MERCEDES-BENZ E WAGON 2005 S211 Manual Online

80 Safety and SecurityOccupant safety
The 75indicator lamp is located
in the center console.
1Indicator lampThe 75indicator lamp1 will be
illuminated, except with the SmartKey
removed or in starter switch position0.
iDeployment of the driver front air bag
does not mean that the front passenger
front air bag also should have de-
ployed.
The Occupant Classification System
(page 76) may have determined:


that the seat was empty or occu-
p i e d b y t h e w e i g h t u p t o o r l e s s t h a n
that of a typical 12-month-old child
seated in a standard child restraint
- both instances where the system
suppresses deployment of the pas-
senger front air bag even though
the impact met the criteria and was
of sufficient severity to deploy the
driver front air bag.


that the seat was occupied by a
small individual (such as a young
teenager or a small adult) or a child
weighing more than the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child in a stan-
dard child restraint - instances
where the system may suppress de-
ployment of the passenger front air
bag even though the impact met
the criteria and was of sufficient se-
verity to deploy the driver front air
bag.
Warning!
G
If the 1indicator lamp and the
75indicator lamp are lit at the
same time, there is a malfunction in the
Occupant Classification System. The front
passenger front air bag will be deactivated
in this case.
In order to ensure proper operation of the
airbag system and OCS:

Have the system checked as soon as
possible by qualified technicians.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.


Do not place more than 4.4 lbs (2 kg)
into the ruffled storage bag on the back
of the front passenger seat. Otherwise,
the OCS may not be able to properly ap-
proximate the occupant weight
category.

81 Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Self-test Occupant Classification Sys-
tem
After turning the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position1 or2 or pressing the
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button once or
twice, the 75indicator lamp1
located in the center console illuminates. If
an adult occupant is properly sitting on the
front passenger seat and the system sens-
es the occupant as being an adult, the
75indicator lamp will illuminate
and go out after approximately six sec-
onds.
If the seat is not occupied and the system
senses the front passenger seat as being
empty, the 75indicator lamp
will illuminate and not go out. For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
page 369).


Do not place objects under and / or
around the front passenger seat.


Do not hang anything from or attach any
items to the seats.


Do not stuff objects such as books be-
tween the middle console and the front
passenger seat.


Do not move the front passenger seat
backwards against stiff objects.


Sit properly belted in a nearly upright
position with your back against the seat
backrest.


Do not lean on the armrests or lift your-
self from the seat by using the handle
over the door as this may cause the OCS
to be unable to correctly approximate
the occupant weight category.


Only have the seat repaired or replaced
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.


Read and observe all warnings in this
chapter.
Warning!
G
If the indicator lamp should not illuminate,
the system is not functioning. You must see
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before
seating any child on the front passenger
seat.Warning!
G
Never place anything between seat cushion
and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces
the effectiveness of the Occupant Classifi-
cation System. 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 increasing protec-
tion for the child.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
installation of child seats.

82 Safety and SecurityOccupant safetyInstallation of infant and child restraint
systems
Prior to installing a tether strap, note the
following steps:
Roll up retractable luggage cover and
partition net.

Remove storage box (if so equipped)
(page 256).
If the storage box is not removed:


the top tether anchorage ring located
on the floor (
page 83) for use with a
child restraint in the rear center seat
position cannot be accessed.


the hook of the top tether strap when
attached to the anchorage ring on an
outer rear seat backrest may push
against the storage box and prevent
the backrest from properly locking into
position.

If you place a child seat in the left or
center rear seat position, remove twin
roller blind (
page 258) and return
seat to its original position.

If you place a child seat in the right rear
seat position, the twin roller blind can
remain installed if so desired.

Fold the rear backrest slightly forward
(page 247).

Guide top tether strap between head
restraint and top of seat back.
Head restraints must be installed (if re-
movable) and positioned such that the
top tether strap can pass freely
between the head restraint and top of
the seat back.
Make sure the tether strap is not twist-
ed.

Fold the rear backrest back until it
locks in place (
page 248).
!Do not reinstall twin roller blind with a
child seat and top tether installed in the
left and center rear seat position.
iWith a child seat and top tether in-
stalled in the right rear seat position
and twin roller blind installed, make
sure the top tether strap is positioned
between seat backrest and twin roller
blind. Warning!
G
Always lock backrest in its upright position
when rear seat bench is occupied by pas-
sengers, or the extended cargo compart-
ment is not in use. Check for secure locking
by pushing and pulling on the backrest.

83 Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Anchorage rings1 are located on the
back side of the outer rear backrests and
on the floor behind the rear center seat.
1Anchorage ring
2Hook
Fold up anchorage ring1.

Securely fasten hook2, which is part
of the tether strap, to anchorage
ring1.1Anchorage ring
2Hook
Once the top tether anchorage hook is
attached, the child restraint itself can be
secured. Secure the child restraint and
tighten the top tether strap according to
the child restraint manufacturer’s instruc-
tions. 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 outer 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
iFor safety, make sure the hook has
attached to the ring beyond the safety
catch, as illustrated below.

84 Safety and SecurityOccupant safety
Install child seat according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Blocking of rear door window operation
1Override switch
2Indicator lamp
Press override switch1.
Indicator lamp2 comes on. The rear
door windows can no longer be operat-
ed using the switches located in the
rear doors.
!Make sure the seat belt for the center
seat can operate freely with a child
seat installed.iNon-LATCH type child seats may also
be used and can be installed using the
vehicle’s seat belt system (
page 73).
Install child seat according to the man-
ufacturer’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 belt positioning
for children from 41 lbs until they reach a
height where a lap/shoulder belt fits proper-
ly without a booster.
Install child seat according to manufactur-
er’s instructions.
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 i n t h e
right and left side anchors2.
An incorrectly mounted child seat may come
loose during an accident which could result
in serious 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.
!Operation of the rear door windows
with the switches located on the door
control panel of the driver’s door is still
possible.

85 Safety and Security
Occupant safety
For more information on power windows,
see the “Controls in detail” section
(page 221).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 the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* from the starter switch, take
it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsu-
pervised use of vehicle equipment can
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury.

86 Safety and SecurityPanic alarmAn audible alarm and flashing exterior
lamps will operate for approximately
2½ minutes.
1Â buttonActivating
Press and hold button1 for at least
one second.
Deactivating
Press button1 again.
or

Insert SmartKey in starter switch.iUSA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
(2) this device must accept any inter-
ference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
iCanada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interfer-
ence, and
(2) this device must accept any inter-
ference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.

87 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems
In this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:

ABS (A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)


BAS (B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)


ESP (E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)


SBC (S
ensotronic B
rake C
ontrol)


4MATIC (Four Wheel Electronic
Traction System)
ABS
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do
not lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) indepen-
dent of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re-
spond even to light brake pressure.
The - indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is run-
ning.
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS, the BAS, the
ESP, SBC and 4MATIC is only achieved
with winter tires (M + S tires), or snow
chains as required.Warning!
G
The following factors increase the risk of ac-
cidents:

Excessive speed, especially in turns


Wet and slippery road surfaces


Following another vehicle too closely
The ABS, BAS, ESP, SBC and 4MATIC cannot
reduce this risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
Warning!
G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.

88 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systemsBraking
If the ABS activates during braking, the
ABS/ESP warning lamp v in the instru-
ment cluster dial flashes. Because of the
SBC brake system, you will not feel any
pulsation in the brake pedal.
Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.
The ABS/ESP warning lamp v flashes
whenever the ABS is activated which can
be an indication of hazardous road condi-
tions and functions as a reminder to take
extra care while driving.Emergency brake maneuver

Keep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal.
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
page 353).
Warning!
G
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the BAS
and the ESP are also switched off.
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the brak-
ing distance.
Warning!
G
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction af-
forded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, atten-
tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeop-
ardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.

89 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
BAS
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the
brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically
provides full brake boost, thereby poten-
tially reducing the braking distance.
Apply continuous full braking pressure
until the emergency braking situation is
over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the
brakes function again as normal. The BAS
is then deactivated.
ESP
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is
operational as soon as the engine is run-
ning and monitors the vehicle's traction
(force of adhesive friction between the
tires and the road surface) and handling.
The ESP recognizes when a wheel is spin-
ning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By ap-
plying brakes to the appropriate wheel and
by limiting engine output, the ESP works to
stabilize the vehicle. The ESP is especially
useful while driving off and on wet or slip-
pery road surfaces. The ESP also stabilizes
the vehicle during braking maneuvers.
The ABS/ESP warning lamp v in the in-
strument cluster flashes when the ESP is
engaged.
The ABS/ESP warning lamp v in the
instrument cluster comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Warning!
G
If the BAS is malfunctioning, the brake sys-
tem is still functioning normally, but without
the additional brake boost available that
BAS would normally provide in an emergen-
cy braking maneuver. Therefore, the braking
distance may increase.
Warning!
G
The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking efficiency beyond that
afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The BAS cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, following another vehicle too closely,
or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The ca-
pabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner which could jeopardize the us-
er’s safety or the safety of others.