brake MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2016 User Guide

VVanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........ 333
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 29
Data acquisition ............................... 29
Display message ............................ 308
Equipment ....................................... 25
Individual settings .......................... 269
Limited Warranty ............................. 29
Loading .......................................... 394
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 88
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 79
Lowering ........................................ 409
Maintenance .................................... 26
Operating safety .............................. 27
Parking .......................................... 189
Parking for a long period ................ 192
Pulling away ................................... 165
Raising ........................................... 406
Reporting problems ......................... 29
Securing from rolling away ............ 406
Towing away .................................. 379
Transporting .................................. 381
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 87
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 79
Vehicle data ................................... 433
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 433
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 88
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 426
Vehicle level
Active Body Control ABC ............... 210
AIRMATIC ...................................... 212
Display message ............................ 300
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 367
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 267
VIN
Type plate ...................................... 426
W
Warning
Stickers ........................................... 42
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 316 Brakes ........................................... 315
Check Engine ................................. 320
Coolant .......................................... 320
Distance warning ........................... 322
ESP ®
.............................................. 317
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 319
Fuel tank ........................................ 320
General notes ................................ 313
Hybrid drive system ....................... 315
Overview .......................................... 34
Parking brake ................................ 319
PASSENGER AIR BAG ...................... 46
RBS (Recuperative Brake Sys-
tem) ............................................... 315
Reserve fuel ................................... 320
Restraint system ............................ 319
Seat belt ........................................ 313
Steering ......................................... 324
Tire pressure monitor .................... 323
Warranty .............................................. 25
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 311
Wheel and tire combinations
Tires ............................................... 412
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 409
Wheel chock ...................................... 406
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 405
Checking ........................................ 385
Cleaning ......................................... 361
General notes ................................ 410
Important safety notes .................. 384
Information on driving .................... 384
Interchanging/changing ................ 405
Mounting a new wheel ................... 409
Mounting a wheel .......................... 406
Removing a wheel .......................... 408
Snow chains .................................. 386
Storing ........................................... 405
Tightening torque ........................... 409
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 410
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 288
Operation ......................................... 53
Windows
see Side windows22
Index

Protection of the environment
General notes
H Environmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of compre-
hensive environmental protection.
The objectives are for the natural resources
that form the basis of our existence on this
planet to be used sparingly and in a manner
that takes the requirements of both nature
and humanity into account.
You too can help to protect the environment
by operating your vehicle in an environmen-
tally responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission, brake and tire wear are affected
by these factors: R
operating conditions of your vehicle R
your personal driving style
You can influence both factors. You should
bear the following in mind:
Operating conditions: R
avoid short trips as these increase fuel con-
sumption. R
always make sure that the tire pressures
are correct. R
do not carry any unnecessary weight. R
remove roof racks once you no longer need
them. R
a regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals. R
always have service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style: R
do not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine. R
do not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary. R
drive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front. R
avoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking. R
change gear in good time and use each gear
only up to

Do not install accessories such as audio sys-
tems in these areas. Do not carry out repairs
or welding. You could impair the operating
efficiency of the restraint systems.
Have aftermarket accessories installed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
You could jeopardize the operating safety of
your vehicle if you use parts, tires and wheels as
well as accessories relevant to safety which
have not been approved by Mercedes-Benz. This
could lead to malfunctions in safety-relevant
systems, e.g. the brake system. Use only genu-
ine Mercedes-Benz parts or parts of equal qual-
ity. Only use tires, wheels and accessories that
have been specifically approved for your vehi-
cle.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts are subject to
strict quality control. Every part has been spe-
cifically developed, manufactured or selected
for and adapted to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Only genuine Mercedes-Benz parts should
therefore be used.
More than 300,000 different genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts are available for
Mercedes-Benz models.
All authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers maintain
a supply of genuine Mercedes-Benz parts for
necessary service and repair work. In addition,
strate gically located parts delivery centers pro-
vi de quick and reliable parts service.
Always specify the vehicle identification number
(VIN) when ordering genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts ( Y
page 426).
Operator's Manual
Vehicle equipment
i This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of going to
print. Country-specific differences are possi-
ble. Bear in mind that your vehicle may not
feature all functions described here. This also
applies to safety-relevant systems and func-
tions. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations.
The original purchase agreement lists all sys-
tems installed in your vehicle. Should you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operator's Manual and Maintenance Book-
let are important documents and should be kept
in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Warranty The implied warranty for your vehicle applies in
accordance with the warranty terms and condi-
tions in the Service and Warranty Information
booklet.
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
replace and repair all factory-installed parts in
accordance with the following warranty terms
and conditions: R
New Vehicle Limited Warranty R
Emission System Warranty R
Emission Performance Warranty R
California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachu-
setts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island
and Vermont Emission Control System War-
ranty R
State warranty enforcement laws (lemon
laws)
Replacement parts and accessories are covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Parts and Accessories
warranties. These are available at any author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Should you lose your Service and Warranty
Information booklet, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center arrange for a replace-
ment. The new Service and Warranty Infor-
mation booklet will be posted to you.
Information for customers in Califor-
nia Under California law you may be entitled to a
replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price or lease price, if after a reason-
able number of repair attempts Mercedes-Benz
USA, LLC and/or its authorized repair or service
facilities fail to fix one or more substantial
defects or malfunctions in the vehicle that are
covered by its express warranty. Introduction 25
Z

These data memories temporarily or perma-
nently store technical information about: R
vehicle's operating state R
incidents R
malfunctions
In general, this technical information docu-
ments the state of a component, a module, a
system or the surroundings.
These include, for example: R
operating conditions of system components,
e.g. fluid levels R
the vehicle's status messages and those of its
individual components, e.g. number of wheel
revolutions/speed, deceleration in move-
ment, lateral acceleration, accelerator pedal
position R
malfunctions and defects in important system
components, e.g. lights, brakes R
vehicle reactions and operating conditions in
special driving situations, e.g. air bag deploy-
ment, intervention of stability control sys-
tems R
ambient conditions, e.g. outside temperature
This data is of an exclusively technical nature
and can be used to: R
assist in recognizing and rectifying malfunc-
tions and defects R
analyze vehicle functions, e.g. after an acci-
dent R
optimize vehicle function
The data cannot be used to trace the vehicle's
movements.
When your vehicle is serviced, technical infor-
mation can be read from the event data memory
and malfunction data memory.
Services include, for example: R
repair services R
service processes R
warranties R
quality assurance
The vehicle is read out by employees of the ser-
vice network (including the manufacturer) using
special diagnostic testers. More detailed infor-
mation is obtained from it, if required.
After a malfunction has been rectified, the infor-
mation is deleted from the malfunction memory
or is continually overwritten.
When operating the vehicle, situations are con-
ceivable in which this technical data, in connec- tion with other information (if necessary, under
consultation with an authorized expert), could
be traced to a person.
Examples include: R
accident reports R
damage to the vehicle R
witness statements
Further additional functions that have been con-
tractually agreed upon with the customer allow
certain vehicle data to be conveyed by the vehi-
cle as well. The additional functions include, for
example, vehicle location in case of an emer-
gency.
COMAND/mbrace If the vehicle is equipped with COMAND or
mbrace, additional data about the vehicle's
operation, the use of the vehicle in certain sit-
uations, and the location of the vehicle may be
compiled through COMAND or the mbrace sys-
tem.
For additional information please refer to the
COMAND User Manual or the Digital Operator's
Manual and/or the mbrace Terms and Condi-
tions.
Event data recorders This vehicle is equipped with an event data
recorder (EDR). This vehicle is equipped with an
event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of
an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an air bag deploy-
ment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will
assist in understanding how a vehicle's systems
performed. The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems
for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds
or less.
The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record
such data as: R
How various systems in your vehicle were
operating R
Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened R
How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the
accelerator and/or brake pedal and R
How fast the vehicle was traveling.30
Introduction

Deactivate the hybrid system manually if: R
the u restraint system warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up after an accident R
the vehicle is badly damaged, e.g. after an
accident, and the restraint system compo-
nents were not activated R
the vehicle is badly damaged and has to be
towed or transported X
If possible, move the vehicle out of the
danger zone: shift the automatic transmis-
sion into position N .X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Roll the vehicle to a safe place and park it
safely.
Get assistance from others if necessary.
i The vehicle is locked automatically when
the ignition is switched on and the wheels are
turning. There is therefore a risk of being
locked out if the vehicle is being pushed or
tested on a dynamometer. X
Switch the ignition off. X
Shift the automatic transmission to park posi-
tion P ( Y
page 170).
Depress the electric parking brake
( Y
page 190).
Secure the vehicle against rolling away
( Y
page 406). X
To use the high-voltage switch-off device:
open the trunk lid. X
Lift the trunk floor upwards ( Y
page 329).X
Remove the right-hand paneling in the trunk.
X
Press release clip C in the direction of the
arrow and pull it out. X
Pull the high voltage switch-off device D
apart until it engages in the stop position.
If the hybrid drive system has been deactivated
due to reasons mentioned above, have it checked at a qualified specialist workshop
before reactivation.
High-voltage battery
G WARNING
In the event of a vehicle fire, the internal pres-
sure of the high-voltage battery can exceed a
critical value. In this case flammable gas
escapes through a ventilation valve on the
underbody. The gas can ignite. There is a risk
of injury.
Leave the danger zone immediately. Secure
the danger area at a suitable distance, whilst
observing legal requirements.
G WARNING
If the housing of the high-voltage battery has
been damaged, electrolyte and gases may
leak out. These are poisonous and caustic.
There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
Immediately rinse electrolyte splashes off
with water and seek medical attention
straight away.
! Exhaustive discharge caused by the vehicle
standing idle for lengthy periods can damage
the high-voltage battery.
Hybrid vehicles: if the vehicle is idle for
lengthy periods, run it for a few minutes once
every six weeks to charge up the high-voltage
battery. During the charging process, switch
off all electrical consumers, e.g. the auto-
matic climate control or the seat heating.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: make sure that
the high-voltage battery is connected to a
charging station during long periods when the
vehicle is standing idle.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: charging the high-
voltage battery ( Y
page 180).
Engine compartment
Before opening the hood: X
Apply the electric parking brake. X
Shift the automatic transmission to park posi-
tion P . X
Switch the ignition off.Hybrid vehicles 43
Safety Z

X
Remove th e Start/Sto p butto n from th e igni-
tion loc k ( Y
page 162).
or X
If th e SmartKey is inserted in th e ignition lock:
remove th e SmartKey from th e ignition lock.X
Observ e th e warning note s on th e ris k of elec -
tric shock ( Y
page 42) .X
Observ e th e warning notice s about th e hoo d
( Y
page 352).
RBS driving safety system (Recupera-
tive Brake System) The Recuperative Brake Syste m support s you
when braking wit h an electronically-controlled
brak e boos t mod e and enables th e recovery of
kinetic energ y (recuperation).
G WARNIN G
If th e Recuperative Braking Syste m malfunc -
tions, braking resistanc e may be reduce d and
brak e pedal travel may be longer than usual. If
you subsequentl y depress th e brak e pedal as
usual, th e braking effec t may no t be sufficient.
There is a ris k of an accident.
In th e event of this malfunction , continue to
depress th e brak e pedal . Stop th e vehicl e in
accordanc e wit h th e traffic conditions. If nec-
essary, contact a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Further information about th e Recuperative
Brake Syste m ( Y
page 240).
Panic alarm X
To activate: press 3 butto n C for at
least on e second.
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if th e
alarm system is armed. X
To deactivate: press 3 butto n C again .
or X
Press th e Start/Sto p button.
The SmartKey mus t be in th e vehicle.
Occupant safety
Introduction to the restraint system The restrain t system can reduce th e ris k of vehi-
cle occupant s comin g int o contact wit h part s of
th e vehicle's interior in th e event of an accident.
The restrain t system can also reduce th e force s
to whic h vehicl e occupant s are subjecte d during
an accident.
The restrain t system comprises :R
seat belt system R
air bags R
child restrain t system R
child seat securin g systems
The component s of th e restrain t system wor k in
conjunction wit h eac h other . The y can only
deplo y their protective function if, at all times , all
vehicl e occupants: R
hav e fastene d their seat belt s correctl y
( Y
page 48) R
hav e adjusted their seat and head restrain t
properly ( Y
page 105).
As th e driver, you also hav e to mak e sur e that
th e steering whee l is adjusted correctly.
Observ e th e information relating to th e correc t
driver' s seat position ( Y
page 104).
You also hav e to mak e sur e that an air bag can
inflat e properly if deployed ( Y
page 50).
An air bag supplement s a correctl y wor n seat
belt . As an additional safet y device , th e air bag
increases th e level of protection for vehicl e
occupant s in th e event of an accident. Fo r exa m-
p
le, if, in th e event of an accident, th e protection
offere d by th e seat belt is sufficient, th e air bags
are no t deployed. When an acciden t occurs, only
th e air bags that increas e protection in that par-
ticular acciden t situation are deployed. How-
ever, seat belt s and air bags generally do no t
protect against objects penetrating th e vehicl e
from th e outside .44
Occupant safety
Safety

style to suit the prevailing road and weather
conditions and maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
Function PRE-SAFE ®
intervenes:R
in emergency braking situations, e.g. when
BAS is activated R
in critical driving situations, e.g. when physi-
cal limits are exceeded and the vehicle under-
steers or oversteers severely R
vehicles with the Driving Assistance package:
when a driver assistance system intervenes
powerfully or the radar sensor system detects
an imminent danger of collision in certain sit-
uations
PRE-SAFE ®
takes the following measures
depending on the hazardous situation detected: R
the front seat belts are pre-tensioned. R
if the vehicle skids, the side windows and the
panorama roof with power tilt/sliding panel
are closed. R
the front-passenger seat is adjusted if it is in
an unfavorable position. R
for vehicles with electrically adjustable rear
seats: the outer rear seats are adjusted if they
are in an unfavorable position. R
vehicles with a multicontour seat: the air pres-
sure in the side bolsters of the seat backrest
is increased. R
vehicles with seat belt extenders: the seat
belts of the outer rear seats are pre-ten-
sioned.
If the hazardous situation passes without result-
ing in an accident, PRE-SAFE ®
slackens the belt
pre-tensioning. On vehicles with multicontour
seats, the air pressure in the side bolsters is
reduced again. All settings made by PRE-SAFE ®
can then be reversed.
If the seat belt pre-tensioning is not reduced: X
Move the seat backrest or seat back slightly
when the vehicle is stationary.
The seat belt pre-tensioning is reduced and
the locking mechanism is released.
The seat-belt adjustment is an integral part of
the PRE-SAFE ®
convenience function. Informa-
tion about the convenience function can be
found under "Belt adjustment" ( Y
page 50). PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS (anticipatory occu-
pant protection system PLUS)
Introduction PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS is only available in vehicles
with the Driving Assistance package.
Using the radar sensor system, PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS is able to detect that a head-on or rear-end
collision is imminent. In certain hazardous sit-
uations, PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS takes pre-emptive
measures to protect the vehicle occupants.
Important safety notes The intervention of PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS cannot
prevent an imminent collision.
The driver is not warned when PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS
intervenes.
PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS does not intervene if the vehi-
cle is backing up.
When driving, or when parking or exiting a park-
ing space with assistance from Active Parking
Assist, PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS will not apply the
brakes.
Function PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS intervenes in certain situa-
tions if the radar sensor system detects an
imminent head-on or rear-end collision.
PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS takes the following measures
depending on the hazardous situation detected: R
if the radar sensor system detects that a
head-on collision is imminent, the seat belts
are pre-tensioned. R
if the radar sensor system detects that a rear-
end collision is imminent: -
the brake pressure is increased if the driver
applies the brakes when the vehicle is sta-
tionary. -
the seat belts are pre-tensioned.
The PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS braking application is can-
celed: R
if the accelerator pedal is depressed when a
gear is engaged R
if the risk of a collision passes or is no longer
detected R
if DISTRONIC PLUS indicates an intention to
pull away60
Occupant safety
Safety

If the hazardous situation passes without result-
ing in an accident, the original settings are
restored.
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent Immediately after an accident, the following
measures are implemented, depending on the
type and severity of the impact: R
the hazard warning lamps are activated R
the emergency lighting is activated R
the vehicle doors are unlocked R
the front side windows are lowered R
the electrically adjustable steering wheel is
raised R
the engine is switched off and the fuel supply
is cut off R
vehicles with seat belt extenders: the seat-
belt buckles for the outer rear seats are illu-
minated and extend forwards R
vehicles with mbrace: automatic emergency
call R
vehicles with the hybrid drive system: the
hybrid system and the high-voltage electrical
system are deactivated
Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes Accident statistics show that children secured
in the rear seats are safer than children secured
in the front-passenger seat. For this reason,
Mercedes-Benz strongly advises that you install
a child restraint system on a rear seat. Children
are generally better protected there.
If a child younger than twelve years old and
under 5 ft (1.50 m) in height is traveling in the
vehicle: R
always secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The child restraint system must be appropri-
ate to the age, weight and size of the child R
be sure to observe the instructions and safety
notes in this section in addition to the child restraint system manufacturer's installation
instructions R
be sure to observe the instructions and safety
notes on the "Occupant classification system
(OCS)" ( Y
page 53)
G WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P . R
start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
G WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected
to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle.
G WARNING
If the child restraint system is subjected to
direct sunlight, parts may get very hot. Chil-
dren may burn themselves on these parts,
particularly on the metal parts of the child
restraint system. There is a risk of injury.
If you leave the vehicle, taking the child with
you, always ensure that the child restraint
system is not exposed to direct sunlight. Pro-
tect it with a blanket, for example. If the child
restraint system has been exposed to direct
sunlight, let it cool down before securing the
child in it. Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
Always ensure that all vehicle occupants have
their seat belts fastened correctly and are sitting
properly. Particular attention must be paid to
children.Children in the vehicle 61
Safety Z

You can thus avoid the risks that could arise as
a result of: R
an incorrectly categorized person in the front-
passenger seat R
the unintentional deactivation of the front-
passenger front air bag R
the unsuitable positioning of the child
restraint system, e.g. too close to the dash-
board
Rearward-facing child restraint system If it is absolutely necessary to install a rearward-
facing child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat, always make sure that the
front-passenger front air bag is deactivated.
Only if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp is permanently lit ( Y
page 46) is the front-
passenger front air bag deactivated.
Always observe the child restraint system man-
ufacturer's installation and operating instruc-
tions.
Forward-facing child restraint system If it is absolutely necessary to install a forward-
facing child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat, always move the front-
passenger seat as far back as possible. Fully
retract the seat cushion length. The entire base
of the child restraint system must always rest on
the seat cushion of the front-passenger seat.
The backrest of the child restraint system must
lie as flat as possible against the backrest of the
front-passenger seat. The child restraint system
must not touch the roof or be subjected to a load
by the head restraint. Adjust the angle of the
seat backrest and the head restraint position
accordingly. Always make sure that the shoul-
der belt strap is correctly routed from the vehi-
cle belt outlet to the shoulder belt guide on the
child restraint system. The shoulder belt strap
must be routed forwards and downwards from
the vehicle belt outlet. If necessary, adjust the
vehicle belt outlet and the front-passenger seat
accordingly.
Always observe the child restraint system man-
ufacturer's installation and operating instruc-
tions. Child-proof locks
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If children are traveling in the vehicle, they
could: R
open doors, thus endangering other people
or road users R
exit the vehicle and be caught by oncoming
traffic R
operate vehicle equipment and become
trapped
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always activate the child-proof locks and
override feature if children are traveling in the
vehicle. When leaving the vehicle, always take
the key with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unattended in the vehicle.
Override feature for: R
the rear doors ( Y
page 67)R
the rear side windows ( Y
page 67)
G WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P .R
start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
G WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected
to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle.66
Children in the vehicle
Safety

cle occupants. There is a risk of an accident
and injury.
Never leave animals unattended in the vehi-
cle. Always secure animals properly during
the journey, e.g. use a suitable animal trans-
port box.
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems: R
ABS ( A nti-lock B raking S ystem)
( Y
page 68)R
BAS ( B rake A ssist S ystem) ( Y
page 69)R
BAS PLUS ( B rake A ssist S ystem PLUS) with
Cross-Traffic Assist ( Y
page 69)R
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
( Y
page 71)R
ESP ®
( E lectronic S tability P rogram)
( Y
page 73)R
EBD ( E lectronic B rake force D istribution)
( Y
page 75)R
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ( Y
page 75)R
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Y
page 75)R
STEER CONTROL ( Y
page 77)
Important safety notes If you fail to adapt your driving style or if you are
inattentive, the driving safety systems can nei-
ther reduce the risk of an accident nor override
the laws of physics. Driving safety systems are
merely aids designed to assist driving. You are
responsible for maintaining the distance to the
vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in
good time, and for staying in lane. Always adapt
your driving style to suit the prevailing road and
weather conditions and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
The driving safety systems described only work
as effectively as possible when there is ade-
quate contact between the tires and the road
surface. Pay particular attention to the informa-
tion regarding tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and tires"
section ( Y
page 384). In wintry driving conditions, always use winter
tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow chains.
Only in this way will the driving safety systems
described in this section work as effectively as
possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
General information ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way that
the wheels do not lock when you brake. This
allows you to continue steering the vehicle when
braking.
The % ABS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h), regardless of road-surface conditions.
ABS works on slippery surfaces, even when you
only brake gently.
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 68).
G WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking charac-
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition-
ally, further driving safety systems are deac-
tivated. There is an increased danger of skid-
ding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe the information
on the ABS warning lamp ( Y
page 316) and dis-
play messages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster ( Y
page 278).
Braking X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking sit-
uation is over. X
To make a full brake application: depress
the brake pedal with full force.68
Driving safety systems
Safety