Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Installation of infant and child restraint systems
This vehicle is equipped with tether anchorages for a top tether strap at each of the rear seating positions.
① Cover of top anchorage ring
▶ Make sure the rear backrest is locked in its upright position (▷ page 255).
Warning! Always lock backrest in its upright position when rear seat bench is occupied by passengers, or the extended cargo area is not in use. Check for secure locking by pushing and pulling on the backrest.
▶ Remove cover ① from anchorage ring ③.
▶ Guide tether strap between head restraint and top of seat back.
Head restraint must be installed (if removable) and positioned such that the top tether strap can pass freely between the head restraint and top of seat back.
Make sure the tether strap is not twisted.
② Hook ③ Anchorage ring
▶ Securely fasten hook ②, which is part of the tether strap, to anchorage ring ③.
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Once the top tether anchorage hook is attached, the child restraint itself can be secured. Tighten the top tether strap according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.
For safety, make sure the hook has attached to the ring beyond the safety catch, as illustrated.
Reinstall cover ① after removing the tether strap.
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
This vehicle is equipped with two LATCH- (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) type anchors (at each of the outer rear seats) for the installation of a LATCH-type child seat with the matching mounting fittings.
Warning!
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 belt positioning for children from 41 lbs 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 in the right and left side anchors ①.
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.
Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if the children are secured in a child restraint system.
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Occupant safety
The child seat must be firmly attached in the right and left side anchors ①.
With a child seat installed in the left rear seat, the seat belt for the center seat occupied by a passenger must operate freely. Guide seat belt between its seat cushion mount and backrest mount along outside of right side child seat anchor.
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 located between the seat cushion and the backrest.
① Anchors
▶ Install child seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Blocking of rear door window operation
You can block the rear door window operation (for instance when you have children riding in the rear passenger compartment).
The override switch is located on the door control panel of the driver’s door.
① Deactivating override switch ② Activating override switch ③ Override switch
Warning!
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.
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. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment can cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.
Activating override switch
► Slide override switch ③ to the right.
The rear door windows can no longer be operated using the respective switch located in the rear doors.
Operation of the rear door windows with the switches located on the door control panel of the driver’s door is still possible.
Deactivating override switch
► Slide override switch ③ to the left.
The rear door windows can be operated again using the respective switch located in the rear doors.
For more information, see “Power windows” ( page 240).
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Safety and Security
Panic alarm*
An audible alarm and flashing exterior lamps will operate for approximately $2^{1}/_{2}$ minutes.
① PANIC button
i Canada only: Only vehicles equipped with an anti-theft alarm system* have SmartKeys with integrated panic button ①.
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.
Activating
▶ Press and hold button ① for at least 1 second.
Deactivating
▶ Press button ① again.
or
▶ Insert SmartKey in starter switch.
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Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
▼ Driving safety systems
In this section you will find information on the following driving safety systems:
- ABS (Antilock Brake System)
- BAS (Brake Assist System)
- ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
- 4MATIC (Four Wheel Electronic Traction System)
ℹ In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the ABS, ESP®, and 4MATIC (if so equipped) is only achieved with winter tires (▷ page 336), or snow chains as required.
Warning!
The following factors increase the risk of accidents:
- Excessive speed, especially in turns
- Wet and slippery road surfaces
- Following another vehicle too closely
The ABS, BAS, ESP®, and 4MATIC (if so equipped) cannot reduce this risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the prevailing road and weather conditions.
ABS
Warning!
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 (▷ page 24) comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running.
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Driving safety systems
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.
- Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while experiencing the pulsation.
Continuous steady brake pedal pressure yields the advantages provided by the ABS, namely braking power and 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
- Keep continuous full pressure on the brake pedal.
Warning!
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
For more information, see “Practical hints” (▷ page 350) and (▷ page 360).
BAS
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically provides full brake boost, thereby potentially reducing the braking distance. Apply continuous full braking pressure until the emergency braking situation is over. The ABS will prevent the wheels from locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes function again as normal. The BAS is then deactivated.
Warning!
If the BAS is malfunctioning, the brake system is still functioning normally, but without the additional brake boost available that BAS would normally provide in an emergency braking maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
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Warning!
The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded. The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of others.
ESP®
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 the appropriate wheel and by limiting the engine output, the ESP® works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP® is especially useful while driving off and on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP® also stabilizes the vehicle during braking maneuvers.
The ESP® warning lamp [icon] in the speedometer flashes when the ESP® is engaged.
The ESP® warning lamp [icon] in the speedometer comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running.
Warning!
Never switch off the ESP® when you see the ESP® warning lamp [icon] flashing in the speedometer. In this case, proceed as follows:
- While driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.
- While driving, ease up on the accelerator.
- 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.
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Driving safety systems
Warning!
The ESP® cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded. The ESP® cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESP® equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of others.
The ESP® will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size (▷ page 432).
Vehicles without 4MATIC: Because of the ESP®'s automatic operation, the engine must be turned off (SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1) when
- the parking brake is being tested on a brake test dynamometer
- the vehicle is being towed with the front axle raised
Active braking action through the ESP® may otherwise seriously damage the brake system.
For information on vehicles with 4MATIC, see "Four wheel electronic traction system (4MATIC) with the ESP®" (▷ page 92).
For more information, see "Practical hints" (▷ page 354) and (▷ page 360).
Switching off the ESP®
Warning!
The ESP® should not be switched off during normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling of the system will reduce vehicle stability in standard driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a Minispare wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle's traction, turn off the ESP® in driving situations where it would be advantageous to have the drive wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip such as:
- when driving with snow chains
- in deep snow
- in sand or gravel
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Driving safety systems
! Turn on the ESP® immediately if the aforementioned circumstances do not apply anymore.
When you switch off the ESP®
- the ESP® does not stabilize the vehicle
- the engine output is not limited, which allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip
- the traction control will still brake a spinning wheel
- the ESP® continues to operate when you are braking
i When the ESP® is switched off and one or more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP® warning lamp ⚠ in the speedometer flashes. However, the ESP® will then not stabilize the vehicle.
The switch is located on the upper part of the center console.
① ESP® switch (off/on)
▶ With the engine running, press switch ①.
The ESP® warning lamp ⚠ in the speedometer comes on.
The ESP® is deactivated.
Warning! When the ESP® warning lamp ⚠ is illuminated continuously, the ESP® is switched off.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions and to the non-operating 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®
▶ Press ESP® switch ①.
The ESP® warning lamp ⚠ in the speedometer goes out.
You are now again in normal driving mode with the ESP® switched on.
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Four wheel electronic traction system (4MATIC) with the ESP®
Models with all-wheel-drive only.
The 4MATIC improves vehicle's ability to use available traction, e.g. during winter operation in mountains under snowy conditions, by applying power to all four wheels.
Warning!
If you see the ESP® warning lamp ⚠️ flashing in the speedometer, proceed as follows:
- While driving off, apply as little throttle as possible
- While driving, ease up on the accelerator
- 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.
!
Do not tow with one axle raised.
Otherwise the transfer case can be damaged, which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!
Performance testing must only be conducted on a two-axle dynamometer.
Otherwise the transfer case can be damaged, which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!
Because of the ESP®'s automatic operation, the engine must be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is being tested on a brake test dynamometer.
Active braking action through ESP® may otherwise seriously damage the front or rear axle brake system.
Operational tests with the engine running can only be conducted on a two-axle dynamometer.
i
At highly demanding operating conditions, the electronic traction system may temporarily switch off to prevent overheating of the drive wheel brakes. The message unavailable See Operator's Manual will then appear in the multifunction display while the ESP® warning lamp ⚠️ is flashing. The ESP® is still functioning normally.
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Safety and Security
Anti-theft systems
▼ Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized persons from starting your vehicle.
Activating
► Remove the SmartKey from the starter switch.
Deactivating
► Switch on the ignition (▷ page 33).
Starting the engine will also deactivate the immobilizer.
In case the engine cannot be started (yet the vehicle's battery is charged), the system is not operational. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA), or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
Anti-theft alarm system*
Once the alarm system has been armed, a visual and audible alarm is triggered when someone opens
• a door
• the trunk
• the hood
The alarm system will also be triggered when
• someone attempts to raise the vehicle
• opening the vehicle with the mechanical key
• someone opens a door from the inside
• someone opens the trunk with the emergency release button
The alarm will stay on even if the activating element (e. g. a door) is immediately closed.
If the alarm stays on for more than 30 seconds, a call to the Response Center is initiated automatically by the Tele Aid system* (▷ page 265) provided Tele Aid service was subscribed to and properly activated, and that necessary cellular service and GPS coverage are available.
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Safety and Security
Anti-theft systems
Arming the alarm system
The indicator lamp is in the switch for the tow-away alarm* in the center console.
① Indicator lamp
► Lock your vehicle with the SmartKey.
The turn signal lamps flash three times to indicate that the alarm system is activated.
Indicator lamp ① begins to flash after approximately 30 seconds after arming the alarm system.
If the turn signal lamps do not flash three times, one of the following elements may not be properly closed:
• a door
• the trunk
• the hood
Close the respective element and lock the vehicle again.
Disarming the alarm system
► Unlock your vehicle with the SmartKey.
The turn signal lamps flash once to indicate that the alarm system is disarmed.
The alarm system will reararm automatically after approximately 40 seconds if neither a door nor the trunk lid was opened.
Canceling the alarm
To cancel the alarm:
► Press the or button on the SmartKey.
or
► Insert the SmartKey in the starter switch.
Safety and Security
Anti-theft systems
Tow-away alarm*
Once the tow-away alarm is armed, a visual and audible alarm will be triggered when someone attempts to raise the vehicle.
The tow-away protection alarm is triggered, for example, if the vehicle is lifted on one side.
If the alarm stays on for more than 30 seconds, a call to the Response Center is initiated automatically by the Tele Aid system* (▷ page 265) provided Tele Aid service was subscribed to and properly activated, and that necessary cellular service and GPS coverage are available.
Arming tow-away alarm
► Lock your vehicle with the SmartKey. The tow-away alarm is automatically armed after about 30 seconds.
When you unlock your vehicle, the tow-away protection disarms automatically. The tow-away alarm remains disarmed until you lock the vehicle again.
Disarming tow-away alarm
To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm, switch off the tow-away alarm feature before towing the vehicle, or when parking on a surface subject to movement, such as a ferry or auto train.
The switch is located on the center console.
① Tow-away alarm off switch ② Indicator lamp
► Switch off ignition (▷ page 33). ► Remove the SmartKey from the starter switch. ▷▷
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Anti-theft systems
i You cannot disarm the tow-away alarm while the ignition is switched on.
- Press tow-away alarm deactivation switch ①. Indicator lamp ② in tow-away alarm deactivation switch comes on briefly.
- Exit your vehicle.
- Lock your vehicle with the SmartKey.
The tow-away alarm remains disarmed until you lock your vehicle again.
Canceling the alarm
To cancel the alarm:
- Press the or button on the SmartKey.
or
- Insert the SmartKey in the starter switch.
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Locking and unlocking Seats Memory function* Lighting Instrument cluster Control system Manual transmission Automatic transmission* Good visibility Climate control Automatic climate control* (Canada only) Audio system Power windows Power tilt/sliding sunroof* Driving systems Loading Useful features
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