ignition MERCEDES-BENZ SLK280 2008 R171 User Guide

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

ABS (Antilock Brake System)

BAS (Brake Assist System)

ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
ABS
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do
not lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) indepen-
dent of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The -indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
page 26) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Warning!G
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:

Excessive speed, especially in turns

Wet and slippery road surfaces

Following another vehicle too closely
The driving systems described in this sec-
tion cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS, the BAS, and the ESP®
is only achieved with winter tires (
page 335)
or snow chains as required.
Warning!G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.

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

90 Safety and Security
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.
Activating
Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Deactivating
Switch on the ignition (page 37).
Anti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone opens

a door

the trunk lid

the hood

the glove box

the storage/telephone* compartment
in the center console
The alarm system will also be triggered
when

someone attempts to raise the vehicle

unlocking and opening the driver’s
door or the trunk with the mechanical
key

someone opens a door from the inside

someone opens the trunk lid with the
emergency release buttonArming the alarm system
The alarm system indicator lamp is located
in the locking switch in the center console.
1Alarm system indicator lamp
iStarting the engine will also deactivate the
immobilizer.
In case the engine cannot be started (yet the
vehicle’s battery is charged), the system is not
operational. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or call
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA), or
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
iThe alarm will stay on, even if the activating
element (e.g. a door) is immediately closed.
iIf the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, a call to the Response Center is
initiated automatically by the Tele Aid* system
(
page 262), provided Tele Aid* service was
subscribed to and properly activated, and that
necessary cellular service and GPS coverage are
available (
page 262).

92 Safety and Security
Anti-theft systems
Arming tow-away alarm
Lock your vehicle with the SmartKey.
The tow-away alarm is automatically
armed after about 30 seconds.
Disarming tow-away alarm
To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm,
switch off the tow-away alarm feature be-
fore towing the vehicle, or when parking on
a surface subject to movement, such as a
ferry or auto train.The switch is located on the lower part of
the center console.
1Indicator lamp
2Tow-away alarm deactivation switch
Switch off the ignition (page 37).
Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Press tow-away alarm deactivation
switch2.
Indicator lamp1 in the tow-away
alarm deactivation switch comes on
briefly.
Exit your vehicle.
Lock your vehicle with the SmartKey.
The tow-away alarm remains disarmed un-
til you lock your vehicle again.
Canceling tow-away alarm
To cancel the alarm:
Press theŒ or‹button on the
SmartKey.
or
Insert the SmartKey in the starter
switch.
iWhen you unlock your vehicle, the tow-away
protection disarms automatically. The tow-away
alarm remains disarmed until you lock the
vehicle again.
iYou cannot disarm the tow-away alarm while
the ignition is switched on.

102 Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
Trunk lid emergency release
With the emergency release button, the
trunk can be opened from inside the trunk.
1Emergency release button
Briefly press emergency release
button1.
The trunk lid unlocks and opens
slightly.
Push up the trunk lid to fully open.Illumination of the emergency release
button:

The button flashes for 30 minutes after
opening the trunk.

The button flashes for 60 minutes after
closing the trunk.
Automatic central locking
The doors and the trunk automatically lock
when the vehicle is set into motion.
You can deactivate the automatic locking
using the control system, see “Setting
automatic locking” (
page 146).
iThe emergency release button unlocks
the trunk while the vehicle is standing still or
in motion.
iThe emergency release button does not un-
lock the trunk if the vehicle battery is discharged
or disconnected.
iIf the vehicle has previously been centrally
locked with the SmartKey, opening the trunk
from the inside will trigger the anti-theft alarm
system.
To cancel the alarm, do one of the following:

Press buttonŒor‹on the
SmartKey.

Insert the SmartKey in the starter switch.
iYou can open a locked door from the inside.
Open door only when conditions are safe to do
so.
iThe doors unlock automatically after an
accident if the force of the impact exceeds a
preset threshold.
The vehicle locks automatically when the ignition
is switched on and the wheels are turning at a
vehicle speed of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h)
or more. You could therefore lock yourself out
when the vehicle

is pushed or towed

is on a test stand

104 Controls in detail
Seats
For information on seat adjustment, see
“Adjusting” (
page 39).
Seat heating*
1Seat heating switch
2Indicator lampsRed indicator lamps2 on seat heating
switch 1 show which heating level you
have selected:
Switch on the ignition (page 37).Switching on seat heating
Press switch 1 repeatedly until the
desired heating level is set.
One or more red indicator lamps2
show the selected heating level.
Switching off seat heating
Press switch 1 repeatedly until all
indicator lamps2 go out.
Level
3Three indicator lamps on
(highest level).
After approximately 5 minutes,
seat heating is automatically
switched to level 2.
2Two indicator lamps on.
After approximately 10 minutes,
seat heating is automatically
switched to level 1.
1One indicator lamp on
(lowest level).
After approximately 20 minutes,
seat heating is automatically
switched to off.
offNo indicator lamp on.
iIf one or more indicator lamps2 on the
seat heating switch are flashing, there is insuffi-
cient voltage available since too many electrical
consumers are turned on. The seat heating
switches off automatically.
The seat heating will switch back on again
automatically as soon as sufficient voltage is
available.

105 Controls in detail
Seats
Lumbar support*
The curvature of the seats can be adjusted
to help enhance lower back support and
seating comfort.
1Upper seat curvature
2Lower seat curvature
Switch on the ignition (page 37).
Turn adjustment wheels 1 and 2
until you have reached the desired seat
curvature.
AIRSCARF neck-level heating*
The AIRSCARF neck-level heating provides
the area surrounding the occupants’ necks
with a heated air stream flowing from
openings in the head restraints.
1AIRSCARF switch
2Indicator lamps
Warning!G
When switching on the AIRSCARF neck-level
heating, the air streaming from the openings
may be very hot. When in close proximity to
the openings, you could be seriously
burned. To help avoid serious personal
injuries, switch the AIRSCARF to a lower
heating level.

106 Controls in detail
Seats
Red indicator lamps2 on AIRSCARF
switch 1 show which heating level you
have selected:
Switch on the ignition (page 37).Switching on
Press the AIRSCARF switch1 for the
desired side.
All three indicator lamps 2 on
respective AIRSCARF switch 1 come
on. After a preheating time of approxi-
mately 7 seconds, the blower starts.
Press AIRSCARF switch 1 repeatedly
until the desired AIRSCARF heating
level for the corresponding seat is
reached.Switching off
Press AIRSCARF switch1 repeatedly
until all indicator lamps 2 on
AIRSCARF switch 1 go out.
Level
3Three indicator lamps on
(highest level).
2Two indicator lamps on.
1One indicator lamp on
(lowest level).
offNo indicator lamp on.
iAfter switching off the AIRSCARF neck-level
heating, the AIRSCARF fan continues to operate
for approximately 10 seconds to cool down the
heater elements.
iIf one or more indicator lamps2 on
AIRSCARF switch 1 are flashing, there is insuf-
ficient voltage available since too many electri-
cal consumers are turned on. The AIRSCARF
neck-level heating switches off automatically.
The AIRSCARF neck-level heating will switch
back on again automatically as soon as sufficient
voltage is available.

107 Controls in detail
Memory function*
Memory function*
Prior to operating the vehicle, the driver
should check and adjust the seat height,
seat position fore and aft, and seat back-
rest angle if necessary, to ensure adequate
control, reach and comfort. The head re-
straint should also be adjusted for proper
height. See also the section on air bags
(
page 66) for proper seat positioning.
In addition, adjust the steering wheel to
ensure adequate control, reach, operation
and comfort. Both the interior and exterior
rear view mirrors should be adjusted for
adequate rear vision.
Fasten seat belts. Infants and small
children should be seated in an appropri-
ate infant or child restraint system which is
properly secured by a lap-shoulder belt
and that complies with U.S. Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 255
and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards 213 and 210.2.With the memory function you can store up
to three different configurations.
Each store position on the driver’s side
includes the following settings:

Seat position

Steering wheel position

Exterior rear view mirrors’ position
Each store position on the passenger side
includes the following setting:

Seat positionThe memory button and memory position
switch are located on the outer side of
each seat.
1Memory buttonM
2Memory position switch
Switch on the ignition (page 37).
or
Open the respective door.
Warning!G
Do not activate the memory function while
driving. Activating the memory function
while driving could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.

116 Controls in detail
Lighting
Switching on hazard warning flasher
Press hazard warning flasher
switch1.
All turn signal lamps are flashing.
Switching off hazard warning flasher
Press hazard warning flasher switch1
again.
Interior lighting
The controls are located in the overhead
control panel.
1Interior lighting on/off
2Automatic control on/off
3Right reading lamp on/off
4Left reading lamp on/offAutomatic control
Deactivating
Press automatic control switch2 until
it engages at a deeper position than the
other switches.
The interior lighting remains switched
off in darkness, even when you

unlock the vehicle

remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch

open a door
iWith the hazard warning flasher activated
and the combination switch set for either left or
right turn, only the respective turn signals will
operate when the ignition is switched on.
iIf the hazard warning flasher has been
activated automatically, press hazard warning
flasher switch1 once to switch it off.
!An interior lamp switched on manually does
not go out automatically.
Leaving an interior lamp switch in the ON posi-
tion for extended periods of time with the engine
turned off could result in a discharged battery.
iThe interior lighting is factory-set to
automatic mode.
iWhen you open the trunk, the trunk lighting
switches on automatically.