German Association of the Automotive
Industry (VDA).
R
BabySmartTM is a trademark of Siemens
Automotive Corp.
R
Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of
Bluetooth SIG Inc.
R
ESP® and PRE-SAFE® are registered
trademarks of Daimler.
R
HomeLink® is a registered trademark of
Prince, a Johnson Controls Company.
The following symbols are found in this
Operator’s Manual:
Warning!
G
Warning notices draw your attention to
hazards that may endanger your health or
life, or the health or life of others.
!
Highlights hazards that may result in
damage to your vehicle.
X
X
Y page
YY
Display
This symbol points to instructions
for you to follow.
A number of these symbols
appearing in succession indicates
a multiple-step procedure.
This symbol tells you where to look
for further information on a topic.
This continuation symbol marks a
warning or procedure which is
continued on the next page.
Text in displays, such as the control
system, are printed in the type
shown here.
i
Helpful hints or further information you
may find useful.
Page 3
Our company and staff congratulate you on
the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a
demonstration of your trust in our company
name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as
possible to operate and provide years of
service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of
many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To
help assure your driving pleasure, and also
the safety of you and your passengers, we ask
you to make a small investment of time:
R
Please read this manual carefully, then
return it to your vehicle where it will be
handy for your reference.
R
Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are
designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
R
Please pay attention to the warnings and
cautions contained in this manual. They are
designed to help improve the safety of the
vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of
safe, pleasurable driving.
Please observe the following in your own best
interest:
We recommend using Genuine MercedesBenz Parts as well as conversion parts and
accessories explicitly approved by us for your
vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their
reliability, safety and special suitability for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for
other products and therefore cannot be held
responsible for them, even if in individual
cases an official approval or authorization by
governmental or other agencies should exist.
Use of such parts and accessories could
adversely affect the safety, performance or
reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use
them.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts and preapproved conversion parts and accessories
are available at any authorized MercedesBenz Center. In addition, you will receive
comprehensive information on permissible
technical modifications and expert
installations.
Operator’s Manual
Notes
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal
of useful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator’s Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
We continuously strive to improve our
product, and ask for your understanding that
we reserve the right to make changes in
design and equipment. Therefore,
information, illustrations and descriptions in
this Operator’s Manual might differ from your
vehicle.
Vehicle equipment
Your vehicle may have some or all of the
equipment described in this manual.
Therefore, you may find explanations for
optional equipment not installed in your
vehicle. If you have any questions about
operating any equipment, any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to
demonstrate the proper procedures.
Optional equipment is also described in this
manual, including operating instructions
wherever necessary. Since they are specialorder items, the descriptions and illustrations
herein may vary slightly from the actual
equipment of your vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are not
shown or described in this Operator’s
Manual, any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to inform you of correct
care and operating procedures. The
Operator’s Manual and Maintenance Booklet
are important documents and should be kept
with the vehicle.
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19
Page 22
Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information
booklet contains detailed information about
the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz,
including:
R
New Truck Limited Warranty
R
Emission System Warranty
R
Emission Performance Warranty
R
California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island, and Vermont Emission
Control System Warranty
R
State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
1
Laws)
Important notice for California retail
buyers and lessees of Mercedes-Benz
automobiles
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
reasonable 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. During the period of
18 months from original delivery of the
vehicle or the accumulation of 18000 miles
(approximately 29000 km) on the odometer
of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a
reasonable number of repair attempts is
presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or
more of the following occurs:
(1) the same substantial defect or
malfunction results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect
or malfunction has been subject to repair
two or more times, and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in
writing of the need for its repair,
(2) the same substantial defect or
malfunction of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have directly
notified us in writing of the need for its
repair, or
(3) the vehicle is out of service by reason of
repair of the same or different substantial
defects or malfunctions for a cumulative
total of more than 30 calendar days.
Written notification should not be sent to a
dealer, it should be addressed to
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
1
Applicable to vehicles with gasoline engine only.
20
Page 23
Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Maintenance
The Maintenance Booklet describes all the
necessary maintenance work which should
be performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Maintenance Booklet with
you when you take the vehicle to an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
service. The service advisor will record each
service in the booklet for you.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program provides factory-trained technical
help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the
toll-free Roadside Assistance number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA)
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Representatives
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Roadside Assistance will be provided in
accordance with standard program
guidelines which include providing service to
the vehicle up to a reasonable distance from
a paved roadway. We will make every effort
to assist in a breakdown situation, however,
the accessibility of your vehicle will be
determined by our authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center technician or the tow service provider
on a case-by-case basis and may be a factor
in our ability to respond.
Additional charges may be applicable for a
breakdown location determined not to be a
reasonably accessible roadside location as
determined by our authorized technician and
tow service provider.
For additional information refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (in the USA) or the
Roadside Assistance section of the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (in
Canada) in your vehicle literature portfolio.
Change of address or ownership
If you change your address, be sure to send
in the “Change of Address Notice” found in
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service
(in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. This will
assist us in contacting you in a timely manner
should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available
to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used
Truck” found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the MercedesBenz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer
Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Operating your vehicle outside the
USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R
service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available,
R
unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts,
R
gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating, and improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
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Page 24
Introduction
Operating safety
Sport Utility Vehicle
Warning!
G
This Sport Utility Vehicle is designed for
both on-road and off-road use. It can go
places and perform tasks for which
conventional 2-wheel drive passenger cars
are not intended. This vehicle will handle
and maneuver differently from
conventional passenger cars in driving
conditions which may occur on streets,
highways and off-road use.
This vehicle has a higher ground clearance
and a higher center of gravity than many
passenger cars. As with other vehicles of
this type, if you make sharp turns at
excessive speeds or abrupt maneuvers, the
vehicle may roll over or may go out of
control and crash. Utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate than other
types of vehicles. Failure to operate this
vehicle safely may result in an accident,
rollover of the vehicle, and severe or fatal
injury.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read
the Operator’s Manual. Take time to
become familiar with the driving
characteristics of this vehicle. Be sure you
are familiar with all vehicle controls. Learn
how your vehicle handles on different road
surfaces. Do not attempt sharp turns at
excessive speeds or abrupt maneuvers or
other unsafe driving actions that can cause
loss of vehicle control. When driving offroad or working the vehicle hard, do not
overload it. And, always wear your seat
belts at all times. In a rollover crash, an
unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Operating safety
Warning!
G
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software
could cause them to cease functioning.
Because the vehicle’s electronic
components are interconnected, any
modifications made may produce an
undesired effect on other systems.
Electronic malfunctions could seriously
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for repairs or modifications to
electronic components.
Other improper work or modifications on
the vehicle could also have a negative
impact on the operating safety of the
vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while
the engine is running. You should therefore
never turn off the engine while driving.
Warning!
G
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody
or tires/wheels, for example when running
over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole,
may cause serious damage and impair the
22
Page 25
Introduction
Problems with your vehicle
operating safety of your vehicle. If you feel
a sudden significant vibration or ride
disturbance, or you suspect that damage to
your vehicle has occurred, you should turn
on your hazard warning flashers, carefully
slow down, and drive with caution to an
area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or other qualified maintenance or repair
facility for further inspection or repairs.
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you are
familiar with the following information and
rules:
R
the safety precautions in this manual
R
the “Technical data” section in this manual
R
traffic rules and regulations
R
motor vehicle laws and safety standards
Warning!
G
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended
to make you and others aware of various
risks. You should not remove any of these
warning labels unless explicitly instructed
to do so by information on the label itself.
Removal of any of these labels may cause
you and others to be unaware of certain
risks which may result in an accident and/
or personal injury.
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and corrected if required. If the matter is not
handled to your satisfaction, please discuss
the problem with the Mercedes-Benz Center
management or, if necessary, contact us at
one of the following addresses:
In the USA:
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
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Page 26
Introduction
Vehicle data recording
Reporting safety defects
For the USA only:
The following text is published as required of
manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S.
Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the
“National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act
of 1966”.
Reporting safety defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it
may order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your
dealer, or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to
www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator,
NHTSA Headquarters,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West Building,
Washington, DC 20590.
You can also obtain other information about
motor vehicle safety from www.safercar.gov.
Vehicle data recording
Information regarding electronic
recording devices
(Including notice pursuant to California Code
§ 9951)
Please note that your vehicle is equipped with
devices that can record vehicle systems data
and, if equipped with the Tele Aid system, may
transmit some data in certain accidents.
This information helps, for example, to
diagnose vehicle systems after a collision and
to continuously improve vehicle safety.
Daimler may access the information and
share it with others
R
for safety research or vehicle diagnosis
purposes
R
with the consent of the vehicle owner or
lessee
R
in response to an official request by law
enforcement or other government agency
R
for use in dispute resolution involving
Daimler, its affiliates or sales/service
organization and/or
R
as otherwise required or permitted by law.
Please check the Tele Aid subscription
service agreement for details regarding the
24
Page 27
information that may be recorded or
transmitted via that system.
Anti-theft systems .............................. 80
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Page 48
Safety and security
Occupant safety
Vehicle equipment
i
This Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual.
Occupant safety
Introduction
In this section you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
components of the vehicle.
The restraint systems are
R
Seat belts
R
Child restraints
R
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren
(LATCH)
Additional protection potential is provided by:
R
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with
-
Air bags
-
Air bag control unit (with crash sensors)
-
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) for
seat belts
-
Seat belt force limiter
R
Active head restraints
R
Preventive occupant safety (PRE-SAFE®)
R
Air bag system components with
-
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp
-
USA only: Front passenger seat with
Occupant Classification System (OCS)
-
Canada only: Front passenger seat with
BabySmartTM air bag deactivation
system
Although the systems are independent, their
protective functions work in conjunction with
each other.
Warning!
G
Modifications to or work improperly
conducted on restraint system
components or their wiring, as well as
tampering with interconnected electronic
systems, can lead to the restraint systems
no longer functioning as intended.
Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices
(ETDs), for example, could deploy
inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents
although the deceleration threshold for air
bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore,
never modify the restraint systems. Do not
tamper with electronic components or their
software.
46
Page 49
i
For information on infants and children
traveling with you in the vehicle and
restraint systems for infants and children,
see “Children in the
vehicle” (Y page 68).
SRS indicator lamp
The SRS system conducts a self-test when
the ignition is switched on and in regular
intervals while the engine is running. This
facilitates detection of system malfunctions.
The 1 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on when the ignition is
switched on and goes out no later than a few
seconds after the engine has been started.
The SRS components are in operational
readiness if the 1 indicator lamp is not lit
when the engine is running.
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if the 1 indicator lamp
R
fails to go out after approximately
4 seconds after the engine is started
R
does not come on at all
R
comes on after the engine was started or
while driving
Warning!
G
In the event that the 1 indicator lamp
comes on while driving or does not come
on at all, the SRS self-check has detected
a malfunction. For your safety, we strongly
recommend that you contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to
have the system checked; otherwise the
SRS may not deploy when needed in an
accident, which could result in serious or
fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly
and unnecessarily which could also result
in injury.
In addition, improper work on the SRS
creates a risk of rendering the SRS
inoperative or causing unintended air bag
deployment. Work on the SRS must
therefore only be performed by qualified
technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is necessary to modify an air bag system
to accommodate a person with disabilities,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call our Customer Assistance
Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) for details.
Safety and security
Occupant safety
Air bags
Warning!
G
Air bags are designed to reduce the
potential of injury and fatality in certain
frontal impacts (front air bags), side
impacts (side impact air bags and window
curtain air bags), or rollovers (window
curtain air bags). However, no system
available today can completely eliminate
injuries and fatalities.
The deployment of the air bags temporarily
releases a small amount of dust from the
air bags. This dust, however, is neither
injurious to your health, nor does it indicate
a fire in the vehicle. The dust might cause
some temporary breathing difficulty for
people with asthma or other breathing
trouble. To avoid this, you may wish to get
out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so. If you have any breathing difficulty but
cannot get out of the vehicle after the air
bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a
window or door.
Warning!
G
To reduce the risk of injury when the front
air bags inflate, it is very important for the
driver and front passenger to always be in
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47
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
a properly seated position and to wear their
respective seat belt.
For maximum protection in the event of a
collision always be in normal seated
position with your back against the seat
backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make
sure it is properly positioned on your body.
Since the air bag inflates with considerable
speed and force, a proper seating position
and correct positioning of the hands on the
steering wheel will help to keep you at a
safe distance from the air bag. Occupants
who are not wearing their seat belt, are not
seated properly or are too close to the air
bag can be seriously injured or killed by an
air bag as it inflates with great force
instantaneously:
R
Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in
a position that is as upright as possible
with your back against the seat backrest.
R
Move the driver seat as far back as
possible, still permitting proper
operation of vehicle controls. The
distance from the center of the driver’s
chest to the center of the air bag cover
on the steering wheel must be at least
10 inches (25 cm) or more. You should
be able to accomplish this by adjusting
the seat and steering wheel. If you have
any difficulties, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
R
Do not lean your head or chest close to
the steering wheel or dashboard.
R
Keep hands on the outside of the steering
wheel rim. Placing hands and arms inside
the rim can increase the risk and
potential severity of hand/arm injury
when the driver’s front air bag inflates.
R
Adjust the front passenger seat as far as
possible rearward from the dashboard
when the seat is occupied.
R
Occupants, especially children, should
never place their bodies or lean their
heads in the area of the door where the
side impact air bag inflates. This could
result in serious injuries or death should
the side impact air bag be deployed.
Always sit as upright as possible, wear
the seat belt properly and use an
appropriately sized infant restraint,
toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of
the child.
R
Canada only: Children 12 years old and
under must never ride in the front seat,
except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized
BabySmartTM compatible child seat,
which operates with the BabySmartTM air
bag deactivation system installed in the
vehicle to deactivate the front passenger
front air bag when it is installed properly.
Otherwise they will be struck by the air
bag when it inflates in a crash. If this
happens, serious or fatal injury will
result.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in severe injuries to you or other
occupants.
If you sell your vehicle, it is important that
you make the buyer aware of this safety
information. Be sure to give the buyer this
Operator’s Manual.
Warning!
G
Accident research shows that the safest
place for children in an automobile is in the
rear seat.
There is a possibility for a side impact air
bag related injury if occupants, especially
children, are not properly seated or
restrained when next to a side impact air
bag which needs to deploy rapidly in a side
impact in order to do its job.
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
To help avoid the possibility of injury,
please follow these guidelines:
(1)Always sit as upright as possible,
properly use the seat belts, and
for children 12 years old and
under, use an appropriately
sized infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and
weight of the child.
(2)Always wear seat belts properly.
Air bags are designed to deploy only in certain
frontal impacts (front air bags), side impacts
(side impact and window curtain air bags)
which exceed preset deployment thresholds,
and in certain rollovers (window curtain air
bags). Only in the event of such a situation
will they provide their supplemental
protection.
The driver and passengers should always
wear their seat belts. Otherwise it is not
possible for the air bags to provide their
supplemental protection.
In case of other types of impacts and impacts
below air bag deployment thresholds, air
bags will not deploy. The driver and
passengers will then be protected to the
extent possible by a properly fastened seat
belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also
needed to provide the best possible
protection in a rollover.
Air bags are not a substitute for seat belts.
Always wear your seat belt, regardless of
whether or not your vehicle is equipped with
air bags.
It is important to your safety and that of your
passengers that you replace deployed air
bags and repair any malfunctioning air bags
to make sure the vehicle will continue to
provide supplemental crash protection for
occupants.
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD)
and air bag
Warning!
G
R
Damaged seat belts or seat belts that
have been subjected to stress in an
accident must be replaced and their
anchoring points must also be checked.
Only use seat belts installed or supplied
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
R
Air bags and pyrotechnic emergency
tensioning devices (ETDs) contain
perchlorate material, which may require
special handling and regard for the
environment. Check with your local
government’s disposal guidelines.
California residents, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm.
R
Air bags and ETDs are designed to
function on a one-time-only basis. An air
bag or ETD that is deployed must be
replaced. PRE-SAFE® has electrically
operated reversible pre-tensioners in
addition to the pyrotechnic ETDs.
R
Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
R
Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat
belts.
R
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this
may severely weaken them. In a crash
they may not be able to provide adequate
protection.
R
No modifications of any kind may be
made to any components or wiring of the
SRS. This includes changing or removing
any component or part of the SRS, the
installation of additional trim material,
seat covers, badges, etc. over the
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
steering wheel hub, front passenger front
air bag cover, outboard sides of the seat
backrests, door trim panels, or door
frame trims, and installation of additional
electrical/electronic equipment on or
near SRS components and wiring. Keep
area between air bags and occupants
free of objects (e.g. packages, purses,
umbrellas, etc.).
R
Do not hang items such as coat hangers
from the coat hooks or handles over the
door. These items may be thrown around
in the vehicle and cause head and other
injuries when the window curtain air bag
is deployed.
R
Air bag system components will be hot
after an air bag has inflated. Do not touch
them.
R
Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
R
In addition, improper repair work on the
SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS
inoperative or causing unintended air bag
deployment. Work on the SRS must
therefore only be performed by qualified
technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R
For your protection and the protection of
others, when scrapping the air bag unit
or ETD, our safety instructions must be
followed. These instructions are available
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R
Given the considerable deployment
speed, required inflation volume, and the
material of the air bags, there is the
possibility of abrasions or other,
potentially more serious injuries
resulting from air bag deployment.
If you sell your vehicle, we strongly
recommend that you inform the subsequent
owner that the vehicle is equipped with SRS
and refer them to the applicable section in the
Operator’s Manual.
Front air bags
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 49.
1
Driver front air bag
2
Front passenger front air bag
The front air bags are designed to provide
increased protection for the driver and front
passenger against the risk of injuries to the
head and thorax.
Driver and front passenger front air bags are
deployed
R
in the event of certain frontal impacts
R
if impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold
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Page 53
R
if the system determines that air bag
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
R
depending on whether the seat belt is in
use
R
independently of the side impact air bags
and/or the window curtain air bags
The front air bags in this vehicle have been
designed to inflate in two stages. This allows
the air bags to have different rates of inflation
that are based on the vehicle deceleration
rate as assessed by the air bag control unit.
Vehicles with OCS, USA only: On the front
passenger side, front air bag 2 deployment
is additionally influenced by the passenger’s
weight category as identified by the Occupant
Classification System (OCS) (Y page 53).
Vehicles with OCS, USA only: The lighter the
front passenger side occupant, the higher the
vehicle deceleration rate required for second
stage inflation of front air bag 2.
The air bags will not deploy in impacts which
do not exceed the system’s preset
deployment thresholds. You will then be
protected by the fastened seat belts.
The front air bags will not deployed in the
event of a rollover unless the vehicle’s rate of
longitudinal deceleration or acceleration
exceeds the preset deployment threshold for
the front air bags.
The front passenger front air bag 2 will only
be deployed if
R
vehicles with OCS, USA only: the system,
based on OCS weight sensor readings,
detects that the front passenger seat is
occupied
R
the 59 indicator lamp in the
center console is not lit
(USA only: (Y page 56),
Canada only: (Y page 58))
R
the impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold
!
Vehicles with BabySmartTM air bag
deactivation system, Canada only: Do not
place objects heavier than 20 lb (9 kg) on
the front passenger seat. This could cause
the front or side impact air bag on the front
passenger side to deploy in a crash which
exceeds the system’s deployment
threshold.
Safety and security
Occupant safety
Side impact air bags
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 49.
Warning!
G
The pressure sensors for side impact air
bag control are located in the doors. Do not
modify any components of the doors or
door trim panels including, for example, the
addition of door speakers.
Improper repair work on the doors or the
modification or addition of components to
the doors create a risk of rendering the side
impact air bags inoperative or causing
unintended air bag deployment. Work on
the doors must therefore only be
performed by qualified technicians.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center
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Occupant safety
1
Front side impact air bag
2
Rear side impact air bag
When deployed, the side impact air bags are
designed to provide increased protection for
the thorax (but not the head, neck and arms)
of the occupants on the side of the vehicle on
which the impact occurs.
The side impact air bags are deployed
R
on the impacted side of the vehicle
R
in side impacts exceeding a preset
deployment threshold
R
regardless of whether the seat belt is in use
R
independently of the front air bags
R
independently of the ETDs
Vehicles with OCS, USA only: The front
passenger side impact air bag will not deploy
if the OCS senses that the front passenger
seat is empty and the front passenger seat
belt is not fastened (latch plate is not inserted
into the buckle). With an empty front
passenger seat and the seat belt fastened
(latch plate properly inserted into buckle) the
front passenger side impact air bag will
deploy independently of the empty seat.
The side impact air bags are not deployed in
side impacts which do not exceed the
system’s deployment threshold.
The side air bags will not deployed in the
event of a rollover unless the vehicle’s rate of
lateral deceleration or acceleration exceeds
the preset deployment threshold for the side
air bags.
!
Vehicles with BabySmartTM air bag
deactivation system, Canada only: Do not
place objects heavier than 20 lb (9 kg) on
the front passenger seat. This could cause
the front or side impact air bag on the front
passenger side to deploy in a crash which
exceeds the system’s deployment
threshold.
Warning!
G
Only use seat covers which have been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle model. Using other seat covers
may interfere with or prevent the
deployment of the side impact air bags.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for availability.
Window curtain air bags
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 49.
1
Window curtain air bag
When deployed, window curtain air bags 1
are designed to provide increased protection
for the head (but not the chest or arms) of the
occupants on the side of the vehicle on which
the impact occurs.
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
Window curtain air bags 1 are deployed
R
on the impacted side of the vehicle
R
in side impacts exceeding a preset
deployment threshold
R
independently of the front air bags
R
regardless of whether the front passenger
seat is occupied
R
in certain vehicle rollovers, if the system
determines that air bag deployment can
offer additional protection to that provided
by the seat belt
Window curtain air bags 1 are not deployed
in impacts which do not exceed the system’s
deployment threshold.
Window curtain air bags 1 deploy in the area
indicated by the arrows.
Occupant Classification System
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) is
standard equipment in USA.
The OCS automatically turns the front
passenger front air bag on or off based on the
classified occupant weight category
determined by weight sensor readings from
the front passenger seat.
The system does not deactivate the front
passenger side impact air bag, the window
curtain air bag and the Emergency Tensioning
Devices (ETDs).
Occupants must sit with the seat belt
properly fastened in a position that is as
upright as possible with their back against the
seat backrest and feet on the floor to be
correctly classified. If the occupant’s weight
is transferred to another object in the vehicle
(e.g. by leaning on armrests), the OCS may
not be able to properly approximate the
occupant’s weight category.
Furthermore, the occupant weight may
appear to increase or decrease due to the
following: objects hanging on the seat, lodged
underneath the seat, stuffed between the
seat and middle console or the seat and door,
other passengers pushing on the seat, or
objects applying pressure to the back of the
seat. Always make sure the seat has
clearance in all directions at all times.
i
If your seat, including the trim cover and
cushion, needs to be serviced in any way,
take the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only seat accessories approved by
Mercedes-Benz may be used.
Both the driver and the front passenger
should always use the 59
indicator lamp as an indication of whether or
not the front passenger is properly
positioned.
Warning!
G
If the 59 indicator lamp
illuminates when an adult or someone
larger than a small individual is in the front
passenger seat, have the front passenger
re-position himself or herself in the seat
until the 59 indicator lamp
goes out, or check whether objects are
caught under or around the seat.
In the event of a collision, the air bag control
unit will not allow front passenger front air
bag deployment when the OCS has
classified the front passenger seat
occupant as weighting as much as or less
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
than a typical 12-month-old child in a
standard child restraint or if the front
passenger seat is classified as being empty.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being up to or less than the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child in a standard
child restraint, the 59
indicator lamp will illuminate when the
engine is started and remain illuminated,
indicating that the front passenger front air
bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat is classified as being empty,
the 59 indicator lamp will
illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated, indicating that the front
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being heavier than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child seated in a standard
child restraint or as being a small individual
(such as a young teenager or a small adult),
the 59 indicator lamp will
illuminate for approximately 6 seconds
when the engine is started and then,
depending on occupant weight sensor
readings from the seat, remain illuminated
or go out. With the 59
indicator lamp illuminated, the front
passenger front air bag is deactivated. With
the 59 indicator lamp out, the
front passenger front air bag is activated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as an
adult or someone larger than a small
individual, the 59 indicator
lamp will illuminate for approximately 6
seconds when the engine is started and
then go out, indicating that the front
passenger front air bag is activated.
If the 59 indicator lamp is
illuminated, the front passenger front air
bag is deactivated and will not be deployed.
If the 59 indicator lamp is not
illuminated, the front passenger front air
bag is activated and will be deployed
R
in the event of certain frontal impacts
R
if impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold
R
independently of the side impact air bags
If the front passenger front air bag is
deployed, the rate of inflation will be
influenced by
R
the rate of relevant vehicle deceleration
as assessed by the air bag control unit
R
the front passenger’s weight category as
identified by the OCS
For information about air bag display
messages (Y page 307).
Warning!
G
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front
seating position. Thus, we strongly
recommend that children be placed in the
rear seats whenever possible. Regardless
of seating position, children 12 years old
and under must be seated and properly
secured in an appropriate infant restraint,
toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
The infant or child restraint must be
properly secured with the vehicle’s seat
belt, the seat belt and top tether strap, or
lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
accordance with the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
Occupants, especially children, should
always sit as upright as possible, wear the
seat belt properly and use an appropriately
sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or
booster seat recommended for the size and
weight of the child.
Children can be killed or seriously injured
by an inflating air bag. Note the following
important information when circumstances
require you to place a child in the front
passenger seat:
R
Your vehicle is equipped with air bag
technology designed to deactivate the
front passenger front air bag in your
vehicle when the system senses the
weight of a typical 12-month-old child or
less along with the weight of a standard
appropriate child restraint on the front
passenger seat.
R
A child in a rear-facing child restraint on
the front passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front
passenger front air bag inflates in a
collision which could occur under some
circumstances, even with the air bag
technology installed in your vehicle. The
only means to completely eliminate this
risk is to never place a child in a rearfacing child restraint in the front seat. We
therefore strongly recommend that you
always place a child in a rear-facing child
restraint in a backseat.
R
If you must install a rear-facing child
restraint on the front passenger seat
because circumstances require you to do
so, make sure the 59
indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating
that the front passenger front air bag is
deactivated. Should the 59
indicator lamp not illuminate or go out
while the restraint is installed, please
check installation. Periodically check the
59 indicator lamp while
driving to make sure the
59 indicator lamp is
illuminated. If the 59
indicator lamp goes out or remains out,
do not transport a child on the front
passenger seat until the system has been
repaired.
A child in a rear-facing child restraint on
the front passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front
passenger front air bag inflates.
R
If you have to place a child in a forwardfacing child restraint on the front
passenger seat, move the seat as far
back as possible, use the proper child
restraint recommended for the age, size
and weight of the child, and secure child
restraint with the vehicle’s seat belt
according to the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions. For children
larger than the typical 12-month-old
child, the front passenger front air bag
may or may not be activated.
Deployment of the driver front air bag does
not mean that the front passenger front air
bag also should have deployed.
The OCS may have determined:
R
that the seat was empty or occupied by the
weight up to or less than that of a typical
12-month-old child seated in a standard
child restraint – both instances where the
system suppresses deployment of the front
passenger front air bag even though the
impact met the criteria and was of
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55
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
sufficient severity to deploy the driver front
air bag
R
that the seat was occupied by a small
individual (such as a young teenager or a
small adult) or a child who weighs more
than the weight of a typical 12-month-old
child in a standard child restraint – both of
which are instances where the system may
suppress deployment of the front
passenger front air bag even though the
impact met the criteria and was of
sufficient severity to deploy the driver front
air bag
1
Front passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp
The 59 indicator lamp 1 will be
illuminated, except with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch or with the
starter switch in position 0.
Warning!
G
If the 1 indicator lamp and the
59 indicator lamp are lit at the
same time, there is a malfunction in the
OCS. The front passenger front air bag will
be deactivated in this case. Have the
system checked as soon as possible by
qualified technicians. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only have the seat repaired or replaced at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
In order to ensure proper operation of the
air bag system and OCS:
R
Do not place more than 4.4 lb (2 kg) into
the storage bag on the back of the front
passenger seat. Otherwise, the OCS may
not be able to properly approximate the
occupant weight category.
R
Do not place objects under and/or
around the front passenger seat.
R
Do not hang anything from or attach any
items to the seats.
R
Do not stuff objects such as books
between the front passenger seat and
the center console or front passenger
door.
R
Do not move the front passenger seat
backwards against stiff objects.
R
Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in
a position that is as upright as possible
with your back against the seat backrest.
R
While seated, an occupant should not
position him/herself in such a way as to
cause the occupant’s weight to be lifted
from the seat bottom as this may result
in the OCS being unable to correctly
approximate the occupant’s weight
category.
R
Read and observe all warnings in this
chapter.
Occupant Classification System Selftest
After turning the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 1 or 2 or pressing the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button once or
twice, the 59 indicator lamp
illuminates. If an adult occupant is properly
sitting on the front passenger seat and the
system classifies the occupant as an adult,
the 59 indicator lamp will
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
illuminate and go out after approximately 6
seconds.
If the seat is not occupied and the system
classifies the front passenger seat as being
empty, the 59 indicator lamp
will illuminate and not go out.
Warning!
G
If the 59 indicator lamp does
not illuminate, the system is not
functioning. You must contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before
seating any child on the front passenger
seat.
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (Y page 347).
Warning!
G
Never place anything between seat cushion
and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces
the effectiveness of the OCS. The bottom
of the child seat must make full contact
with the passenger seat cushion. An
incorrectly mounted child seat could cause
injuries to the child in case of an accident,
instead of increasing protection for the
child.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
installation of child seats.
BabySmart™ air bag deactivation
system
The BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system
is standard equipment in Canada.
Warning!
G
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front
seating position. Thus, we strongly
recommend that children be placed in the
rear seats whenever possible. Regardless
of seating position, children 12 years old
and under must be seated and properly
secured in an appropriate infant restraint,
toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
The infant or child restraint must be
properly secured with the vehicle’s seat
belt, the seat belt and top tether strap, or
lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in
accordance with the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
Occupants, especially children, should
always sit as upright as possible, wear the
seat belt properly and use an appropriately
sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or
booster seat recommended for the size and
weight of the child.
Children can be killed or seriously injured
by an inflating air bag. Note the following
important information when circumstances
require you to place a child in the front
passenger seat:
R
Children 12 years old and under must
never ride in the front seat, except in a
Mercedes-Benz authorized
BabySmartTM compatible child seat,
which operates with the BabySmart
system installed in the vehicle to
deactivate the front passenger front air
bag when it is installed properly.
Otherwise they will be struck by the air
bag when it inflates in a crash. If this
happens, serious or fatal injury will
result.
R
A child in a rear-facing child restraint on
the front passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front
passenger front air bag inflates in a
collision which could occur under some
circumstances, even with the air bag
technology installed in your vehicle. The
only means to completely eliminate this
risk is to never place a child in a rear-
TM
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
facing child restraint in the front seat. We
therefore strongly recommend that you
always place a child in a rear-facing child
restraint in a backseat.
R
If you must install a BabySmart
TM
compatible rear-facing child restraint on
the front passenger seat because
circumstances require you to do so,
make sure the 59 indicator
lamp is illuminated, indicating that the
front passenger front air bag is
deactivated. Should the 59
indicator lamp not illuminate or go out
while the restraint is installed, please
check installation. Periodically check the
59 indicator lamp while
driving to make sure the
59 indicator lamp is
illuminated. If the 59
indicator lamp goes out or remains out,
do not transport a child on the front
passenger seat until the system has been
repaired.
A child in a rear-facing child restraint on
the front passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front
passenger front air bag inflates.
R
If you have to place a child in a forwardfacing child restraint on the front
passenger seat, move the seat as far
back as possible, use the proper child
restraint recommended for the age, size
and weight of the child, and secure child
restraint with the vehicle’s seat belt
according to the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
Warning!
G
When using a BabySmartTM compatible
child seat on the front passenger seat, the
front passenger front air bag will not deploy
only if the 59 indicator lamp
remains illuminated.
Please be sure to check the
59 indicator lamp every time
you use a BabySmartTM compatible child
seat on the front passenger seat. Should
the 59 indicator lamp go out
while the restraint is installed, please check
installation. If the 59 indicator
lamp remains out, do not use the
BabySmartTM restraint to transport a child
on the front passenger seat until the
system has been repaired.
1
Front passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp
Special BabySmartTM compatible child seats,
designed for use with the Mercedes-Benz
system, are required for use with the
BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system.
Please contact your authorized MercedesBenz Center for information on availability.
With the special child seat installed properly,
the front passenger front air bag will not
deploy.
The 59 indicator lamp 1 will be
illuminated, except with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch or with the
starter switch in position 0.
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
The system does not deactivate the side
impact air bag, the window curtain air bag and
the Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD).
Self-test BabySmartTM without special
child seat installed
After turning the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 1 or 2 or pressing the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button once or
twice, the 59 indicator lamp
comes on for approximately 6 seconds and
then goes out.
If the 59 indicator lamp should
not come on or is continuously lit, the system
is not functioning. You must see an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before
seating any child on the passenger seat. More
information can be found in the “Practical
hints” section (Y page 304).
Warning!
G
Do not place powered-on laptops, mobile
phones, electronic tags such as those used
in ski passes and like electronic devices on
the front passenger seat. Signals from such
devices may interfere with the
BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system.
Such signal interference may cause the
59 indicator lamp not to come
on during self-test or be continuously lit,
indicating that the system is not
functioning.
Warning!
G
The BabySmartTM air bag deactivation
system will ONLY work with a special child
seat designed to operate with it. It will not
work with child seats which are not
BabySmartTM compatible.
Never place anything between seat cushion
and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces
the effectiveness off the BabySmartTM air
bag deactivation system. The bottom of the
child seat must make full contact with the
passenger seat cushion. An incorrectly
mounted child seat could cause injuries to
the child in case of an accident, instead of
protecting the child.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
installation of special child seats.
Seat belts
Safety notes
The use of seat belts and infant and child
restraint systems is required by law in all 50
states, the District of Columbia, the U.S.
territories and all Canadian provinces.
Even where this is not the case, all vehicle
occupants should have their seat belts
fastened whenever the vehicle is in motion.
For information on infants and children
traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint
systems for infants and children, see
“Children in the vehicle” (Y page 68).
Warning!
G
Always fasten your seat belt before driving
off. Always make sure all of your
passengers are properly restrained. You
and your passengers should always wear
seat belts.
Failure to wear and properly fasten and
position your seat belt greatly increases
your risk of injuries and their likely severity
in an accident.
If you are ever in an accident, your injuries
can be considerably more severe without
your seat belt properly buckled. Without
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
your seat belt buckled, you are much more
likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be
ejected from it. You can be seriously injured
or killed.
In the same crash, the possibility of injury
or death is lessened if you are properly
wearing your seat belt. The air bags can
only protect as intended if the occupants
are properly wearing their seat belts.
Warning!
G
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position
as this can be dangerous. You could slide
under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide
under it, the seat belt would apply force at
the abdomen or neck. That could cause
serious or even fatal injuries. The seat
backrest and seat belt provide the best
restraint when the wearer is in a position
that is as upright as possible and the seat
belt is properly positioned on the body.
Warning!
G
Never let more people ride in the vehicle
than there are seat belts available. Make
sure everyone riding in the vehicle is
correctly restrained with a separate seat
belt. Never use a seat belt for more than
one person at a time.
Warning!
G
Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident
must be replaced and their anchoring
points must also be checked.
Only use seat belts which have been
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Do not make any modifications to the seat
belts. This can lead to unintended
activation of the ETDs or to their failure to
activate when necessary.
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Have all work carried out only by qualified
technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Proper use of seat belts
Warning!
G
USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY
R
Seat belts can only work when used
properly. Never wear seat belts in any
other way than as described in this
section, as that could result in serious
injuries in case of an accident.
R
Each occupant should wear their seat
belt at all times, because seat belts help
reduce the likelihood of and potential
severity of injuries in accidents, including
rollovers. The integrated restraint system
includes SRS (driver front air bag, front
passenger front air bag, side impact air
bags, window curtain air bags for side
windows), Emergency Tensioning
Devices (ETDs), seat belt force limiters,
and front seat knee bolsters.
The system is designed to enhance the
protection offered to properly belted
occupants in certain frontal (front air
bags and ETDs) and side (side impact air
bags, window curtain air bags, and ETDs)
impacts which exceed preset
deployment thresholds and in certain
rollovers (window curtain air bags and
ETDs).
R
Never wear the shoulder belt under your
arm, against your neck or off your
shoulder. In a frontal crash, your body
would move too far forward. That would
increase the chance of head and neck
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
injuries. The seat belt would also apply
too much force to the ribs or abdomen,
which could severely injure internal
organs such as your liver or spleen.
Adjust the seat belt so that the shoulder
section is located as close as possible to
the middle of the shoulder (it should not
touch the neck). Never pass the shoulder
portion of the seat belt under your arm.
For this purpose, you can adjust the
height of the seat belt outlet.
R
Position the lap belt as low as possible
on your hips and not across the
abdomen. If the lap belt is positioned
across your abdomen, it could cause
serious injuries in a crash.
R
Never wear seat belts over rigid or
breakable objects in or on your clothing,
such as eyeglasses, pens, keys etc., as
these might cause injuries.
R
Make sure the seat belt is always fitted
snugly. Take special care of this when
wearing loose clothing.
R
Never use a seat belt for more than one
person at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt
around a person and another person or
other objects at the same time.
R
Seat belts should not be worn twisted. In
a crash, you would not have the full width
of the seat belt to distribute impact
forces. The twisted seat belt against your
body could cause injuries.
R
Pregnant women should also always use
a lap/shoulder belt. The lap belt portion
should be positioned as low as possible
on the hips to avoid any possible
pressure on the abdomen.
R
Place the seat backrest in a position that
is as upright as possible.
R
Check your seat belt during travel to
make sure it is properly positioned.
R
Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
R
When using a seat belt to secure infant
restraints, toddler restraints, or children
in booster seats, always follow the child
seat manufacturer’s instructions.
Warning!
G
Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
Do not allow the seat belt to get caught in
the door or in the seat adjustment
mechanism. This could damage the seat
belt.
Never attempt to make modifications to
seat belts. This could impair the
effectiveness of the seat belts.
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash, they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident
must be replaced and their anchoring
points must also be checked. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fastening the seat belts
Warning!
G
Always fasten your seat belt before driving
off. Always make sure all of your
passengers are properly restrained. You
and your passengers should always wear
seat belts.
Failure to wear and properly fasten and
position your seat belt greatly increases
your risk of injuries and their likely severity
in an accident.
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Occupant safety
If you are ever in an accident, your injuries
can be considerably more severe without
your seat belt properly buckled. Without
your seat belt buckled, you are much more
likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be
ejected from it. You can be seriously injured
or killed.
In the same crash, the possibility of injury
or death is lessened if you are properly
wearing your seat belt. The air bags can
only protect as intended if the occupants
are properly wearing their seat belts.
Warning!
G
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front
seating position. Thus, we strongly
recommend that children be placed in the
rear seats whenever possible. Regardless
of seating position, children 12 years old
and under must be seated and properly
secured in an appropriately sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child. For additional information, see
“Children in the vehicle”.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle
and/or the child is not properly secured in
the child restraint.
Warning!
G
Vehicles with BabySmartTM air bag
deactivation system, Canada only: Children
12 years old and under must never ride in
the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz
authorized BabySmartTM compatible child
seat, which operates with the
BabySmartTM system installed in the
vehicle to deactivate the front passenger
front air bag when it is installed properly.
Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag
when it inflates in a crash. If this happens,
serious or fatal injury will result.
Warning!
G
Never let more people ride in the vehicle
than there are seat belts available. Make
sure everyone riding in the vehicle is
correctly restrained with a separate seat
belt. Never use a seat belt for more than
one person at a time.
Warning!
G
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position
as this can be dangerous. You could slide
under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide
under it, the seat belt would apply force at
the abdomen or neck. That could cause
serious or even fatal injuries. The seat
backrest and seat belt provide the best
restraint when the wearer is in a position
that is as upright as possible and the seat
belt is properly positioned on the body.
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Page 65
X
Push latch plate 2 into buckle 3 until it
clicks.
X
If necessary, adjust the seat belt to the
correct height.
X
If necessary, tighten the lap portion to a
snug fit by pulling shoulder portion up.
Safety and security
Occupant safety
X
Lowering: Press and hold release button
2.
X
Slide seat belt height adjuster 1
downward.
X
Release button 2 and make sure seat belt
height adjuster 1 engages into place.
1
Seat belt outlet
2
Latch plate
3
Buckle
4
Seat belt release button
X
With a smooth motion, pull the seat belt out
of seat belt outlet 1.
X
Place the shoulder portion of the seat belt
across the top of your shoulder and the lap
portion across your hips.
Seat belt outlet height adjustment
1
Seat belt height adjuster
2
Release button
X
Raising: Slide seat belt height adjuster
1 upward.
Seat belt height adjuster 1 engages in
different positions.
Releasing the seat belts
X
Press seat belt release button 4
(Y page 63).
Allow the retractor to completely rewind
the seat belt by guiding the latch plate 2
(Y page 63).
!
Make sure the seat belt retracts fully so
that the seat belt and/or latch plate cannot
get caught or pinched in the door or in the
seat mechanism. This can damage the seat
belt and impair its effectiveness, and/or
cause damage to the door and/or door trim
panel. Such damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Damaged seat belts must be replaced.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Z
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
Enhanced seat belt reminder system
When the engine is started, the seat belt
telltale < will always illuminate for
6 seconds to remind you and your passengers
to fasten your seat belts.
If the driver’s seat belt is not fastened when
the engine is started, an additional warning
chime will also sound for a maximum of
6 seconds or until the driver’s seat belt is
fastened.
If after these 6 seconds the driver’s or the
front passenger’s seat belt (with the front
passenger seat occupied) is not fastened with
front doors closed,
R
the seat belt telltale < remains
illuminated for as long as either the driver’s
or front passenger’s seat belt is not
fastened.
R
and if the vehicle speed once exceeds
15 mph (25 km/h), the seat belt telltale
< starts flashing and a warning chime
sounds with increasing intensity for a
maximum of 60 seconds or until the
driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt are
fastened.
If you and/or your passenger release the
seat belt during driving, the seat belt
telltale < starts flashing and the
warning chime sounds as described before.
If the driver’s or the front passenger’s seat
belt remains unfastened after 60 seconds,
the warning chime stops sounding, the seat
belt telltale < stops flashing but
continues to be illuminated.
After a vehicle standstill, the warning chime
is reactivated and the seat belt telltale
< is flashing again if the vehicle speed
once exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h).
The seat belt telltale < will only go out if
both the driver’s and the front passenger’s
seat belt (with the front passenger seat
occupied) are fastened, or the vehicle is
standing still and a front door is opened.
For more information, see “Practical
hints” (Y page 341).
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD),
seat belt force limiter
The seat belts for the front seats and rear
outer seats are equipped with ETDs and seat
belt force limiters.
The ETDs are designed to activate in the
following cases:
R
in frontal or rear-end impacts exceeding
the system’s preset deployment threshold
R
in side impacts exceeding the system’s
preset deployment threshold on the far
side of the impact
R
in certain vehicle rollovers
R
if the restraint systems are operational and
functioning correctly, see 1 indicator
lamp (Y page 47)
The ETDs for the front seats will only activate
if the front seat belts are fastened (latch plate
properly inserted into buckle).
The ETDs for the rear outer seats will activate
with or without the respective seat belts
fastened.
In an impact, the ETDs remove slack from the
seat belts in such a way that the seat belts fit
more snugly against the body. Seat belt force
limiters, when activated, are employed to
help reduce the peak force exerted by the
seat belts on occupants during a crash.
i
The ETDs do not correct an incorrect seat
position or incorrectly worn seat belts.
The ETDs do not pull occupants back
toward the seat backrest.
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
Warning!
G
Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must
be replaced.
For your safety, when disposing of the
pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety
instructions. These are available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
PRE-SAFE® has electrically operated
reversible pre-tensioners that do not
require replacement after activation.
Preventive occupant safety (PRESAFE®)
Warning!
G
PRE-SAFE® is intended to reduce the
effects of an accident on vehicle occupants
who are wearing their seat belt properly.
Despite having the PRE-SAFE® system in
your vehicle, the possibility of injuries
occurring as a result of an accident cannot
be eliminated. Therefore, you should
always drive carefully and adjust your
driving to the prevailing road, weather, and
traffic conditions.
Your vehicle takes preventive measures to
better protect the occupants in the following
hazardous situations automatically.
PRE-SAFE® takes action in
R
emergency braking maneuvers with the
Brake Assist System (BAS) (Y page 77)
activated
R
critical dynamic driving situations, e.g.
when the vehicle is understeering or
oversteering because it has exceeded its
physical limitations
When you are driving faster than 22 mph
(35 km/h), PRE-SAFE® takes the following
measures in such situations:
R
The front seat belts are pre-tensioned
automatically.
R
Vehicles with front passenger seat memory
function: If the passenger seat is in an
unfavorable position, it will be adjusted to
a better position.
R
If the vehicle is in a severe skid or is
spinning, the door windows close until only
a small gap remains.
R
Vehicles with power tilt/sliding sunroof: If
the vehicle is in a severe skid or is spinning,
the tilt/sliding sunroof also close until only
a small gap remains.
If the closing procedure of the door windows
or tilt/sliding sunroof is blocked, the door
windows or tilt/sliding sunroof will stop and
open slightly.
Once the hazardous situation is over without
an accident occurring, the seat belt pretensioning is deactivated. You can readjust all
of the settings made by PRE-SAFE®.
If the seat belts do not release:
X
Adjust the seat backrest or seat slightly to
the rear until the seat belt tension is
diminished.
The locking mechanism releases.
!
When moving the seats, make sure there
are no items in the footwell or behind the
seats. Otherwise, you could damage the
seats.
Z
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
Active head restraints
The active head restraints are intended to
offer the driver and front passenger increased
protection from whiplash-type injuries. In the
event of a rear-end collision, the active head
restraints on the driver’s and front
passenger’s seat are designed to move
forward in the direction of travel, providing
the head with increased support earlier on in
the collision sequence. The active head
restraints move forward whether the seat is
occupied or not.
Warning!
G
Do not attach any objects (e.g. hangers) to
the head restraint posts. Otherwise, the
active head restraints may not be able to
function properly or offer the intended
degree of protection they were designed for
in the event of a rear-end collision.
If the active head restraints have been
triggered in an accident, the active head
restraints must be reset. Otherwise, the
active head restraints cannot offer any
additional protection in the event of another
rear-end collision.
For information on resetting the activated
active head restraints, see “Resetting
activated head restraints” (Y page 352).
You cannot remove the active head restraint
on the driver’s and front passenger’s seats.
Warning!
G
Only use seat or head restraint covers
which have been tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model.
Using other seat or head restraint covers
may interfere with or prevent the activation
of the active head restraints and/or the
deployment of the front side impact air
bags.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for availability.
Warning!
G
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible and the center
of the head restraint supports the back of
the head at eye level. This will reduce the
potential for injury to the head and neck in
the event of an accident or similar situation.
For information on head restraint adjustment,
see “Head restraints” (Y page 99).
Correct driver seat adjustment
Warning!
G
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control all seat, head restraint, steering
wheel, and rear view mirror adjustments, as
well as fastening of seat belts, must be
done before the vehicle is put into motion.
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Page 69
1
Steering wheel
2
Seat belt
3
Seat
X
Position seat 3 (Y page 97) and head
restraint properly (Y page 99).
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 96.
Observe the following points:
R
Always be in a properly seated position.
R
The position should be as far rearward from
the front air bag in steering wheel 1 as
possible, while still permitting proper
operation of vehicle controls.
R
Adjust seat 3 to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely.
R
Seat 3 must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten and position your
seat belt 2.
R
The seat backrest must be in a position that
is as nearly upright as possible.
R
Adjust the seat cushion so that the front
edge of the seat cushion lightly supports
your legs.
R
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible and the
center of the head restraint supports the
back of the head at eye level.
R
Never place hands under seat 3 or near
any moving parts while seat 3 is being
adjusted.
Safety and security
Occupant safety
X
Position steering wheel 1 properly. See
(Y page 103) for manual adjustment and
(Y page 103) for electrical adjustment.
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 103.
Make sure:
R
You can reach steering wheel 1 with your
arms slightly bent at the elbows.
R
You can move your legs freely.
R
All displays (including malfunction and
indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster
are clearly visible.
X
Fasten and position your seat belt 2
(Y page 61) correctly.
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 59.
Make sure:
R
Seat belt 2 is always fitted snugly.
R
Adjust seat belt 2 so that the shoulder
section is located as close as possible to
the middle of the shoulder.
R
Place the lap portion of seat belt 2 as low
as possible on your hips.
Z
67
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
Children in the vehicle
Safety notes
If an infant or child is traveling with you in the
vehicle:
X
Secure the child using an infant or child
restraint appropriate to the age and size of
the child.
X
Make sure the infant or child is properly
secured at all times while the vehicle is in
motion.
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the SmartKey from the starter switch.
Always take the SmartKey with you and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children
unattended in the vehicle, even if they are
secured in a child restraint system, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. A child’s
unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury. The children could
R
injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R
be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or
cold
R
injure themselves or cause an accident
with vehicle equipment that can be
operated even if the SmartKey is
removed from the starter switch or
removed from the vehicle, such as seat
adjustment, steering wheel adjustment,
or the memory function.
If children open a door, they could injure
other persons or get out of the vehicle and
injure themselves or be injured by following
traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system’s
metal parts, for example, could become
very hot, and the child could be burned on
these parts.
Warning!
G
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger or cargo compartment unless
they are firmly secured in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child’s risk of injury in the event
of
R
strong braking maneuvers
R
sudden changes of direction
R
an accident
For more information on loading, please refer
to the “Loading and storing” (Y page 208)
chapter.
Infant and child restraint systems
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 68.
We recommend all infants and children be
properly restrained at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
Canada only:
Only use a BabySmartTM compatible child
restraint for the front passenger seat in this
vehicle.
All lap/shoulder belts except the driver’s seat
belt have special seat belt retractors for
secure fastening of child restraints.
To fasten a child restraint, follow child
restraint instructions for mounting. Then pull
the shoulder belt out completely and let it
retract. During seat belt retraction, a
ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate
that the special seat belt retractor is
activated. The seat belt is now locked. Push
down on child restraint to take up any slack.
To deactivate, release the seat belt buckle
and let the seat belt retract completely. To
deactivate the special seat belt retractor for
the front passenger seat, the front passenger
seat must be in the most backward position.
The seat belt can again be used in the usual
manner.
Warning!
G
Never release the seat belt buckle while the
vehicle is in motion, since the special seat
belt retractor will be deactivated.
i
Information on child seats with mounting
fittings for tether anchorages
(Y page 71).
For information on LATCH-type child seat
anchors (Y page 72).
The use of infant or child restraints is required
by law in all 50 states, the District of
Columbia, the U.S. territories and all
Canadian provinces.
Infants and small children should be seated
in an appropriate infant or child restraint
system, properly secured in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions for the child
restraint, that complies with U.S. Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 225
and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards 213 and 210.2.
A statement by the child restraint
manufacturer of compliance with these
standards can be found on the instruction
label on the restraint and in the instruction
manual provided with the restraint.
When using any infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat, make sure to
carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s
instructions for installation and use.
Please read and observe warning labels
affixed to the inside of the vehicle and to
infant or child restraints.
Warning!
G
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front
seating position. Thus, we strongly
recommend that children be placed in the
rear seats whenever possible. Regardless
of seating position, children 12 years old
and under must be seated and properly
secured in an appropriate infant restraint,
toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
The infant or child restraint must be
properly secured with the vehicle’s seat
belt, the seat belt and top tether strap, or
lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in
accordance with the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
Occupants, especially children, should
always sit as upright as possible, wear the
seat belt properly and use an appropriately
sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or
booster seat recommended for the size and
weight of the child.
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69
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
Children can be killed or seriously injured
by an inflating air bag. Note the following
important information when circumstances
require you to place a child in the front
passenger seat:
R
USA only: Your vehicle is equipped with
air bag technology designed to
deactivate the front passenger front air
bag in your vehicle when the system
senses the weight of a typical 12-monthold child or less along with the weight of
a standard appropriate child restraint on
the front passenger seat.
R
USA only: For children larger than the
typical 12-month-old child, the front
passenger front air bag may or may not
be activated. Always make sure the
59 indicator lamp is
illuminated, indicating that the front
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
R
Canada only: Children 12 years old and
under must never ride in the front seat,
except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized
BabySmartTM compatible child seat,
which operates with the BabySmart
TM
system installed in the vehicle to
deactivate the front passenger front air
bag when it is installed properly.
Otherwise they will be struck by the air
bag when it inflates in a crash. If this
happens, serious or fatal injury will
result.
R
A child in a rear-facing child restraint on
the front passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front
passenger front air bag inflates in a
collision which could occur under some
circumstances, even with the air bag
technology installed in your vehicle. The
only means to completely eliminate this
risk is to never place a child in a rearfacing child restraint in the front seat. We
therefore strongly recommend that you
always place a child in a rear-facing child
restraint in a backseat.
R
If you must install a rear-facing child
restraint on the front passenger seat
because circumstances require you to do
so, make sure the 59
indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating
that the front passenger front air bag is
deactivated. Should the 59
indicator lamp not illuminate or go out
while the restraint is installed, please
check installation. Periodically check the
59 indicator lamp while
driving to make sure the
59 indicator lamp is
illuminated. If the 59
indicator lamp goes out or remains out,
do not transport a child on the front
passenger seat until the system has been
repaired.
A child in a rear-facing child restraint on
the front passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front
passenger front air bag inflates.
R
If you have to place a child in a forwardfacing child restraint on the front
passenger seat, move the seat as far
back as possible, use the proper child
restraint recommended for the age, size
and weight of the child, and secure child
restraint with the vehicle’s seat belt
according to the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
Warning!
G
Infants and small children should never
share a seat belt with another occupant.
During an accident, they could be crushed
between the occupant and seat belt.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
are not properly secured in the vehicle
and/or the child is not properly secured in
the child restraint.
Children too big for a toddler restraint must
ride in seats using regular seat belts.
Position shoulder belt across chest and
shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat
may be necessary to achieve proper seat
belt positioning for children over 41 lb
(18 kg) until they reach a height where a
lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a
booster.
When the child restraint is not in use,
remove it from the vehicle or secure it with
the seat belt to prevent the child restraint
from becoming a projectile in the event of
an accident.
Installation of infant and child restraint
systems
Warning!
G
Always lock the seat backrests in their
upright position when the rear seats are
occupied by passengers, after installing top
tether straps, or the extended cargo
compartment is not in use. Make sure that
seat backrests are secured properly by
pushing and pulling on the seat backrests.
If a seat backrest is not locked properly, the
seat backrest could fold. The child seat
would no longer be supported properly or
positioned to provide its intended benefit.
That could cause serious or even fatal
injuries.
This vehicle is equipped with tether
anchorages for a top tether strap at each of
the rear seating positions.
Top tether straps enable an additional
connection to be made between child
restraint systems secured with LATCH-type
anchors and rear seats. This can further
reduce the risk of injury.
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 68.
1
Anchorage ring covers
X
Press in lower part of anchorage ring
cover 1 on the seat backrest on which a
child seat is to be installed.
X
Pull on upper part of anchorage ring
cover 1 to remove cover.
X
Store anchorage ring cover 1 in a
convenient place (e.g. glove box).
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71
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
2
Anchorage rings
3
Hook
X
Move the respective head restraint to its
uppermost position (Y page 100).
2
Anchorage ring
3
Hook
4
Top tether strap
X
Guide top tether strap 4 between head
restraint and top of the seat backrest.
X
Securely fasten hook 3, which is part of
top tether strap 4, to anchorage ring 2.
Make sure
R
top tether strap 4 is not twisted
R
the head restraint is installed and
positioned such that the top tether strap
can pass freely between the head restraint
and top of the seat backrest
R
the top tether strap is positioned between
the seat backrest and the cargo
compartment cover blind (if installed)
R
the top tether strap is positioned between
the seat backrest and the cargo net (if
installed)
i
For safety, make sure hook 3 is attached
to anchorage ring 2 beyond the safety
catch, as illustrated.
X
Lower the head restraint if necessary
(Y page 100).
Make sure the top tether strap can pass
freely between the head restraint and top
of the seat backrest.
X
Install the child restraint system and
tighten the top tether strap according to
the child restraint manufacturer’s
instructions.
After removing the child restraint system and
the top tether strap 4.
X
Reinstall the anchorage ring cover 1.
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
This vehicle is equipped with two LATCH-type
anchors (at each of the rear outer seats) for
the installation of a LATCH-type child seat
with matching mounting fittings.
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 68.
Warning!
G
Children too big for a toddler restraint must
ride in seats using regular seat belts.
Position shoulder belt across chest and
shoulder, not face or neck.
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Page 75
A booster seat may be necessary to achieve
proper seat belt positioning for children
over 41 lb (18 kg) until they reach a height
where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly
without a booster.
Install child seat according to
manufacturer’s instructions.
The child seat must be firmly attached to
the right and left side anchors.
An incorrectly mounted child seat may
come loose during an accident which could
result in serious injury or death to the child.
Damaged or impact damaged child seats or
child seat mounting fittings must be
replaced.
Non-LATCH-type child seats may also be used
and can be installed using the vehicle’s seat
belt system. Install child seat according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
The LATCH-type anchors are blended with
covers.
1
Anchorage ring covers
X
Remove anchorage ring covers 1 from the
seat on which a child seat is to be installed.
2
Anchors
Safety and security
Occupant safety
X
Install a LATCH-type child seat according
to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A rigid connection between the child seat
and the body of the vehicle is established.
!
Make sure the seat belt for the center
seat can operate freely with a child seat
installed.
Child safety
Child safety locks
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 68.
Warning!
G
Children could open a rear door from the
inside. This may cause serious personal
injury or an accident. Therefore, secure the
rear doors with the child safety locks
whenever children are riding in the back
seats of the vehicle.
The child safety locks on the rear doors
enable you to secure each rear door
individually. You cannot open a secured rear
door from the inside. You can open the rear
door from the outside when the vehicle is
unlocked.
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Safety and security
Occupant safety
1
Releasing
2
Securing
X
Securing: Press the lever down in direction
of arrow 2.
X
Check to make sure the child safety locks
are working properly.
X
Releasing: Press the lever up in direction
of arrow 1.
Override switch
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 68.
With the override switch you can disable the
rear door window switches in the rear door
panels.
Warning!
G
Activate the override switch when children
are riding in the back seats of the vehicle.
The children may otherwise injure
themselves, e.g. by becoming trapped in
the window opening.
1
Override switch
X
Activating: Press override switch 1.
The switch engages in recessed position.
The rear door windows can no longer be
operated using the respective switch
located in the rear doors.
It is still possible to operate the rear door
windows using the switches located on the
door control panel of the driver’s door.
X
Deactivating: Press override switch 1
again.
The switch disengages from its recessed
position back to its original position.
The rear door windows can again be
operated using the respective switch
located in the rear doors.
For more information on power windows, see
the “Controls in detail” section
(Y page 119).
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Page 77
Panic alarm
1
 button
i
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.
i
Canada 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.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
X
Activating: Press and hold button 1 for at
least 1 second.
An audible alarm and flashing exterior
lamps will operate briefly.
X
Deactivating: Press button 1 again.
or
X
Insert the SmartKey in the starter switch.
or
X
Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be
inside the vehicle.
Safety and security
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
R
ABS (Antilock Brake System)
R
BAS (Brake Assist System)
R
EBP (Electronic Brake Proportioning)
R
ESP® (
Electronic Stability Program)
i
In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notes
Warning!
G
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R
Excessive speed, especially in turns
R
Wet and slippery road surfaces
R
Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or
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Safety and security
Driving safety systems
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle. They cannot increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that
afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with
the driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
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.
If a driving system malfunctions, other
driving safety systems may also switch off.
Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
ABS
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 75.
Warning!
G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead.
Pumping the brake pedal defeats the
purpose of the ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.
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) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The - indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in the
regulating mode.
X
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
X
Keep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.
Warning!
G
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving
safety systems such as the BAS or the
ESP® are also switched off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may
lock during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking
distance.
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Safety and security
Driving safety systems
For more information, see “What to do
if …?” (Y page 338).
Off-road ABS
With the off-road driving program switched on
(Y page 169), the ABS is designed for offroad is automatically activated.
When applying the brakes at speeds below
18 mph (30 km/h), the front wheels are
locked cyclically to shorten the braking
distance (dig-in effect). This effects steering
the vehicle.
BAS
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 75.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS automatically provides
full brake boost, thereby potentially reducing
the braking distance.
X
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.
Warning!
G
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system
still functions, but without the additional
brake boost available that the BAS would
normally provide in an emergency braking
maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance
may increase.
EBP
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 75.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.
Warning!
G
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system
will still function with full brake boost.
However, the rear wheels could lock up
during emergency braking situations, for
example. You could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
®
ESP
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 75.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is
operational as soon as the engine is running
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
spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By
applying brakes to individual wheels 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 lamp v in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Z
77
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Safety and security
Driving safety systems
The ESP® warning lamp v in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP® is
engaged.
Warning!
G
Never switch off the ESP® when you see the
ESP® warning lamp v flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R
When driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.
R
While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP® cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
!
Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!
Because the ESP® operates
automatically, the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button in position 0 or 1) when the parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer. Such testing should be no
longer than 10 seconds.
Active braking action through the ESP
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!
The ESP® will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i
The cruise control switches off
automatically when the ESP® engages.
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (Y page 304) and
(Y page 343).
Electronic Traction System (4-ETS)
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 75.
The 4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System) are components of the ESP®. The
4-ETS improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
®
spinning wheel. In addition, more power is
transferred to the wheel(s) with traction.
When you switch off the ESP®, the 4-ETS is
still enabled.
X
If conditions require, switch on the off-road
driving program (Y page 169).
Off-road 4-ETS
With the off-road driving program switched on
(Y page 169), the 4-ETS designed for off-road
use is activated automatically.
Switching off the ESP
Warning!
G
®
The ESP® should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
78
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the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP® in driving situations in which it
would be advantageous to have the drive
wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for
better grip such as:
R
when driving with snow chains
R
in deep snow
R
in sand or gravel
Warning!
G
Switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not
apply anymore. Otherwise the ESP® will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to
skid or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP
R
the ESP® does not stabilize the vehicle
R
the engine output is not limited, which
®
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
R
the 4-ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
R
the ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking
R
you cannot activate the cruise control
R
the cruise control switches off if activated
i
When the ESP® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP
warning lamp v in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESP® will
then not stabilize the vehicle.
1
ESP® switch
X
With the engine running, press ESP® switch
1 until the ESP® warning lamp v in the
instrument cluster comes on.
The ESP® is switched off.
Safety and security
Driving safety systems
Warning!
G
When the ESP® warning lamp v is
illuminated continuously, the ESP® is
switched off or is not operational due to a
malfunction. Vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
®
Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions and to the nonoperating status of the ESP®.
!
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESP® switched
off. This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Switching on the ESP
X
Press ESP® switch 1 until the ESP
warning lamp v in the instrument
cluster goes out.
You are now again in normal driving mode
with the ESP® switched on.
Off-road ESP
®
With the off-road driving program switched on
(Y page 169), the ESP® designed for off-road
®
®
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Safety and security
Anti-theft systems
use is automatically activated. At speeds
below 27 mph (45 km/h), the ESP® assists in
over-/understeering, thus improving vehicle
traction.
ESP® trailer stabilization
If the trailer you are towing should begin to
sway, the rig can only be stabilized by
immediately applying the brakes hard.
Steering during this maneuver will not help to
stabilize the rig.
The ESP® will assist you in such situations.
The ESP® recognizes when the trailer starts
swaying and will apply the brakes to reduce
the vehicle speed to a non-critical speed that
allows the vehicle-trailer combination to
stabilize.
The ESP® trailer stabilization is functional at
vehicle speeds above approximately 40 mph
(65 km/h) when the ESP® is switched on.
Warning!
G
The system will not be able to assist when
the trailer jackknifes
R
if the ESP® has switched off due to a
malfunction
R
on wet or icy roads
R
on roads with slippery surface
R
in sand or gravel
Trailers with a high center of gravity may tip
over before the system recognizes swaying
of the trailer.
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
X
With SmartKey: Remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.
X
With KEYLESS-GO: Turn off the engine and
open the driver’s door.
Deactivating
X
Switch on the ignition.
i
Starting the engine will also deactivate
the immobilizer.
In the event that 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).
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Page 83
Anti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone opens:
R
a door
R
the tailgate
R
the hood
The alarm will stay on even if the activating
element (a door, for example) is immediately
closed.
The alarm system will also be triggered when
R
the vehicle is opened with the mechanical
key
R
a door is opened from the inside
To cancel the alarm after it has been
triggered, see “Canceling the
alarm” (Y page 81).
i
If the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, a call to the Response Center
is initiated automatically by the Tele Aid
system provided that you have subscribed
to the Tele Aid service and that it has been
activated properly, and that the necessary
mobile phone, power supply and GPS
coverage are available.
1
Indicator lamp
X
Arming: Lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash three times to
indicate that the vehicle is locked. Indicator
lamp 1 flashes to indicate that the alarm
system is armed.
i
If the turn signal lamps do not flash three
times, a door or the tailgate may not be
properly closed.
Close the respective element and lock the
vehicle again.
X
Disarming: Unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash once to indicate
that the alarm system is disarmed.
Safety and security
Anti-theft systems
i
The vehicle will lock and the alarm system
will rearm automatically again after
approximately 40 seconds unless you open
a door or the tailgate.
Canceling the alarm
To cancel the alarm, do one of the following:
X
Insert the SmartKey in the starter switch.
X
Press button k or j on the
SmartKey.
In vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
X
Grasp an outside door handle.
The SmartKey must be within 3 ft (1 m) of
the vehicle.
Control system .................................. 140
Driving systems ................................ 163
Overview of climate control sys-
tem functions and air vents ............. 180
Climate control ................................. 183
3-zone automatic climate control ... 191
Rear window defroster ..................... 204
Power tilt/sliding sunroof ............... 205
Loading and storing .......................... 208
Useful features ................................. 218
83
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Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
Vehicle equipment
i
This Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual.
Locking and unlocking
Notes
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 68.
When unlocking the vehicle, all turn signal
lamps flash once, the locking knobs in the
doors move up, and the anti-theft alarm
system is disarmed.
When locking the vehicle, all turn signal lamps
flash three times, the locking knobs in the
doors move down, and the anti-theft alarm
system is armed.
All doors and the tailgate must be closed.
!
If you cannot lock or unlock the vehicle
with the SmartKey, the batteries in the
SmartKey are discharged, the SmartKey is
malfunctioning, or the vehicle battery is
drained.
R
Check the batteries in the SmartKey and
replace them if necessary.
R
Use the mechanical key to unlock the
driver’s door.
R
Use the mechanical key to lock the
vehicle.
R
Have the vehicle battery and the vehicle
battery connections checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If the SmartKey is malfunctioning, contact
Roadside Assistance or an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
SmartKey
Your vehicle comes supplied with two
SmartKeys, each with remote control and a
removable mechanical key.
The SmartKey centrally locks and unlocks:
R
the doors
R
the tailgate
R
the fuel filler flap
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Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
1 j
2 i
3 k
4
i
Lock button
Unlock button for tailgate
Unlock button
Battery check lamp
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.
i
Canada 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.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Factory setting
X
Global unlocking: Press button k.
The vehicle will lock again automatically
and rearm the anti-theft alarm system
within approximately 40 seconds of
unlocking if neither door nor tailgate is
opened.
X
Global locking: Press button j.
Selective setting
If you frequently travel alone, you may wish
to reprogramm the SmartKey so that pressing
button k only unlocks the driver’s door
and the fuel filler flap.
X
Switching on/off: Press and hold buttons
k and j simultaneously for
approximately 5 seconds until battery
check lamp 4 (Y page 85) flashes twice.
The SmartKey will then function as follows:
X
Unlocking driver’s door and fuel filler
flap: Press button k once.
X
Global unlocking: Press button k
twice.
X
Global locking: Press button j.
KEYLESS-GO
Vehicles equipped with KEYLESS-GO come
with two SmartKeys with KEYLESS-GO, each
with remote control and a removable
mechanical key.
The KEYLESS-GO function is integrated into
the SmartKey. The validity of the SmartKey is
checked every time you grasp an outside door
handle.
Z
85
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Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
When the SmartKey is valid, your vehicle
unlocks
R
the doors
R
the fuel filler flap
R
the tailgate
i
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.
i
Canada 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.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Important notes on using KEYLESS-GO
R
You can also use the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO like a normal SmartKey
(Y page 84).
R
You can combine KEYLESS-GO functions
with normal SmartKey functions (e.g.
unlocking with KEYLESS-GO and locking
with button j).
R
Always carry the SmartKey with you.
R
Never store the SmartKey together with:
-
Electronic items such as a mobile phone
or another SmartKey
-
Metallic objects such as coins or metal
foil
Doing so could impair the function of the
KEYLESS-GO system.
R
To lock or unlock the vehicle, the SmartKey
must be located outside the vehicle within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of a door or the
tailgate.
R
If the vehicle has been parked for more
than 72 hours, you must pull an outside
door handle in order to activate the
KEYLESS-GO function.
R
If the SmartKey is positioned farther away
from the vehicle, the system may no longer
recognize the SmartKey. The vehicle
cannot be locked or the engine started via
the KEYLESS-GO system.
R
If the SmartKey is removed from the vehicle
(e.g. if a passenger exits the vehicle with
the SmartKey)
-
when pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/
stop button or trying to lock the vehicle
with the lock button on an outside door
handle the message Key Not
86
Page 89
Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
Detected appears in the multifunction
display
-
with the engine running, the message
Key Not Detected appears in the
multifunction display while driving off
Find the SmartKey or change its present
location immediately (e.g. place it on the
front passenger seat or insert it in shirt
pocket).
R
If you have started the engine with the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button, you can
turn it off again by
-
pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button
-
inserting the SmartKey into the starter
switch when the vehicle is at a standstill
and the automatic transmission is in park
position P
R
The vehicle could be inadvertently
unlocked if the SmartKey is within 3 ft (1 m)
of the vehicle and
-
an outside door handle is splashed with
water
or
-
you attempt to clean an outside door
handle
R
Remember that the engine can be started
by anyone with a SmartKey that is left
inside the vehicle.
Possibility 1 (One SmartKey in the vehicle,
one SmartKey outside the vehicle):
If you leave the SmartKey behind when
exiting and locking the vehicle, no message
appears in the multifunction display.
Possibility 2 (One SmartKey in the vehicle,
no SmartKey outside the vehicle):
When exiting and trying to lock the vehicle,
the message Key Detected In Vehicle
appears in the multifunction display. The
vehicle will not be locked.
Factory setting
X
Global unlocking: Grasp an outside door
handle.
The vehicle will lock again automatically
and rearm the anti-theft alarm system
within approximately 40 seconds if neither
door nor tailgate is opened.
1
Lock button on the outside door handle
X
Global locking: Press lock button 1 on an
outside door handle.
Selective setting
If you frequently travel alone, you may wish
to reprogram the SmartKey so when you
grasp the driver’s outside door handle, only
the driver’s door and the fuel filler flap unlock.
X
Switching on/off: Press and hold buttons
k and j simultaneously for
approximately 5 seconds until battery
check lamp 4 (Y page 85) flashes twice.
The SmartKey will then function as follows:
Z
87
Page 90
Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
X
Unlocking driver’s door and fuel filler
flap: Grasp the driver’s outside door
handle.
X
Global unlocking: Grasp any outside door
handle other than the driver’s outside door
handle.
X
Global locking: Press lock button 1 on an
outside door handle.
Checking SmartKey batteries
X
Press button j or k on the
SmartKey.
Battery check lamp 4 (Y page 85) comes
on briefly to indicate that the SmartKey
batteries are in order.
If the battery check lamp does not come on
briefly during check, the SmartKey batteries
are discharged.
X
Replace the batteries (Y page 353).
i
You can obtain the required batteries at
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
i
If the batteries are checked within signal
range of the vehicle, pressing button
j or k will lock or unlock the vehicle
accordingly.
Loss of the SmartKey
If you lose your SmartKey or mechanical key,
you should do the following:
X
Have the SmartKey deactivated by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
X
Report the loss of the SmartKey or the
mechanical key to your car insurance
company immediately.
X
Have the mechanical lock replaced if
necessary.
Any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be
glad to supply you with a replacement.
Opening the doors from the inside
You can open a locked door from the inside.
Open door only when conditions are safe to
do so.
1
Locking knob
2
Inside door handle
If the vehicle has previously been locked with
the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, opening
a door from the inside will trigger the antitheft alarm system.
To cancel the alarm, see (Y page 81).
X
Front doors: Pull on inside door handle
2 on the respective front door to open
door.
If the door was locked, locking knob 1 will
move up.
X
Rear doors: Pull up locking knob 1 on the
respective rear door to unlock door.
X
Pull on inside door handle 2 on the
respective rear door to open door.
88
Page 91
Automatic central locking
The doors and the tailgate lock automatically
when the vehicle is set into motion.
You can open a locked door from the inside.
Open door only when conditions are safe to
do so.
The doors are designed to 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 vehicle speeds of approximately
9 mph (15 km/h) or more. You could
therefore lock yourself out when the vehicle
is pushed or towed or is on a test stand.
You can deactivate the automatic central
locking using the control system
(Y page 158).
Locking and unlocking from the inside
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 68.
You can lock or unlock the vehicle from inside
using the central locking switches. This can
be useful, for example, if you want to lock the
vehicle before starting to drive.
The central locking switches do not lock or
unlock the fuel filler flap.
The switches are located in each front door.
1
Central unlocking switch
2
Central locking switch
Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
X
Locking: Press central locking switch 2.
If all doors and the tailgate are closed, the
vehicle locks.
X
Unlocking: Press central unlocking switch
1.
You can open a locked door from inside at any
time. Open door only when conditions are
safe to do so.
If the vehicle was previously locked with the
central locking switch:
R
and the SmartKey is set to factory settings,
the complete vehicle is unlocked when a
front door is opened from the inside
R
and the SmartKey is set to selective
settings, only the front door opened from
the inside is unlocked
If the vehicle was previously locked centrally
with the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, it will
not unlock using the central unlocking switch.
89
Z
Page 92
Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
Tailgate
Warning!
G
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
A minimum height clearance of 7.20 ft
(2.20 m) is required to open the tailgate.
Opening the tailgate from the outside
X
Pull on handle 1.
In vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: The
vehicle must be unlocked.
X
Pull tailgate upwards to open.
Closing the tailgate from the outside
Warning!
G
To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the
cargo compartment opening when closing
the tailgate. Be especially careful when
small children are around.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the SmartKey from the starter switch, take
it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. A
child’s unsupervised access to a vehicle
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
1
Handles
X
Lower tailgate by pulling firmly on handles
1.
X
Close tailgate with hands placed flat on it.
Once the tailgate touches the latch, the
tailgate will pull itself shut automatically.
1
90
Handle
Page 93
Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
Power tailgate
Warning!
G
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
!
The tailgate swings open upwards
automatically. Always make sure there is
sufficient overhead clearance.
A minimum height clearance of 7.20 ft
(2.20 m) is required to open the tailgate.
In vehicles with power tailgate, you can
R
open and close the tailgate from the inside
and the outside electrically
R
limit the opening height of the tailgate
R
interrupt the opening/closing procedure at
any time by
-
pressing or pulling the door-mounted
remote tailgate switch
-
pressing button i on the SmartKey
-
pressing the tailgate closing switch
-
pressing the KEYLESS-GO locking/
closing switch
Depending on production date, an acoustic
warning sounds when opening or closing the
tailgate.
Opening the tailgate from the outside
You can unlock and open the tailgate
simultaneously from the outside when the
vehicle is stationary.
X
Press and hold button i on the
SmartKey until the tailgate unlocks and
begins to open.
While the tailgate is opening, an acoustic
warning sounds.
or
X
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Pull on the
handle (Y page 90).
The tailgate is unlocked and opens.
Depending on production date, an acoustic
warning sounds while the tailgate opens.
Closing the tailgate from the outside
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 68.
Warning!
G
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured. To prevent possible personal
injury, always keep hands and fingers away
from the cargo compartment opening when
closing the tailgate. Be especially careful
when small children are around. To stop the
closing procedure, do one of the following:
R
Press button i on the SmartKey.
R
Press or pull the remote tailgate
opening/closing switch on the driver’s
door.
R
Press the tailgate closing switch.
R
Press the KEYLESS-GO locking/closing
switch.
In vehicles with power tailgate you can close
the tailgate separately from the outside using
the tailgate closing switch or button i on
the SmartKey.
Do not leave the SmartKey in the vehicle. You
may lock yourself out.
If the vehicle was previously centrally locked
with the SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO, the
tailgate will lock automatically after closing it.
The turn signal lamps flash three times to
confirm locking.
Z
91
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Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO
1
Tailgate closing switch
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO
1
Tailgate closing switch
X
Press tailgate closing switch 1 briefly or
press and hold button i on the
SmartKey.
The tailgate closes. Depending on
production date, an acoustic warning
sounds when the tailgate closes.
If the tailgate comes into contact with an
object while closing (e.g. luggage that has
been piled too high), the closing procedure is
stopped and the tailgate reopens.
Closing the tailgate and locking the
vehicle from the outside (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO)
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 68.
Warning!
G
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured. To prevent possible personal
injury, always keep hands and fingers away
from the cargo compartment opening when
closing the tailgate. Be especially careful
when small children are around. To stop the
closing procedure, do one of the following:
R
Press button i on the SmartKey.
R
Press or pull the remote tailgate
opening/closing switch on the driver’s
door.
R
Press the tailgate closing switch.
R
Press the KEYLESS-GO locking/closing
switch.
In vehicles with power tailgate and KEYLESSGO, you can close the tailgate and lock the
vehicle simultaneously from the outside using
the KEYLESS-GO locking/closing switch.
1
KEYLESS-GO locking/closing switch
92
Page 95
X
Make sure you have the SmartKey with you.
X
Press KEYLESS-GO locking/closing switch
1 briefly.
The tailgate closes automatically.
Depending on production date, an acoustic
warning sounds.
Once the tailgate and all doors are closed:
R
The vehicle locks.
R
The turn signals flash three times to
confirm locking.
R
The locking knobs in the doors move
down.
R
The anti-theft alarm system is armed.
If the tailgate comes into contact with an
object while closing (e.g. luggage that has
been piled too high), the closing procedure is
stopped and the tailgate reopens.
The closing process is stopped if the system
cannot recognize a SmartKey with KEYLESSGO anymore. In this case, make sure the
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of the tailgate and
repeat the closing procedure if necessary.
The tailgate remains unlocked when a
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is recognized
inside the vehicle to prevent a possible
inadvertent lockout. In this case, the turn
signals will not flash and the anti-theft alarm
will be triggered when the tailgate is opened.
Opening/closing the tailgate from the
inside
Opening
Warning!
G
Maintain sight of the area around the rear
of the vehicle while operating the tailgate
with the door-mounted remote tailgate
switch or with button i on the
SmartKey. Monitor the opening procedure
carefully to make sure no one is in danger
of being injured.
To interrupt the opening procedure, press
or pull the door-mounted remote tailgate
switch or press button i on the
SmartKey.
In vehicles with power tailgate you can unlock
and open the tailgate simultaneously from the
driver’s seat when the vehicle is stationary.
Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
1
Remote tailgate opening/closing switch
X
Pull remote tailgate switch 1 until tailgate
begins to open.
While the tailgate is opening, an acoustic
warning sounds.
Closing
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 68.
Warning!
G
Maintain sight of the area around the rear
of the vehicle while operating the tailgate
with the door-mounted remote tailgate
switch. Monitor the closing procedure
carefully to make sure no one is in danger
of being injured.
Z
93
Page 96
Controls in detail
Starter switch positions
To interrupt the closing procedure, press or
pull the door-mounted remote tailgate
switch or press button i on the
SmartKey.
In vehicles with power tailgate you can close
the tailgate from the inside using the remote
tailgate switch.
If the tailgate comes into contact with an
object while closing (e.g. luggage that has
been piled too high) the closing procedure is
stopped and the tailgate reopens.
X
Switch on the ignition.
X
Press remote tailgate switch 1 until the
tailgate begins to close.
The tailgate closes. While the tailgate is
closing an acoustic warning sounds.
To interrupt the closing procedure:
X
Press or pull remote tailgate switch 1.
Limiting opening height of tailgate
You can limit the opening height of the
tailgate in the upper opening range. This can
be useful, for example, when the space above
the tailgate is not sufficient.
Activating
X
Open tailgate: Pull on handle (Y page 90)
or press and hold button i on the
SmartKey until the tailgate opens.
X
Stop opening procedure: When the
tailgate is in the desired position, press
tailgate closing switch (Y page 92) or press
button i on the SmartKey once more.
i
You can also press or pull the remote
tailgate switch (Y page 93) to stop the
opening procedure.
X
Press and hold the tailgate closing switch
in the tailgate (Y page 92) until you hear a
short acoustic signal.
The opening height of the tailgate is limited.
The tailgate will now stop at the stored
position when opened.
Deactivating
X
Press and hold the tailgate closing switch
in the tailgate until you hear two short,
consecutive acoustic signals.
Starter switch positions
SmartKey
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 68.
Starter switch
}
For removing SmartKey
$
Power supply for some electrical
consumers, e.g. radio
%
Ignition (power supply for all electrical
consumers) and driving position
&
Starting position
When you switch on the ignition, all lamps
(except high-beam headlamp indicator lamp,
and turn signal indicator lamps unless
activated) in the instrument cluster come on.
If a lamp in the instrument cluster fails to
come on when the ignition is switched on,
94
Page 97
Controls in detail
Starter switch positions
have it checked and replaced if necessary. If
a lamp in the instrument cluster remains on
after starting the engine or comes on while
driving, refer to “Lamps in instrument
cluster” (Y page 337).
!
If the SmartKey cannot be turned in the
starter switch, the vehicle battery may not
be sufficiently charged.
R
Check the vehicle battery and charge it
if necessary.
R
Get a jump start.
To prevent accelerated vehicle battery
discharge or a completely discharged
vehicle battery, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch when the
engine is not in operation.
i
If the SmartKey does not belong to the
vehicle, the SmartKey can be turned in the
starter switch. However, the ignition does
not switch on and the engine does not start.
KEYLESS-GO
Observe Safety notes, see
G
page 68.
Vehicles equipped with the KEYLESS-GO
feature are supplied with a SmartKey with
integrated KEYLESS-GO function and a
removable KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
With the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
inserted in the starter switch and the
SmartKey present in the vehicle, pressing the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
R
without the brake pedal depressed
corresponds to the various starter switch
positions (Y page 94)
R
with the brake pedal firmly depressed will
start the engine (Y page 122)
If you wish or should there be the need to
insert the SmartKey in the starter switch, the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button can be easily
removed by pulling it out of the starter switch.
i
The KEYLESS-GO start/stop button does
not need to be removed from the starter
switch when you leave the vehicle.
However, always take the SmartKey with
you when you leave the vehicle. As long as
the SmartKey is in the vehicle, the vehicle’s
electrical systems can be switched on or
the engine can be started using the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
The SmartKey must be located in the vehicle.
1
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
2
Starter switch
X
Insert KEYLESS-GO start/stop button 1
into starter switch 2 (if not inserted
already).
X
Make sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.
X
Do not depress the brake pedal.
Z
95
Page 98
Controls in detail
Seats
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
3
USA only
4
Canada only
Position 0
Before you press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button, the vehicle’s on-board electronics
have status 0 (as with SmartKey removed).
Position 1
X
Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
once.
This supplies power for some electrical
consumers, such as radio functions.
i
If you now press the KEYLESS-GO start/
stop button
R
once more, the ignition (position 2) is
switched on
R
twice more the power supply is again
switched off
Ignition (or position 2)
X
Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
twice.
This supplies power for all electrical
consumers.
All lamps (except high-beam headlamp
indicator lamp and turn signal indicator
lamps unless activated) in the instrument
cluster come on. If a lamp in the instrument
cluster fails to come on when the ignition
is switched on, have it checked and
replaced if necessary. If a lamp in the
instrument cluster remains on after
starting the engine or comes on while
driving, refer to “Lamps in instrument
cluster” (Y page 337).
i
If you now press the KEYLESS-GO start/
stop button once, the power supply is again
switched off.
Seats
Safety notes
Warning!
G
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control all seat, head restraint, steering
wheel, and rear view mirror adjustments, as
well as fastening of seat belts, must be
done before the vehicle is put into motion.
Warning!
G
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position
as this can be dangerous. You could slide
under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide
under it, the seat belt would apply force at
the abdomen or neck. That could cause
serious or fatal injuries. The seat backrest
and seat belts provide the best restraint
when the wearer is in a position that is as
upright as possible and seat belts are
properly positioned on the body.
96
Page 99
Controls in detail
Seats
Warning!
G
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R
Adjust the seat backrest until your arms
are slightly angled when holding the
steering wheel.
R
Adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as possible
with the driver still able to operate the
controls properly.
R
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible and the
center of the head restraint supports the
back of the head at eye level.
R
Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Warning!
G
The power seats can be operated at any
time. Therefore, do not leave children
unattended in the vehicle, or with access to
an unlocked vehicle. A child’s unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an
accident and/or serious personal injury.
Warning!
G
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front
seating position. Thus, we strongly
recommend that children be placed in the
rear seats whenever possible. Regardless
of seating position, children 12 years old
and under must be seated and properly
secured in an appropriately sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child. For additional information, see
“Children in the vehicle”.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle
and/or the child is not properly secured in
the child restraint.
Warning!
G
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible and the center
of the head restraint supports the back of
the head at eye level. This will reduce the
potential for injury to the head and neck in
the event of an accident or similar situation.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat
head restraints. Head restraints are
intended to help reduce injuries during an
accident.
Seat adjustment
!
When moving the seats, make sure there
are no items in the footwell or behind the
seats. Otherwise, you could damage the
seats.
Z
97
Page 100
Controls in detail
Seats
Power seat
1
Head restraint height (vehicles with
memory function)
2
Seat cushion tilt
3
Seat height
4
Seat backrest tilt
5
Seat fore and aft adjustment
!
When the rear seats are folded forward,
e.g. for cargo volume expansion, the front
seats may not be moved to the rearmost
position. Otherwise you could damage the
front and rear seats.
!
When adjusting the seat backrest tilt and
head restraint height, make sure the sun
visor is folded up. If the head restraint is in
the uppermost position, it could hit and
damage the sun visor.
i
Vehicles without memory function:
The seats can be adjusted within 5 minutes
after either front door has been opened.
The counter resets each time
R
you open or close a front door
R
you insert the SmartKey into the starter
switch
R
you remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch
R
you switch the ignition on or off
Just like in vehicles with memory function,
the power seats can be operated at any
time when the ignition is switched on.
i
The memory function (Y page 108) lets
you store the settings for the seat position
together with the settings for the steering
wheel (electrical) and exterior rear view
mirrors.
X
Seat fore and aft adjustment: Press the
switch forward or backward in direction of
arrow 5.
X
Seat backrest tilt: Press the switch
forward or backward in direction of arrow
4.
X
Seat height: Press the switch up or down
in direction of arrow 3.
X
Seat cushion tilt: Press the switch up or
down in direction of arrow 2 until your
upper legs are lightly supported.
X
Head restraint height: Press the switch
up or down in direction of arrow 1.
Head restraint height adjustment, manual
This feature is only available in vehicles
without memory function.
Warning!
G
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible and the center
of the head restraint supports the back of
the head at eye level. This will reduce the
potential for injury to the head and neck in
the event of an accident or similar situation.
98
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