS ........................................ 66
Function/notes ................................ 66
Important safety information ........... 66
Warning lamp ................................. 259
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 66
Exhaust check ................................... 170
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 305
Exterior lighting Setting options .............................. 120
see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 115
Dipping (automatic) .......................116
Folding in/out (automatically) ....... 116
Folding in/out (electrically) ........... 115
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 227
Out of position (troubleshooting) ...116
Setting ........................................... 116
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 117
Storing the parking position .......... 116 Index
9

R
to crossing traffic
R when cornering
As
a result, BAS PLUS may not intervene in all
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 low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
i This device has been approved by the FCC
as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removing, altering or
tampering with the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use the
device in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment. ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 64).G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases

the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the
ignition when the parking brake is being
tested on a brake dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system. Vehicles without 4MATIC: when towing your
vehicle with the rear axle raised, it is
important that you observe the notes on
ESP
®
(Y page 316).
ESP ®


is deactivated if the å warning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up
continuously when the engine is running.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the å
warning lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 259) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 229).
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. 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.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any
circumstances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Traction control is part of ESP
®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull

away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more 66
Driving safety systems
Safety

drive torque is also transferred to the wheel
or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP
®
.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations
described in the following.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You
could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
X To deactivate: (Y page 222).
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X To activate: (Y page 222).
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle stops
moving.

The engine starts automatically when
the driver wants to pull away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously selected status.
Example: if ESP ®
was deactivated before the
engine was switched off, ESP ®
remains
deactivated when the engine is switched on
again.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel If you deactivate ESP
®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R engine torque is not limited and the drive
wheels are able to spin. The spinning
wheels produce a cutting effect for better
traction. EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 64). G
WARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g. under full braking. This
increases

the risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps ( Y page 258) as well as
display messages ( Y page 230).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking. ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also has the HOLD function
(Y page 189) and hill start assist
(Y page 153). PRE-SAFE
®
Brake
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 64). Driving safety systems
67
Safety Z

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.
Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (
Y page 324).
Slippery road surfaces 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.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. G
WARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing

point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position N.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces.
Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 325). Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle's speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only

use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The "Resume" function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed. G
WARNING
The cruise control brakes automatically so
that the set speed is not exceeded.
General notes Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed

for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1, 2 or 3 in good time. By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine,
which relieves the load on the brake system
and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly. 174
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:
R
you depress the parking brake.
R you are driving at less than
20 mph
(30 km/h).
R ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
.
R you shift the transmission to position N
while driving.
If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear
a warning tone. You will see the Cruise
Control Off message in the multifunction
display for approximately five seconds.
i When you switch off the engine, the last
speed stored is cleared. DISTRONIC PLUS
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS requires familiarity with
its operational characteristics. We strongly
recommend that you review the following
information carefully before operating the
system. G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS is a convenience
system. Its speed adjustment reduction
capability is intended to make cruise control
more

effective and usable when traffic speeds
vary. It is not however, intended to, nor does
it, replace the need for extreme care.
The responsibility for the vehicle's speed,
distance to the preceding vehicle and, most
importantly, brake operation to ensure a safe
stopping distance, always remains with the
driver.
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take street and
traffic conditions into account.
Complex driving situations are not always
fully recognized by the DISTRONIC PLUS. This
could result in wrong or missing distance
warnings. G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS distance is not a substitute
for
the active intervention of the driver. It does
not detect pedestrians or stationary objects,
nor can it detect, recognize or predict the
road's course or the movements of vehicles
in front. DISTRONIC PLUS can only brake the
vehicle using 40% of the vehicle's maximum
available brake force.
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving in the lane beyond the lane
next to your vehicle, especially if the vehicles
are not driving on the middle of their lane.
The driver must always pay careful attention
to the road, weather and traffic conditions.
The driver must drive, steer and brake in a
manner which will allow him to always have
control of the vehicle.
Sources of high-frequency radio waves, such
as toll stations, speed-measuring radar, etc.,
can cause DISTRONIC PLUS to fail
temporarily. G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take road and
traffic conditions into account. Only use the
DISTRONIC PLUS if the road, weather and
traffic conditions make it advisable to travel
at a constant speed. G
WARNING
Use of the DISTRONIC PLUS can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes
in tire traction can result in wheel spin and
loss of control.
The DISTRONIC PLUS does not function in
adverse

sight and distance conditions. Do not
use the DISTRONIC PLUS during conditions of
fog, heavy rain, snow or sleet. Driving systems
177
Driving and parking Z

G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take weather
conditions into account. Switch off the
DISTRONIC PLUS or do not switch it on if:
R roads
are slippery or covered with snow or
ice. The wheels could lose traction while
braking or accelerating, and the vehicle
could skid.
R the DISTRONIC PLUS system sensor covers
are dirty or visibility is diminished due to
snow, rain or fog, for example. The distance
control system functionality could be
impaired.
Always pay attention to surrounding traffic
conditions even while the DISTRONIC PLUS is
switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able
to recognize dangerous situations until it is
too late. This could cause an accident in which
you and/or others could be injured. G
WARNING
The "Resume" function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed. G
WARNING
Your undivided attention to street and traffic
conditions is necessary at all times whether
DISTRONIC PLUS is active or not.
The use of DISTRONIC PLUS can be
dangerous

on winding roads or in heavy traffic
because conditions do not allow safe driving
at a constant speed.
DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to stationary
objects on the road (for example, a vehicle
stopped in traffic or an abandoned vehicle).
DISTRONIC PLUS likewise does not react to
oncoming vehicles. Deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS:
R
when changing to the right lane, if the
vehicles in the left lane are driving slower
R when driving into a filter lane or an
expressway exit
R in complex driving situations, for example
in construction sites on an expressway
In these situations DISTRONIC PLUS will
maintain

the set speed if it is not deactivated.
DISTRONIC PLUS is intended only for
maintaining a set speed and a set distance
from the objects moving in front of the
vehicle. G
WARNING
An intermittent warning sounds and the
distance
warning lamp · in the instrument
cluster is illuminated if the DISTRONIC PLUS
system calculates that the distance to the
vehicle ahead and your vehicle's current
speed indicate that the DISTRONIC PLUS will
not be capable of slowing the vehicle
sufficiently to maintain the preset following
distance, which creates a danger of a
collision.
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. G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with a
maximum deceleration of 13 ft/s 2
(4 m/s 2
).
This corresponds to approximately

40% of
your vehicle's maximum braking force.
To avoid a collision, you must apply the brakes
yourself. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes the vehicle 178
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsTire Pressure
Monitor
Inoperative No
Wheel Sensors The wheels mounted do not have a suitable tire pressure sensor.
The tire pressure monitor is deactivated.
X
Mount wheels with suitable tire pressure sensors.
The
tire pressure monitor is activated automatically after driving
for a few minutes. Check
Tire Press. The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
The wheel position is displayed in the multifunction display.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
With tire pressures which are too low, there is a risk of the
following hazards:
R they may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed
increase.
R they

may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction.
R the driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may
be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers.

Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 167).
X If there is a flat tire, inspect the tires ( Y page 308).
X Check the tire pressure (Y page 330).
X If necessary, correct the tire pressure. Warning
Tire Malfunction The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped suddenly. The
wheel position is shown in the multifunction display.
G WARNING
If you drive with a flat tire, there is a risk of the following hazards:
R A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
R You could lose control of the vehicle.
R Continued

driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers.

Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 167).
X If there is a flat tire, inspect the tires ( Y page 308). Display messages
249
On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionsä
The yellow ESP
®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion. ESP
®
or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
X When pulling away, only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: ( Y page 66).å
The yellow ESP
®
OFF
warning

lamp is lit while
the engine is running. ESP
®
is deactivated.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is switched off, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: ( Y page 66).
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
X Drive on carefully.
X Have ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. äå
The yellow ESP
®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running. ESP
®
, BAS, BAS PLUS, PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD
function
and hill start assist are not available due to a malfunction.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus
increase.
If ESP ®


is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.260
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays