MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2010 Owners Manual

Rwhen the automatic transmission is in park
position P, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N
R the ESC is switched off or has switched off
due to a malfunction
The vehicle speed displayed in the
speedometer can briefly vary from the speed
setting for the cruise control system.
Setting current speed XAccelerate or decelerate to the desired
speed.XBriefly lift the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow 0046 or press in direction
of arrow 0047.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
i On uphill grades, the cruise control may
not be able to maintain the set speed. Once
the grade eases, the set speed will be
resumed.
On downhill grades, the cruise control
maintains the set speed by braking with the
vehicle’s brake system. In addition, on
longer downhill grades the automatic
transmission will downshift automatically.
Canceling cruise control
XDepress the brake pedal.
or
XBriefly push the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow 008A.
The last set speed is stored for later use.
The last stored speed is deleted from memory
when the engine is turned off.
The cruise control switches off automatically
when you depress the brake pedal or you
engage the electronic parking brake. In this
case, the speedometer segments in the
multifunction display will go out.
The cruise control also switches off
automatically when
R the vehicle speed falls below 20 mph
(30 km/h)
R the ESC is in operation
R the ESC is switched off via the control
system
R the ESC has switched off due to a
malfunction
R you shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N while driving
The speedometer segments in the
multifunction display go out and an acoustic
warning will sound. Observe additional
messages in the multifunction display that
may appear.
Depressing the accelerator pedal does not
deactivate the cruise control. After a brief
acceleration (e.g. for passing), the cruise
control will resume the last set speed.
Changing the set speed GWarning!
Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has made the necessary
adjustments.
Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to
a value that the prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden
and unexpected acceleration or deceleration
of the vehicle could cause an accident and/
or serious injury to you and others.
You can increase or decrease the set speed
in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments or in
5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) increments.
When you use the cruise control lever to
decelerate, the brake system will brake the
vehicle automatically if the engine’s braking
power does not brake the vehicle sufficiently.
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Adjustment in 1 mph (Canada:
1 km/h) increments
i The set speed value is increased or
decreased in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h)
increments each time you lift or press the
cruise control lever up or down to the
resistance point.XIncreasing: Briefly lift the cruise control
lever up to the resistance point in direction
of arrow 0046.XDecreasing: Briefly press the cruise
control lever down to the resistance point
in direction of arrow 0047.XRelease the cruise control lever.
The new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate.
Adjustment in 5 mph (Canada:
10 km/h) increments
i The set speed value is increased or
decreased in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h)
increments each time you lift or press the
cruise control lever up or down past the
resistance point.
XIncreasing: Briefly lift the cruise control
lever up past the resistance point in
direction of arrow 0046.XDecreasing: Briefly press the cruise
control lever down past the resistance
point in direction of arrow 0047.XRelease the cruise control lever.
The new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate. Keep in mind that
it may take a brief moment until the vehicle
has reached the set speed.
Setting stored speed (Resume
function)
GWarning!
The set speed stored in memory should only
be set again if prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Possible
acceleration or deceleration differences
arising from returning to the preset speed
could cause an accident and/or serious injury
to you and others.XBriefly pull the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow 0088.
If no speed is stored, the current speed is
set and stored.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The last stored speed is deleted from memory
when the engine is turned off.
DISTRONIC PLUS
Safety notes
When activated, the DISTRONIC PLUS
adaptive cruise control system increases the
driving convenience afforded by the cruise
control while traveling on expressways and
other major roadways.
R If the DISTRONIC PLUS distance sensor
detects a slower moving vehicle directly
ahead, your vehicle speed will be reduced
so that you follow that vehicle at your
preset following distance.
R If there is no vehicle directly ahead of you,
the DISTRONIC PLUS will function in the
same way as standard cruise control
( Y page 328).
GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS requires familiarity with
its operational characteristics. We strongly
recommend that you review the following
information carefully before operating the
system.
GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
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GWarning!
When the DISTRONIC PLUS is braking, the
brake pedal is retracted (i.e. depressed
automatically). The pedals’ range of motion
must not be impeded by any obstacles:
R Do not place any objects in the footwell.
R Make sure that the floormats and carpets
are securely in place.
R Do not rest your foot underneath the brake
pedal, as it could otherwise be trapped.
You could otherwise cause an accident and
injure yourself and/or others.
GWarning!
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.
GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control
is not a substitute for active driving
involvement. It does not react to pedestrians
or on stationary objects, nor does it recognize
or predict the curvature and lane layout or the
movement of preceding vehicles. The
DISTRONIC PLUS can only apply a maximum
of 40% of the vehicle’s braking power.
The DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles possibly driving in front of you, such
as motorcycles and vehicles driving in an
offset formation.
It is the driver’s responsibility at all times to
be attentive to the road, weather and traffic
conditions. Additionally, the driver must
provide the steering, braking and other driving
inputs necessary to remain in control of the
vehicle.
High-frequency sources such as toll stations,
speed measuring systems etc. can cause the
DISTRONIC PLUS system to temporarily
cease functioning.GWarning!
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.
GWarning!
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.
GWarning!
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
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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.GWarning!
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.
GWarning!
Close attention to road and traffic conditions
is imperative at all times, regardless of
whether or not the DISTRONIC PLUS is
activated.
Use of the DISTRONIC PLUS can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic
because conditions do not allow safe driving
at a constant speed.
The DISTRONIC PLUS will not react to
stationary objects in the roadway (e.g. a
stopped vehicle in a traffic jam or a disabled
vehicle). The DISTRONIC PLUS will also not
respond to oncoming vehicles.
Switch off the DISTRONIC PLUS:
R when changing from the left to the right
lane if vehicles are moving more slowly in
the left lane
R when entering a turn lane or highway off
ramp
R in complex driving situations, such as in
highway construction zones
In these situations, the DISTRONIC PLUS will
continue to maintain the set speed unless
deactivated.
The DISTRONIC PLUS is designed and
intended only to maintain a set speed and
keep a set distance from moving objects in
front of it.
The DISTRONIC PLUS functions in a speed
range of 0 to 120 mph
(Canada: 0 to 200 km/h) if a preceding
vehicle is detected. If no preceding vehicle is
detected the DISTRONIC PLUS functions in a
speed range of 20 to 120 mph
(Canada: 30 to 200 km/h).
Always obey applicable speed limits.
Do not use the DISTRONIC PLUS if you are
driving on a road with steep uphill or downhill
slopes.
When traveling in Canada in a vehicle not
registered in Canada, you must switch off the
radar sensor system ( Y page 236). 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:
R DISTRONIC PLUS
R BAS PLUS ( Y page 64)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 69)
R Blind Spot Assist ( Y page 359)
i Due to its radar-emitting nature
DISTRONIC PLUS may have an appearance
similar to a radar detector to law
enforcement officials. You may want to
refer to this section of your Operator’s
Manual when asked.
i USA 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
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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.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted. 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.
DISTRONIC PLUS displays in
multifunction display
\000FSpeed of the vehicle ahead\000GMarker\000

You must also apply the brakes yourself to
avoid a collision. The DISTRONIC PLUS brakes
the vehicle in an effort to restore the preset
distance or to maintain the set speed. The
brake pedal is automatically applied as this
happens which results in the brake pedal
moving
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times,
including the area under the brake pedal.
Objects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement which could interfere with the
braking ability of the DISTRONIC PLUS
system.
Do not place your foot under the brake pedal
– your foot could become caught.
GWarning!
If you do not receive visual or acoustic
warning signals during a critical traffic
situation, DISTRONIC PLUS has either not
recognized the collision risk, has been
deactivated or is malfunctioning.
Remember, whether or not DISTRONIC PLUS
is operating, it is ultimately always the drivers
responsibility to apply the brakes in order to
control the vehicle and avoid a collision.
Displaying the distance graphic
In the DriveAssist menu under Distance
Display you see the current settings for
DISTRONIC PLUS. The Information shown in
the multifunction display depends on whether
DISTRONIC PLUS is activated or deactivated.
For activating or deactivating the DISTRONIC
PLUS system, see “Activating DISTRONIC
PLUS” (Y page 335) or “Deactivating
DISTRONIC PLUS” (Y page 338).
The menu overview can be found on
(Y page 222).
XPress \000@ or \000> to select the
DriveAssist menu.
XPress \000= or \000< to select the
Distance Display function.
XPress \000d.
The DISTRONIC PLUS distance graphic
appears and you will see one of the
following displays in the multifunction
display.
DISTRONIC PLUS activated
If you switch on the DISTRONIC PLUS, you will
see the set speed in the multifunction display
for approximately 5 seconds. When the
DISTRONIC PLUS is activated the following
display appears in the multifunction display.
\000FDISTRONIC PLUS activated\000GYour vehicle\000

\000FPreceding vehicle, if detected\000GActual distance to the preceding vehicle\000

Below 20 mph (30 km/h), you can only switch
on the DISTRONIC PLUS if the preceding
vehicle has been detected and is shown in the
multifunction display. If you no longer see the
preceding vehicle in the multifunction display
and if it is no longer detected because it has
changed lanes, for example, the DISTRONIC
PLUS switches off and a signal sounds.XPull the DISTRONIC PLUS lever briefly in
direction of arrow 0088 to call up the last set
speed, or if no speed is stored, to set and
store the current speed.
The DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on.
or
XTap the DISTRONIC PLUS lever up 0046 or
down 0047 until desired speed is set.
The DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Your vehicle adapts its speed to the
preceding vehicle, observing the set speed
as a maximum value.
If you do not completely remove your foot
from the accelerator pedal, the message
DISTRONIC PLUS Override appears in the
multifunction display. The distance to a
slower-driving vehicle will not be set. You will
drive at the speed you dictate by pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Switching on when approaching a
stationary vehicle
It is helpful to switch on the DISTRONIC PLUS
display in the multifunction display to see that
a preceding vehicle is detected
( Y page 334). You can only switch on the
DISTRONIC PLUS below a speed of 20 mph
(30 km/h) when a preceding vehicle is
detected.
If the preceding vehicle is stationary, you can
only switch on the DISTRONIC PLUS if your
vehicle is also at a standstill.
XPull the DISTRONIC PLUS lever briefly in
direction of arrow 0088.
The DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on.XTap the DISTRONIC PLUS lever up 0046 or
down 0047 until desired speed is set.
You can adjust the set speed using the
DISTRONIC PLUS lever and the target
distance using the distance setting switch on
the DISTRONIC PLUS lever ( Y page 339).
i If the DISTRONIC PLUS is switched off,
the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 69) will warn
of an impending collision if this function has
been activated with the instrument cluster
control system ( Y page 232).
Starting off
When the preceding vehicle starts off:
XRemove your foot from the brake pedal.XPull the DISTRONIC PLUS lever briefly in
direction of arrow 0088.
or
XBriefly step on the accelerator pedal.
Your vehicle starts off and adapts its speed
to the preceding vehicle.
Driving
If there is no preceding vehicle, the
DISTRONIC PLUS functions like the cruise
control ( Y page 328).
When the DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the
preceding vehicle is driving more slowly, it
brakes the vehicle in order to keep the
distance specified by you.
When the DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the
preceding vehicle is driving faster, it
accelerates the vehicle up to the set speed.
GWarning!
When you step on the brake pedal, you switch
off the DISTRONIC PLUS except when the
vehicle is at a standstill. The DISTRONIC PLUS
will no longer brake your vehicle. You are
always responsible for maintaining a distance
from other vehicles, observing road speeds
and braking well in advance.
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StoppingGWarning!
The braking effect of the DISTRONIC PLUS is
canceled and the vehicle can start to roll if
R the DISTRONIC PLUS is switched off using
the DISTRONIC PLUS lever
R you accelerate
R the DISTRONIC PLUS system or the power
supply is malfunctioning, e.g. due to battery
failure
R the electrical components in the engine
compartment or the fuses have been
manipulated
R the battery is disconnected
GWarning!
Never get out of the vehicle while the
DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on!
The DISTRONIC PLUS must never be operated
or switched off by passengers or from outside
the vehicle.
The DISTRONIC PLUS is not a substitute for
the electronic parking brake. It must not be
used to secure the vehicle when parking.
When you get out of the vehicle or switch off
the engine, deactivate the DISTRONIC PLUS
and secure the vehicle from rolling away by
engaging the electronic parking brake.
When the DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the
preceding vehicle is stopping, the vehicle
brakes until it also stops. Once the vehicle is
at a standstill, it remains stationary, without
depressing the brake pedal.
After a short while, the vehicle is secured in
place by the electronic parking brake so that
the operating brake can be relieved of load.
Depending on the following distance set
using the distance setting switch on the
DISTRONIC PLUS lever ( Y page 339), the
vehicle will stop adequate away from the
preceding vehicle.
When the DISTRONIC PLUS is activated and
the vehicle is at a standstill, the automatic
transmission shifts into park position P
automatically when
R opening the driver’s door and releasing the
seat belt
R turning off the engine
R opening the hood
R a system malfunction occurs
R the on-board voltage is insufficient
The DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
Setting the current speedXAccelerate or decelerate to the desired
speed.XBriefly lift the DISTRONIC PLUS lever in
direction of arrow 0046 or depress in
direction of arrow 0047 (Y page 335).
The current speed is set.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
i If you do not take your foot off of the
accelerator pedal and continue to
accelerate past the set speed, the following
message will appear in the multifunction
display:
DISTRONIC PLUS Override
The distance to a slower moving vehicle in
front of you will not be set. Your vehicle
speed will then be determined only by the
accelerator pedal position.
Changing the set speed
GWarning!
Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has made the necessary
adjustments.
Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to
a value that the prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden
and unexpected acceleration or deceleration
of the vehicle could cause an accident and/
or serious injury to you and others.
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You can increase or decrease the set speed
in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments or in
5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) increments.
When you use the DISTRONIC PLUS lever to
decelerate, the brake system will brake the
vehicle automatically if the engine’s braking
power does not brake the vehicle sufficiently.
Adjustment in 1 mph (Canada:
1 km/h) increments
i The set speed value is increased or
decreased in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h)
increments each time you lift or press the
DISTRONIC PLUS lever up or down to the
resistance point.XIncreasing: Briefly lift the DISTRONIC
PLUS lever up to the resistance point in
direction of arrow 0046.XDecreasing: Briefly press the DISTRONIC
PLUS lever down to the resistance point in
direction of arrow 0047.XRelease the DISTRONIC PLUS lever.
The new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate.
Adjustment in 5 mph (Canada:
10 km/h) increments
i The set speed value is increased or
decreased in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h)
increments each time you lift or press the
DISTRONIC PLUS lever up or down past the
resistance point.
XIncreasing: Briefly lift the DISTRONIC
PLUS lever up past the resistance point in
direction of arrow 0046.XDecreasing: Briefly press the DISTRONIC
PLUS lever down past the resistance point
in direction of arrow 0047.XRelease the DISTRONIC PLUS lever.
The new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate. Keep in mind that
it may take a brief moment until the vehicle
has reached the set speed.Setting stored speed (Resume function)GWarning!
The set speed stored in memory should only
be set again if prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Possible
acceleration or deceleration differences
arising from returning to the preset speed
could cause an accident and/or serious injury
to you and others.
XBriefly pull the DISTRONIC PLUS lever in
direction of arrow 0088 (Y page 335).
The DISTRONIC PLUS is activated and
resumes to the last set speed or, if no
speed is stored, it will set and store the
current speed.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS
XDepress the brake pedal (only possible if
the vehicle is in motion).
or
XBriefly push the DISTRONIC PLUS lever in
direction of arrow 008A (Y page 335).
The last set speed is stored for later use.
The last stored speed is deleted from memory
when the engine is turned off.
The DISTRONIC PLUS switches off
automatically when
R the vehicle is secured with the electronic
parking brake
R the vehicle speed falls below 15 mph
(25 km/h) and no preceding vehicle is
detected
R the ESC is in operation, or switched off via
the control system (Y page 232), or the ESC
has switched off due to a malfunction
R you shift the automatic transmission into
park position P, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N while driving
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