When activated the Distronic system increases driving
convenience, for example over long distances, as it
automatically maintains a speed set by the driver by
actively regulating the throttle setting. It also maintains
within certain limitations a preset distance to a vehicle
ahead.
With Distronic switched off, the multifunction display
continues to show the distance to the vehicle ahead, if
so selected, see page 274.
The distance warning function can be activated
separately, see page 271.
In Distronic mode, if the distance sensor detects a
slower moving vehicle directly ahead, your vehicle
speed will be reduced to the extent permitted by
reduced t hrottle and up to 20% of vehicle bra kin g power,
so that you follow that vehicle at a preset distance, see
page 272.
Maximum range of detection is approximately 500 ft.
(150 m).
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260Driving systems
Any given speed between 25 mph (Canada: 30 km/h)
and 110 mph (Canada: 180 km/h) can be maintained
with the Distronic by operating the control lever on the
steering column.
Warning !
Distronic 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 speed and
the distance to the vehicle ahead, including most
importantly brake operation to assure safe stopping
distance, rests always with the driver.
Warning !
Distronic requires familiarity with its operational
characteristics. We strongly recommend that you
review the following information carefully before
operating the system.
part3_01.fm Seite 261 Montag, 7. Mai 2001 7:05 07
Note:
For operation in the USA only: This device complies
with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this device could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Warning !
Only use Distronic if the traffic and weather
conditions make it advisable to travel at a steady
speed.
Use of Distronic can be dangerous on winding
roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not
allow safe driving at a steady speed.
Use of Distronic can be dangerous on slippery
roads. Rapid changes in tire adhesion can result in
wheel spin and loss of control.
Distronic does not act upon adverse sight distance
conditions. Do not use Distronic during conditions
of fog and heavy rain, snow or sleet.
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.
Distronic does not recognize accordingly and will
not react to stationary objects. It is designed and
intended only to maintain a set speed and keep a
set distance from moving objects in front of it.
Instruments
and controls
OperationDriving
Instrument
cluster display
261Driving systems
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part3_01.fm Seite 262 Montag, 7. Mai 2001 7:05 07
Instruments
and controls
OperationDriving
1
3
4
2
Instrument
cluster display
The speed stored in memory is displayed in the
multifunction display, and one or two segments around
the stored speed light up in the speedometer dial, see
page 275.
1 Accelerate and set:
To increase the speed by 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) –
briefly lift lever up.
2 Decelerate and set:
To reduce the speed by 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) –
briefly depress lever.
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262Driving systems
3 Canceling
To cancel Distronic, briefly push lever to position 3.
The last set speed remains stored in memory.
4 Resume
• If the lever is briefly pulled to position 4 when
driving at a speed above approximately 25 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h), the vehicle resumes the
speed which was selected prior to the
cancellation of Distronic.
• For minor increases of speeds in increments of
1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) – briefly pull lever to
position 4.
The last memorized speed is canceled when the
electronic key in the starter switch is turned to
position 1 or 0.
part3_01.fm Seite 263 Montag, 7. Mai 2001 7:05 07
Activation of Distronic
Any given speed above approximately 25 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h) can be maintained:
• Normally the vehicle is accelerated to the desired
speed with the accelerator.
• Speed is set by briefly moving the control lever to
position 1 or 2.
The stored speed is displayed in the multifunction
display for approximately 5 seconds (see also
page 274), and one or two segments around the
stored speed light up on the speedometer dial (see
also page 275).
• Remove foot from the accelerator.
• When briefly lifting the control lever to position 1,
the vehicle speed will increase in increments of
5mph (Canada:10km/h).
The stored speed is displayed in the multifunction
display for approximately 5 seconds (see also
page 274), and one or two segments around the
stored speed light up on the speedometer dial (see
also page 275).
• When briefly lowering the control lever to
position 2, the vehicle speed will decrease in
increments of 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h).
The stored speed is displayed in the multifunction
display for approximately 5 seconds (see also
page 274), and one or two segments around the
stored speed light up on the speedometer dial (see
also page 275).
Instruments
and controls
OperationDriving
Instrument
cluster display
263Driving systems
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part3_01.fm Seite 264 Montag, 7. Mai 2001 7:05 07
Instruments
and controls
OperationDriving
Instrument
cluster display
• For a more precise setting the speed can be
increased in increments of 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h)
by briefly pulling the control lever in direction (4).
Caution!
If the driver’s foot is not fully removed from the
accelerator pedal, the message “DISTRONIC OVERRIDE”
appears in the multifunction display. The Distronic
control system will be overridden and it will not
regulate the preset vehicle speed and following
distance. The vehicle speed and following distance will
be determined only by the accelerator pedal position.
Wa rn in g!
Distronic brakes (up to 20% of vehicle braking
power) the vehicle to restore the preset distance or
to maintain the speed. The brake pedal is
automatically retracted as this happens.
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
system.
Do not place your foot under the brake pedal – your
foot could become caught.
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264Driving systems
Invalid attempts to activate
The multifunction display will show “––– MPH” during
invalid attempts to activate Distronic:
• below a speed of approximately 25 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h),
• while the electronic stability program (ESP) is
switched off – ESP warning lamp v in
speedometer dial is illuminated, see page 112,
• by moving the distronic control lever in “RESUME”
direction (4) when no speed is stored in memory,
• during the initialization and self-test phase after the
engine is started – this can take up to 2 minutes,
• while depressing the service brake pedal,
• while the parking brake is set – check ; warning
lamp (Canada: !) in instrument cluster, see
page 112,
• with the gear selector lever in position “P”, “R”
or “N” – check gear range indicator display in
instrument cluster, see page 112.
See page 330 for malfunction and warning messages if
the Distronic is malfunctioning.
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