Distronic MERCEDES-BENZ E350 2010 W212 User Guide

boost to a level that is suitable for the traffic
situation.
If BAS PLUS requires a particularly high brake
power boost, PRE-SAFE ®
is activated at the
same time.XKeep constant pressure on the brake pedal
until the emergency braking situation is
over.
During this process, the ABS prevents the
wheels from locking up.
The brakes will resume normal operation
after
R the brake pedal is released
R no obstacles are detected in your path
R the system no longer senses a risk of a
collision
BAS PLUS is then deactivated.
BAS PLUS can react to stationary obstacles
such as standing or parked vehicles at road
speeds of up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h).
BAS PLUS can only assist you when the radar
sensors are switched on and functional. You
can check whether the sensors are active by
switching on DISTRONIC PLUS
( Y page 149) or using the Radar sensors
function in the instrument cluster control
system.
GWarning!
BAS PLUS will only respond with brake
assistance if it has clearly detected an object.
Detection can be impeded by
R dirty or covered sensors
R snowfall or heavy rain
R disturbance from other radar sources
R strong radar reflection such as in parking
garages
BAS PLUS uses radar signals that are not
reflected well by narrow objects and
absorptive materials. For this reason BAS
PLUS will not react to persons, animals, and
approaching traffic or cross-traffic.
BAS PLUS may not detect narrow vehicles
driving in front of you, such as motorcycles
and vehicles driving offset from your vehicle
center.
After a hard collision or damage to the front
of the vehicle from an accident, have the
adjustment and operation of the radar
sensors checked by an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If BAS PLUS is not available due to a radar
sensor malfunction, the braking system will
continue to function normally with full brake
boost and full standard BAS function.
Adaptive Brake
Adaptive Brake provides a high level of
braking safety as well as increased braking
comfort. Adaptive Brake takes driver and
vehicle characteristics into consideration,
thus achieving an optimal braking effect.
In addiditon, Adaptive Brake provides the
HOLD function (Y page 161) and the hill-start
assist system ( Y page 160).
For more information on the brake system,
see ( Y page 254).
EBP
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.
GWarning!
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
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ESCGObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESC recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESC works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESC is
especially useful while driving off and on wet
or slippery road surfaces. The ESC also
stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESC warning lamp ä in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.
GWarning!
Never switch off the ESC when you see the
ESC warning lamp ä flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESC cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: Because the ESC
operates automatically, the engine and
ignition must be shut off (SmartKey in
starter switch position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button in position 0 or 1)
when the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC: Because the
ESC operates automatically, the engine
and ignition must be shut off (SmartKey in
starter switch position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button in position 0 or 1)
when the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer or when the
vehicle is being towed with one axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESC will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The DISTRONIC PLUS and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESC
engages.
Electronic Traction System
(ETS/4-ETS) GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) and
4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System, vehicles with 4MATIC only) are
components of the ESC. The ETS/4-ETS
improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. Vehicles with 4MATIC also
transfer more power to the wheel(s) with
traction.
When you switch off the ESC, the
ETS/4-ETS is still enabled.
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Switching the ESC off or on
(except E 63 AMG)
GWarning!
The ESC should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESC when a spare wheel
is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESC. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch on the ESC immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESC will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESC,
Rthe ESC does not stabilize the vehicle
Rthe engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS/4-ETS will still apply the brakes to
a spinning wheel
Rthe ESC continues to operate when you are
braking
Rthe cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
switch off if activated
iWhen the ESC is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESC
warning lamp ä in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESC will then
not stabilize the vehicle.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESC switch : until the ESC OFF
warning lamp å in the instrument
cluster comes on.
The ESC is switched off.
GWarning!
When the ESC OFF warning lamp å is on,
the ESC is switched off.
When the ESC warning lamp ä and the
ESC OFF warning lamp å are on
continuously, the ESC is not operational due
to a malfunction.
When the ESC is switched off or not
operational, vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESC.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESC switched off.
This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
XSwitching on: Press ESC switch : until
the ESC OFF warning lamp å in the
instrument cluster goes out.
You are now again in normal driving mode
with the ESC switched on.
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E 63 AMG
Switching ESC SPORT on or off
GWarning!
ESC SPORT should not be switched on during
normal driving.
Switching ESC SPORT on will result in the
following:
Rno restriction to engine torque
Rsystem-supported traction control is
limited
ESC SPORT is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch on ESC SPORT.
Do not switch on ESC SPORT when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch on
ESC SPORT. This allows the drive wheels to
spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip,
for example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch off ESC SPORT and switch on the ESC
immediately if the aforementioned
circumstances do not apply anymore.
Otherwise ESC will only stabilize the vehicle
to a limited extent when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch on ESC SPORT
Rthe ESC stabilizes the vehicle only to a
limited extent
Rthe engine output is limited, but only to the
extent that allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESC continues to operate when you are
braking hard
Rthe cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
switch off if activated
iWhen ESC SPORT is switched on and one
or more drive wheels are spinning, the ESC
warning lamp ä in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESC will then
stabilize the vehicle only to a limited extent.
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESC SPORT switch : briefly.
The ESC SPORT warning lamp ì in the
instrument cluster comes on. The message
ESC-SPORT appears in the multifunction
display.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESC SPORT switch : briefly.
The ESC SPORT warning lamp ì in the
instrument cluster goes out. The message
ESC-ON appears in the multifunction
display.
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ESC SPORT switches off automatically when
you turn off the engine. When starting the
engine, the ESC is activated automatically.
Switching the ESC off or on
GWarning!
The ESC should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
Rno restriction to engine torque
Rloss of system-supported traction control
“ESC OFF” is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESC.
Do not switch off the ESC when a spare wheel
is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESC. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch on the ESC immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESC will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESC,
Rthe ESC will not stabilize the vehicle
Rthe engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESC continues to operate when you are
braking hard
Rthe PRE-SAFE® system is not available,
even when you are braking hard supported
by the ESC
Rthe PRE-SAFE® Brake is not available, even
when you are braking hard supported by
the ESC
Rthe cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
switch off if activated
iWhen ESC is switched off and one or more
drive wheels are spinning, the ESC warning
lamp ä in the instrument cluster does
not flash. The ESC will not stabilize the
vehicle.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESC switch : until the ESC OFF
warning lamp å in the instrument
cluster comes on.
The message ESC-OFF appears in the
multifunction display.
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GWarning!
When the ESC OFF warning lamp å is on,
the ESC is switched off.
When the ESC warning lamp ä and the
ESC OFF warning lamp å are on
continuously, the ESC is not operational due
to a malfunction.
When the ESC is switched off or not
operational, vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESC.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESC switched off.
This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESC switch : briefly.
The ESC OFF warning lamp å in the
instrument cluster goes out. The message
ESC-ON appears in the multifunction
display.
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is available in vehicles
equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS. The PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake can assist you in minimizing the
risk of a rear-end collision with a vehicle in
front of you. The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also
reduce the severity of an accident. At speeds
above approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) it will
issue a warning when your vehicle is
approaching the preceding vehicle very
quickly. An intermittent acoustic warning
sounds and the distance warning lamp ·
in the instrument cluster comes on.
Due to the system characteristics, warnings
could be issued without cause in complex
driving situations.
When the driver and front passenger have
fastened their seat belts, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can also
R brake the vehicle within a speed range of
up to 124 mph (200 km/h) automatically
R activate preventative occupant safety
measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) ( Y page 53)GWarning!
An intermittent warning sounds and the
distance warning lamp · in the instrument
cluster is illuminated if the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
calculates that the distance to the vehicle
ahead and your vehicle’s current speed
indicate that the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will not be
capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to
maintain the preset following distance, which
creates a danger of a collision.
Immediately brake your vehicle to increase
the distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle driving in front of you. The warning
sound is intended as a final caution that you
have not interceded 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, as that will result in potentially
dangerous emergency braking which will not
always result in an impact being avoided.
Tailgating increases the risk of an accident.
GWarning!
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is a convenience
system designed to assist the driver during
vehicle operation. The responsibility for the
vehicle speed and the distance to the vehicle
ahead, including most importantly brake
operation to assure safe stopping distance,
always remains with the driver.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is switched
on. Otherwise, you may not be able to
recognize dangerous situations until it is too
late and could cause an accident resulting in
personal or fatal injury to you or others.
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To maintain the proper distance to the vehicle
in front of you and thus prevent a rear-end
collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.XBrake the vehicle immediately to avoid a
collision.
Under no circumstances should the driver
await the intermittent warning sound
before braking. Observe the following
warning note.
The intermittent warning sound ceases and
the distance warning lamp · goes out
when the necessary distance to the vehicle
ahead is again established.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can react to stationary
obstacles such as standing or parked vehicles
at road speeds of up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h).
GWarning!
If you do not receive visual or acoustic
warning signals, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
R not have recognized the collision risk
R have been deactivated
R be malfunctioning
Apply the brakes yourself to avoid a collision.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not always clearly
interpret complex traffic situations. If a visual
and/or acoustic warning is issued in an
uncritical driving situation, or if the vehicle
brakes lightly, you can interrupt the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake maneuver by pressing down all
the way on the accelerator pedal, using
kickdown, or releasing the brake pedal.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake maneuver is
terminated immediately when
R you avoid the obstacle by evasive steering
R you drive less than 9 mph (15 km/h)
R an obstacle can no longer be identified
ahead of you
R the system no longer senses the risk of a
collision
i The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will remain passive
while DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on
( Y page 149).
After a hard collision or damage to the front
of the vehicle from an accident, have the
settings and operation of the radar sensors
checked by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.XActivating and deactivating: Activate or
deactivate the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake using the
instrument cluster control system
( Y page 137).
After the function has been activated, the
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake indicator Ä appears
in the instrument cluster. When the HOLD
function is switched on, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake indicator Ä will not appear.
In vehicles with Parking Guidance, the
automatic transmission must be in park
position P for the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
indicator Ä to be displayed.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is deactivated when
the radar system is switched off. When you
switch off the radar system, the following
functions are deactivated:
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
R BAS PLUS ( Y page 63)
R DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 149)
R Blind Spot Assist ( Y page 175)
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized
persons from starting your vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
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i Shifting the automatic transmission out
of park position P is only possible with the
brake pedal depressed.
Without the brake pedal depressed, the
gear selector lever can be moved up or
down, but the parking pawl remains
engaged, not allowing shifting to occur.
i The gear selector lever always returns to
its original position.
The current transmission position P, R, N,
or D appears in the multifunction display
(Y page 118).
E 63 AMG only: There are additional
indicators on the cover of the shifting gate
showing the current gear selector lever
position.
The indicators come on when you insert the
SmartKey into the starter switch, and go out
when you remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch.
GWarning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
iMoving the gear selector lever up or down
shifts the automatic transmission out of
park position P.
All models except E 63 AMG: Shifting
into park position P
XWith the vehicle at a standstill, press
button : on the gear selector lever.
SmartKey: When you turn off the engine using
the SmartKey, and remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch or open a front door,
the automatic transmission will shift into park
position P automatically.
KEYLESS-GO: When you turn off the engine
using the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and
open a front door, the automatic transmission
will shift into park position P automatically.
GWarning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
iMoving the gear selector lever up or down
shifts the automatic transmission out of
park position P.
HOLD function or DISTRONIC PLUS:
The automatic transmission will shift into
park position P automatically when HOLD
function or DISTRONIC PLUS brings your
vehicle to standstill. In addition, at least one
of the following conditions must be met:
RThe engine is turned off.
RThe driver’s door is opened and the seat
belt is not inserted in the seat belt buckle.
E 63 AMG: Shifting into park position P
XWith the vehicle at a standstill, press
button : on the gearshift pattern.
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Example illustration
:Selected name from the phone bookXIf the Symbol G appears on the right-hand
side of the name several entries are
present for the same name: Press button
6 or a and select the desired entry.
XPress button 6 or a.
The control system dials the selected
phone number.
If the connection is successful and this
feature is supported by your network
provider, the name of the party (if stored in
your phone book) you are calling will
appear in the multifunction display.
The control system stores the dialed
number in the redial memory.
or
XPress button ~ or % if you do not
want to make the call.
Redialing
The control system stores the most recently
dialed phone numbers. This eliminates the
need to search through your entire phone
book.
XPress button = or ; to select the
Tel menu.
XPress button 6.XPress button : or 9 to select the
desired number or name.
XPress button 6 or a.
The control system dials the selected
phone number.
Assistance menu
In the DriveAssist menu, you can change
the settings of your driving systems.
The following functions are available:
RDisplaying distance graphic, DISTRONIC
PLUS (Y page 152)
RActivating/deactivating PRE-SAFE® Brake
(vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS only)
(Y page 137)
RSwitching ATTENTION ASSIST on or off
(Y page 138)
RSwitching Blind Spot Assist on or off
(Y page 138)
RSwitching Lane Keeping Assist on or off
(Y page 138)
Activating/deactivating PRE-SAFE®
Brake (vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS
only)
XPress button = or ; to select the
DriveAssist menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select the
PRE-SAFE Brake function.
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XPress button a to change the current
status.
Depending on the previous status, the
interior lighting delayed shut-off feature
will be Enabled or Disabled.
Vehicle submenu
Access the Vehicle submenu via the Sett.
menu. Use the Vehicle submenu to switch
the automatic central locking or the radar
sensors on or off.
Switching automatic central locking on or
off
Use this function to switch the automatic
central locking on or off. With the automatic
central locking activated, the vehicle is
locked centrally at a vehicle speed of
approximately 9 mph (15 km/h).
XPress button = or ; to select the
Sett. menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select the
Vehicle submenu.
XPress button a.XPress button : or 9 to select the
Automatic Door Lock: function.
The current setting Enabled or Disabled
is shown.
XPress button a to change the current
status.
Depending on the previous status, the
Automatic Door Lock: feature will be
Enabled or Disabled.
Switching the radar sensors on or off
If your vehicle is equipped with DISTRONIC
PLUS it is equipped with a radar sensor
system which you can switch on or off.
When traveling in Canada in a vehicle not
registered in Canada, you must switch off the
radar sensor system. Canadian law does not
permit the use of the radar sensor system for
vehicles from outside of Canada. When you
switch off the radar sensor system, the
following functions are deactivated:
RBAS PLUS (Y page 63)
RPRE-SAFE® Brake (Y page 69)
RDISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 149)
RBlind Spot Assist (Y page 175)
iUSA only:
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. Removal, tampering, or
altering of the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
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 interference,
and
2. this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
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