tow MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2017 User Guide

Diagnostics connection The diagnostic s connection is only intended fo r
th e connection of diagnostic equipmen t at a
qualified specialis t workshop .
G WARNING
If you connec t equipmen t to a diagnostic s
connection in th e vehicle, it may affec t th e
operation of vehicle systems . As a result , th e
operatin g safet y of th e vehicle could be affec -
ted. There is a ris k of an accident.
Only connec t equipmen t to a diagnostic s con-
nection in th e vehicle, whic h is approved fo r
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.
G WARNING
Objects in th e driver's footwell can restric t th e
peda l trave l or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operatin g and road safet y of th e vehicle is
jeopardized. There is a ris k of an accident.
Mak e sur e that all objects in th e vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they canno t ente r
th e driver's footwell. Install th e floormat s
securely and as specifie d in order to ensur e
sufficien t clearanc e fo r th e pedals. Do no t use
loose floormat s and do no t plac e floormat s on
to p of on e another.
! If th e engin e is switched of f and equipmen t
on th e diagnostic s connection is used , th e
starter battery may discharge.
Connectin g equipmen t to th e diagnostic s con-
nection can lead to emission s monitorin g infor-
mation bein g reset , fo r example. Thi s may lead
to th e vehicle failin g to mee t th e requirements of
th e next emission s test durin g th e main inspec-
tion .
Qualified specialist workshop An authorized Mercedes-Ben z Cente r is a quali-
fie d specialis t workshop . It has th e necessary
specialis t knowledge , tools and qualification s to
correctl y carry out th e wor k require d on your
vehicle. Thi s is especially th e cas e fo r wor k rel -
evant to safety.
Observ e th e note s in th e Maintenance Booklet . Always hav e th e followin g wor k carrie d out at an
authorized Mercedes-Ben z Center:R
wor k relevant to safet yR
servic e and maintenance wor kR
repair wor k R
alterations, installation wor k and modifica-
tion s R
wor k on electronic component s
Correct us eIf you remov e any warnin g stickers , you or oth-
ers could fail to recogniz e certain dangers.
Leave warnin g stickers in position .
Observ e th e followin g information when drivin g
your vehicle: R
th e safet y note s in this manual R
technical dat a fo r th e vehicleR
traffic rule s and regulation sR
laws and safet y standard s pertainin g to moto r
vehicles
Problem s wit h you r vehicleIf you should experience a problem wit h your
vehicle, particularly on e that you believe may
affec t it s saf e operation , we urg e you to contact
an authorized Mercedes-Ben z Cente r immedi-
ately to hav e th e problem diagnosed and recti -
fied. If th e problem is no t resolved to your sat -
isfaction , please discus s th e problem again wit h
an authorized Mercedes-Ben z Cente r or , if nec-
essary, contact us at on e of th e followin g
addresses.
In th e USA
Customer Assistanc e Cente r
Mercedes-Ben z USA, LL C
3 Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canad a
Customer Relation s Departmen t
Mercedes-Ben z Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoo f Avenue
Toronto , Ontario M4 G 4C9
Reporting safet y defect s
US A only:30
Operating safety
Introduction

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp
lights up and remains lit,
even though the front-
passenger seat is occu-
pied by an adult or a per-
son of a stature corre-
sponding to that of an
adult. The classification of the person on the front-passenger seat is incor-
rect. X
Make sure the conditions for a correct classification of the person
on the front-passenger seat are met ( Y
page 51).X
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains lit, the front-
passenger seat may not be used. X
Have OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp
does not light up and/or
does not stay on.
The front-passenger seat
is: R
unoccupied R
occupied with the
weight of a child up to
twelve months old in a
child restraint system OCS is malfunctioning. X
Make sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the child
seat. X
Make sure that the entire base of the child restraint system rests on
the seat cushion of the front-passenger seat. The backrest of the
forward-facing child restraint system must lie as flat as possible
against the backrest of the front-passenger seat. If necessary,
adjust the position of the front-passenger seat. X
Make sure that the seat cushion length is fully retracted. X
When installing the child restraint system, make sure that the seat
belt is tight. Do not pull the seat belt tight using the front-passenger
seat adjustment. This could result in the seat belt and the child
restraint system being pulled too tightly. X
Check for correct installation of the child restraint system.
Make sure that the head restraint does not apply a load to the child
restraint system. If necessary, adjust the head restraint accord-
ingly. X
Make sure that no objects are applying additional weight onto the
seat. X
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains off and/or
the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp lights up, do not install
a child restraint system on the front-passenger seat. It is recom-
mended that you install the child restraint system on a suitable rear
seat. X
Have OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Deployment of Emergency Tensioning
Devices and air bags
Important safety notes
G WARNING
The air bag parts are hot after an air bag has
been deployed. There is a risk of injury.
Do not touch the air bag parts. Have a
deployed air bag replaced at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop as soon as possible. G WARNING
A deployed air bag no longer offers any pro-
tection and cannot provide the intended pro-
tection in an accident. There is an increased
risk of injury.
Have the vehicle towed to a qualified special-
ist workshop in order to have a deployed air
bag replaced.
It is important for your safety and that of your
passenger to have deployed air bags replacedOccupant safety 55
Safety Z

the special seat belt retractor and secure the
child restraint system properly.
All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are
equipped with a special seat belt retractor.
When activated, the special seat belt retractor
ensures that the seat belt will not slacken once
the child restraint system has been secured.
Installing a child restraint system: X
Always comply with the child restraint system
manufacturer's installation instructions. X
Pull the seat belt smoothly from the belt out-
let. X
Engage the seat belt tongue in the belt buckle.
Activating the special seat belt retractor: X
Pull the seat belt out fully and let the inertia
reel retract it again.
While the seat belt is retracting, you should
hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat belt
retractor is activated. X
Push the child seat restraint system down so
that the seat belt is tight and does not loosen.
Removing a child restraint system and deacti-
vating the special seat belt retractor: X
Always comply with the child restraint system
manufacturer's installation instructions. X
Press the release button of the belt buckle,
hold the belt tongue firmly and guide it back
to w ards the belt outlet.
The special seat belt retractor is deactivated.
Child restraint system The use of seat belts and child restraint systems
is required by law in: R
all 50 states R
the U.S. territories R
the District of Columbia R
all Canadian provinces
You can obtain further information about the
correct child restraint system from any author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center.
G WARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly on a suitable seat, it cannot protect as
intended. The child cannot then be restrained
in the event of an accident, heavy braking or sudden changes of direction. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Make sure that you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions and the notes on use. Please ensure,
that the base of the child restraint system is
always resting completely on the seat cush-
ion. Never place objects, e.g. cushions, under
or behind the child restraint system. Only use
child restraint systems with the original cover
designed for them. Only replace damaged
covers with genuine covers.
G WARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly or is not secured, it can come loose in
the event of an accident, heavy braking or a
sudden change in direction. The child
restraint system could be thrown about, strik-
ing vehicle occupants. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always install child restraint systems prop-
erly, even if they are not being used. Make
sure that you observe the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instructions.
You will find further information on stowing
objects, luggage or loads under "Loading guide-
lines" ( Y
page 281).
G WARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems which have been damaged or subjected
to a load in an accident can no longer protect
as intended. The child cannot then be
restrained in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or sudden changes of direction. There
is an increased risk of injury, possibly even
fatal.
Replace child restraint systems which have
been damaged or subjected to a load in an
accident as soon as possible. Have the secur-
ing systems on the child restraint system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop,
before you install a child restraint system
again.60
Children in the vehicle
Safety

If a locked door is opened from the inside, the
previous unlock status of the vehicle will be
taken into consideration if: R
the vehicle was locked using the locking but-
ton for the central locking, or R
if the vehicle was locked automatically
The vehicle will be fully unlocked if it had previ-
ously been fully unlocked. If only the driver's
door had been previously unlocked, only the
door which has been opened from the inside is
unlocked.
Automatic locking feature
X
To deactivate: press and hold button C for
approximately five seconds until a tone
sounds. X
To activate: press and hold button D for
approximately five seconds until a tone
sounds.
If you press one of the two buttons and do not
hear a tone, the relevant setting has already
been selected.
The vehicle is locked automatically when the
ignition is switched on and the wheels are turn-
ing.
You could therefore be locked out if: R
the vehicle is being pushed. R
the vehicle is being towed. R
the vehicle is on a roller dynamometer.
You can activate and deactivate the automatic
locking mechanism via the multimedia system
(see the Digital Operator's Manual). Power closing Power closing pulls the doors and trunk lid into
their locks automatically even if they are only
partly closed. X
To power close a door: push the door into
the lock up to the first detent position.
Power closing will pull the door fully closed. X
To power close the trunk lid: lightly push
the trunk lid closed.
The power closing function pulls the trunk lid
closed.
Locking/unlocking the driver's door
with the mechanical key
i If you want to centrally lock the vehicle using
the mechanical key, begin by pressing the
locking button for the interior locking mech-
anism while the driver's door is open. Then
lock the driver's door using the mechanical
key.
X
Insert the mechanical key as far as it will go
into opening C in the protective cap. X
Pull and hold the door handle. X
Pull the protective cap on the mechanical key
as straight as possible away from the vehicle
until it releases. X
Release the door handle.84
Doors
Opening and closing

Engaging reverse gear R
! Only shift the automatic transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary. X
If the transmission is in position D or N : push
the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the first
point of resistance. X
If the transmission is in position P : depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever up past the first point of resistance.
The ECO start/stop function is not available
when reverse gear is engaged. Further informa-
tion on the ECO start/stop function
( Y
page 149).
Shifting to neutral N
G WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could: R
open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users. R
get out and disrupt traffic. R
operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they: R
release the parking brake. R
shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position PR
Start the engine.
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 or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children. X
If the transmission is in position D or R : push
the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the
first point of resistance. X
If the transmission is in position P : depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever up or down to the first point of resist-
ance.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position R or D , the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to N automatically. With the SmartKey: if you then open the driv-
er's door or the front-passenger door or remove
the SmartKey from the ignition, the automatic
transmission shifts to P automatically.
With the Start/Stop button: if you t hen open
t
he driver's door or the front-passenger door,
the automatic transmission shifts to P automat-
ically.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N , e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system:
Using the SmartKey: X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift to neutral N . X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
With the Start/Stop button: X
Remove the Start/Stop button from the igni-
tion lock. X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift to neutral N . X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D X
If the transmission is in position R or N : push
the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the first
point of resistance. X
If the transmission is in position P : depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever down past the first point of resistance.Automatic transmission 153
Driving and parking Z

D Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. Otherwise, the auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you to
move the vehicle freely, e.g. to push
it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty: shift
the transmission to position N if the
vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g.
on icy roads.
! Rolling in neutral N can damage
the drive train.
: Drive
The automatic transmission changes
gear automatically. All forward gears
are available.
Driving tips
Changing gear The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-
vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position D . This automatic gear shifting
behavior is determined by: R
the selected drive program R
the position of the accelerator pedal R
the road speed
Accelerator pedal position Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear: R
little throttle: early upshifts R
more throttle: late upshifts Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration. X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed. X
Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Rocking the vehicle free Rocking the vehicle free by shifting back and
forth between transmission positions D and R
can help to free a vehicle that has become stuck
in mud or snow. The vehicle's engine manage-
ment restricts switching between transmission
positions D and R to speeds up to a maximum of
5 mph (9 km/h). To shift back and forth between
transmission positions D and R , move the
DIRECT SELECT lever up and down past the
point of resistance.
Program selector button
X
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): press program selector button C to
change the drive program.
The selected drive program appears in the
multifunction display.Automatic transmission 155
Driving an d parking Z

Problems with the transmission Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
7G-TRONIC: it is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse
gear.
9G-TRONIC: it is only partly possible to engage the gears or the trans-
mission is in position N .X
Stop the vehicle. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Switch off the engine. X
Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine. X
Shift the transmission to position D or R .
7G-TRONIC: If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second
gear, if R is selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Transfer case This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always trans-
mitted to both axles.
! Performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake system
or transfer case could otherwise be damaged.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop for a
performance test.
! Since ESP ®
engages automatically, the igni-
tion must be switched off (the SmartKey or
Start/Stop button must be in position 0 or 1 )
if: R
the electric parking brake is being tested
on a brake dynamometer R
the vehicle is being towed with only one
axle raised (not permitted for vehicles with
4MATIC).
The brake system could otherwise be dam-
aged.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission. Refueling
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before
refueling.
G WARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come
into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children. Refueling 159
Driving and parking Z

Parking
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system or exhaust
gas flow. There is a risk of fire.
Park the vehicle so that no flammable mate-
rials come into contact with parts of the vehi-
cle which are hot. Take particular care not to
park on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields.
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.
! Always secure the vehicle correctly against
rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle or its driv-
etrain could be damaged.
To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally: R
the electric parking brake must be applied. R
the transmission must be in position P and the
SmartKey must be removed from the ignition
lock. R
the front wheels must be turned towards the
curb on steep uphill or downhill gradients. R
the empty vehicle must be secured at the
front axle with a wheel chock or similar, for
example, on uphill or downhill gradients. R
a laden vehicle must also be secured at the
rear axle with a wheel chock or similar, for
example, on uphill or downhill gradients. Switching off the engine
G WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position N when you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P . Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake. X
Apply the electric parking brake. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
With the SmartKey: turn the SmartKey to
position 0 in the ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated. X
With the Start/Stop button: press the
Start/Stop button ( Y
page 145).
The engine stops and all the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out.
When the driver's door is closed, this corre-
sponds to SmartKey position 1 . When the
driver's door is open, this corresponds to
SmartKey position 0 : "Key removed".
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position R or D , the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to N automatically.
With the SmartKey: if you then open the driv-
er's door or the front-passenger door or remove
the SmartKey from the ignition, the automatic
transmission shifts to P automatically.
With the Start/Stop button: if you then open
the driver's door or the front-passenger door,
the automatic transmission shifts to P automat-
ically.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N , e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system: X
Remove the Start/Stop button from the igni-
tion lock. X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift to neutral N .X
Release the brake pedal.162
Parking
Driving and parking

! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately. Drive
on for a short while. This allows the airflow to
cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle
washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance. R
In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. R
Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey. R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
! The brake fluid level may be too low, if: R
if the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and R
you hear a warning tone while the engine is
running
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines. Have the brake system checked immediately.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop to
arrange this.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or per-
formance tests may only be carried out on a 2-
axle dynamometer. If you wish to operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please con-
sult a qualified specialist workshop in
advance. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: the ESP ®
system
operates automatically. The engine and the
ignition must therefore be switched off (the
SmartKey must be in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must be
in position 0 or 1 ) if the electric parking brake
is tested on a brake dynamometer.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
cause severe damage to the brake system.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC: the ESP ®
sys-
tem operates automatically. The engine and
the ignition must therefore be switched off
(the SmartKey must be in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must be
in position 0 or 1 ) if: R
the electric parking brake is tested using a
brake dynamometer. R
the vehicle is towed with one axle raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
cause severe damage to the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the functional-
ity of your brakes at regular intervals.
Information on BAS (Brake Assist) ( Y
page 66)
and BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) ( Y
page 67).
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only installing the following brake disks
and brake pads/linings: R
brake disks that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz R
brake pads/linings that have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz or that are of an equiva lent
standard of quality
Other brake disks or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle. Driving tips 167
Driving and parking Z

G DANGER
If th e exhaust pipe is blocke d or adequate
ventilation is no t possible, poisonous gase s
suc h as carbon monoxide (CO) may ente r th e
vehicle. This is th e case, e.g. if th e vehicl e
become s trapped in snow. There is a ris k of
fatal injury.
If you leav e th e engin e or th e auxiliary heating
running, mak e sur e th e exhaust pipe and area
around th e vehicl e are clear of snow. To
ensur e an adequate supply of fresh air, open a
window on th e side of th e vehicl e that is no t
facing int o th e wind.
Hav e your vehicl e winter-proofe d at a qualified
specialist workshop at th e onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slipper y roa d sur -
faces. Avoid sudden acceleration , steering and
braking maneuvers . Do no t use th e cruise con-
trol or DISTRONI C PLUS.
If th e vehicl e threaten s to skid or canno t be
stoppe d when moving at low speed:X
Shift th e transmission to position N .
The outside temperature indicator is no t
designed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefor e unsuitable for that purpose .
Changes in th e outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicate d temperatures jus t abov e th e freezing
poin t do no t guarantee that th e roa d surfac e is
free of ice . The roa d may s till be icy, especially in
w ooded area s or on bridges .
You should pay special attention to roa d condi-
tion s when temperatures are around freezing
point.
Fo r mor e information on drivin g wit h snow
chains, see ( Y
page 345).
Fo r mor e information on drivin g wit h summer
tires , see ( Y
page 345).
Observ e th e note s in th e "Winte r operation " sec -
tion ( Y
page 345).
Driving systems
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive
Mercedes-Ben z Intelligent Drive stand s for inno-
vative driver assistanc e and safet y systems
whic h enhance comfort and support th e driver in critical situations. Wit h these intelligen t co-ordi -
nated systems Mercedes-Ben z has set a mile -
ston e on th e pat h toward s autonomous driving.
Mercedes-Ben z Intelligent Drive embraces all
elements of active and passive safet y in on e well
though t out system – for th e safet y of th e vehi-
cle occupant s and that of other roa d users.
Further information on drivin g safet y systems
( Y
page 65).
Cruise cont rol
Gene ra l notesCruis e control maintains a constan t roa d speed
for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid
exceedin g th e set speed. Change int o a lower
gear in goo d time on lon g and steep downhill
gradients . This is especially important if th e
vehicl e is laden . By doin g so, you will mak e use
of th e braking effec t of th e engine. This relieves
th e load on th e brak e system and prevents th e
brakes from overheating and wearing to o
quickly.
You can use cruise control if you wan t to drive at
a steady speed for a prolonged period of time.
You can store any roa d speed abov e 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Import ant safety notesIf you fail to adapt your drivin g style, cruise con-
trol can neither reduce th e ris k of an acciden t
no r override th e laws of physics . Cruis e control
canno t tak e int o accoun t th e road, traffic and
weather conditions. Cruis e control is only an
aid. You are responsibl e for maintainin g a saf e
distanc e to th e vehicl e in front, for vehicl e
speed, for braking in goo d time and for stayin g in
lane.
Do no t use cruise control :R
in roa d and traffic condition s whic h do no t
allow you to maintai n a constan t speed, e.g. in
heav y traffic or on windin g roadsR
on slipper y roa d surfaces. Braking or accel-
erating could caus e th e drive wheels to lose
traction and th e vehicl e could then skidR
when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog ,
heav y rain or snow
If there is a chang e of drivers, advise th e ne w
driver of th e speed stored.Driving systems 169
Driving and parking Z