Interactive Owner's Manual

Date of printing:

11/23/2009

Interactive Owner's Manual [In depth | Occupant safety]

Owner's Manual version: RE 2009/03 a

Note: The online Owner's Manual is the latest version available. Deviations between this manual and items specific to your vehicle may occur since Mercedes-Benz constantly adapts its vehicles to the latest technology and modifies design and equipment. Please note that this online Owner's Manual does not under any circumstances replace the printed Owner's Manual which is supplied with the vehicle.

Occupant safety

Notes on occupant safety

Seat belts, together with belt tensioners, belt force limiters and airbags, are complementary, coordinated restraint systems. They reduce the risk of injury in specific, pre-defined types of accident situations and, thereby, increase occupant safety. However, seat belts and airbags generally do not protect against objects penetrating the vehicle from the outside.

To ensure that the restraint systems can deliver their full potential protection, you should ensure that:

  • the seat and head restraint are adjusted properly more.

  • the seat belt has been fastened properly more.

  • the airbags can inflate properly if they are deployed more.

  • the steering wheel is adjusted properly more.

  • the restraint systems have not been modified.

An airbag increases the protection of vehicle occupants wearing a seat belt. However, airbags are only an additional restraint system which complements, but does not replace, the seat belt. All vehicle occupants must wear their seat belt correctly at all times, even if the vehicle is equipped with airbags. This is because - on the one hand - airbags are not deployed in all types of accident, as in some situations airbag deployment would not increase the protection afforded to vehicle occupants, provided they are wearing their seat belt correctly. On the other hand, airbag deployment only provides increased protection if the seat belt is worn correctly because:

  • the seat belt helps to keep the vehicle occupant in the best position in relation to the airbag.

  • for example, in a head-on collision, the seat belt can more adequately prevent the occupant from being propelled towards the point of the impact, and is thus better suited to prevent injury.

Therefore, in accident situations where an airbag is deployed, it only provides protection in addition to the seat belt if the seat belt is being worn correctly.

Risk of accident and injury

Always have maintenance work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop which has the necessary specialist knowledge and tools to carry out the work required.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this purpose.

In particular, work relevant to safety or on safety-related systems must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. If this work is not carried out correctly, the operating safety of your vehicle may be affected. There is a risk of an accident and injury.

Risk of injury

Modifications to or work performed incorrectly on the following parts can result in the restraint systems not functioning as intended:

  • the restraint system, consisting of seat belts and their anchorage points, belt tensioners, belt force limiters and airbags

  • the wiring

  • any networked electronic systems

Airbags and belt tensioners could fail, e.g. in the event of an accident, the deceleration force of which would normally be sufficient to trigger the systems, or could be triggered unintentionally. For this reason, never make any modifications to the restraint systems.

You must not tamper with electronic components or their software.

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)

The SRS reduces the risk of occupants coming into contact with the vehicle's interior in the event of an accident. It can also reduce the forces to which occupants are subjected during an accident.

The SRS consists of:

  • The SRS warning lamp

  • belt tensioners

  • belt force limiters

  • Airbags

The SRS warning lamp

The SRS functions are checked regularly when you turn on the ignition and when the engine is running. Therefore, malfunctions can be detected in good time.

The warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is switched on. It goes out no later than a few seconds after the engine is started.

Risk of injury

If SRS is malfunctioning, individual systems may be activated unintentionally or not be deployed in the event of an accident with heavy braking.

A malfunction has occurred if the warning lamp:

  • does not light up when you switch on the ignition

  • does not go out after the engine has been running for a few seconds

  • lights up again once the engine is running

In this case, have SRS checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

Triggering of belt tensioners, belt force limiters and airbags

In the event of a collision, the sensor in the airbag control unit evaluates important physical data such as duration, direction and force of the vehicle deceleration or acceleration. Based on the evaluation of this data and depending on the vehicle's rate of longitudinal deceleration in a collision, in the first stage the airbag control unit pre-emptively triggers the belt tensioners.

The front belt tensioners can only be triggered if the belt tongue is correctly engaged in the seat belt buckle.

The front airbags are only deployed if there is an even higher rate of vehicle deceleration in a longitudinal direction.

Your vehicle has adaptive, dual stage front airbags. When the first activation threshold is reached, the front airbag is filled with enough propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries. The front airbag is only fully inflated if a second threshold is reached within a few milliseconds, due to the control unit having detected further deceleration.

Criteria for triggering belt tensioners and airbags

In the first stage of a collision, the airbag control unit evaluates the duration and direction of vehicle acceleration or deceleration in order to determine whether it is necessary to trigger the belt tensioner and/or airbag.

The belt tensioner and airbag triggering thresholds are variable and are adapted to the rate of deceleration of the vehicle. This process is pre-emptive in nature as the airbag must be deployed during - and not at the end of - the collision.

Airbags are not deployed in all types of accidents. They are controlled by complex sensor technology and evaluation logic. This process is pre-emptive in nature as airbag deployment must take place during the impact and must be adapted to provide calculated, additional protection for the vehicle occupants. Not all airbags are deployed in an accident.

The different airbag systems work independently of each other. However, the deployment of each individual system will depend on the type of accident determined by the control system in the first stages of the collision (head-on collision, side impact and overturn) and the extent of the accident (in particular, the vehicle's rate of deceleration or acceleration).

The rate of vehicle deceleration or acceleration and the direction of the force are basically determined by:

  • the distribution of forces during the collision

  • the collision angle

  • the deformation characteristics of the vehicle

  • the characteristics of the object with which the vehicle has collided, e.g. the other vehicle

Factors which can only be seen and measured after a collision has occurred do not play a decisive role in the deployment of an airbag, nor do they provide an indication of it.

The vehicle may be deformed significantly, e. g. on the bonnet or the wing, without an airbag being deployed. This is the case if only parts which are relatively easily deformed are affected and the necessary deceleration does not occur. Conversely, airbags may be deployed even though the vehicle suffers only minor deformations. For example, this is the case if very rigid vehicle parts such as longitudinal body members are affected and sufficient deceleration occurs as a result.

Belt tensioners, belt force limiters

The front seat belts and the outer seat belts in the rear are equipped with belt tensioners.

Do not engage the seat belt tongue in the buckle on the front-passenger seat if the seat is not occupied. The belt tensioners could otherwise be triggered in an accident.

If the seat belt is also equipped with a belt force limiter, the force exerted by the seat belt on the seat occupant is reduced.

Belt tensioners tighten the seat belts in an accident, pulling them close against the body.

Belt tensioners do not correct incorrect seat positions or incorrectly fastened seat belts.

Belt tensioners do not pull occupants back towards the backrest.

The front belt force limiters are synchronised with the front airbags, which distribute the forces exerted by the belt force limiters on the occupant over a greater area.

The belt tensioners cannot be triggered when the ignition is switched on unless:

  • the restraint systems are operational; see warning lamp.

  • the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on each lap-shoulder belt in the front of the vehicle.

Depending on the type and severity of an accident, the belt tensioners may be triggered:

  • in the event of a head-on or rear-end collision if the vehicle decelerates or accelerates rapidly in a longitudinal direction during the initial stages of impact

  • in the event of a side impact if the vehicle is subjected to high lateral acceleration/deceleration

If the airbags are deployed, you will hear a bang and a small amount of powder may also be released. Only in rare cases will the bang affect your hearing. The powder that escapes generally does not constitute a health hazard. The warning lamp lights up.

Risk of injury

If the seat belt tensioners have been triggered, they provide no additional protection in the event of another accident. Therefore, have belt tensioners which have been triggered replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.

Comply with safety regulations when disposing of belt tensioners. Any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre can provide details of these regulations.

Airbags

Airbag deployment slows down and restricts the movement of the vehicle occupant.

If the airbags are deployed, you will hear a bang and a small amount of powder may also be released. Only in rare cases will the bang affect your hearing. The powder that escapes generally does not constitute a health hazard. The warning lamp lights up.

The AIRBAG identification indicates the location of the airbags.

Risk of injury

Airbags provide additional protection; they are not, however, a substitute for seat belts.

Observe the following notes to reduce the risk of serious or even fatal injury if an airbag is deployed:

  • all vehicle occupants ― in particular pregnant women ― must wear their seat belt correctly at all times and lean back against the backrest, which should be positioned as close to the vertical as possible. The head restraint must support the back of the head at about eye level.

  • always secure children less than 1.50 m tall or under 12 years of age in suitable child restraint systems.

  • all vehicle occupants must select a seat position that is as far away from the airbag as possible. The driver's seat position must allow the vehicle to be driven safely. The driver's chest should be as far away from the middle of the driver's front airbag cover as possible.

  • move the front-passenger's seat as far back as possible, especially if a child is secured in a child restraint system on the seat.

  • vehicle occupants - in particular, children - must not lean their head into the area of the window in which the sidebag/windowbag is deployed.

  • rearward-facing child restraint systems must not be fitted to the front-passenger's seat unless the front-passenger front airbag has been disabled. The front-passenger front airbag of a vehicle fitted with automatic child seat recognition* is only disabled when a child restraint system with automatic child seat recognition is fitted to the front-passenger's seat. The  PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning lamp must be continuously lit.

    If the front-passenger's seat of your vehicle does not have automatic child seat recognition*, or your rearward-facing child restraint system does not have automatic child seat recognition, children must be secured in a child restraint system on a suitable seat in the rear. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint system to the front-passenger's seat, you must move the front-passenger's seat as far back as possible.

  • make sure there are no heavy or sharp-edged objects in pockets of clothing.

  • do not lean forwards, e.g. over the cover of the driver's/front-passenger front airbag, particularly when the vehicle is in motion.

  • do not put your feet on the dashboard.

  • only hold the steering wheel by the rim. This allows the airbag to inflate fully. You could be injured if the airbag is deployed and you are holding the inside of the steering wheel.

  • do not lean on the doors from inside the vehicle.

  • make sure that there are no people, animals or objects between the vehicle occupants and the area of deployment of the airbag.

  • do not place any objects between the seat backrest and the door.

  • do not hang any hard objects, for example, coat hangers, on the grab handles or coat hooks.

  • do not attach accessories, e.g. cup holders, to the doors.

It is not possible to rule out a risk of injuries caused by an airbag due to the high speed at which the airbag is required to deploy.

Risk of injury

The airbag's functionality can only be guaranteed if the following parts are not covered and no badges or stickers are attached to them:

  • padded steering wheel boss

  • knee airbag cover below the steering column

  • front-passenger front airbag cover

  • outer side of front seats

  • side panel next to the rear seat backrest

Risk of injury

When an airbag deploys, a small amount of powder is released. The powder may cause short-term breathing difficulties to persons suffering from asthma or other pulmonary conditions.

In order to prevent potential breathing difficulties, you should leave the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. You can also open the window to allow fresh air to enter the interior. The powder generally does not constitute a health hazard and does not indicate that there is a fire in the vehicle.

Risk of injury

The airbag parts are hot after the airbag has been deployed. Do not touch them; otherwise, you may burn yourself.

Have the airbags checked at a qualified specialist workshop. Otherwise, occupants are not protected by the airbags in the event of another accident.

Front airbags

The front airbags are designed to increase protection for the driver's and front-passenger head and chest.

Driver's front airbag deploys in front of the steering wheel; front-passenger front airbag deploys in front of and above the glove compartment. They are deployed:

  • at the start of an accident with a high rate of vehicle acceleration or deceleration in a longitudinal direction

  • if the system determines that airbag deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt

  • if the seat belt is fastened

  • independently of other airbags in the vehicle

  • if the vehicle overturns, but only if the system detects high vehicle deceleration in a longitudinal direction

On vehicles with automatic child seat recognition in the front-passenger's seat*, front-passenger front airbag is only deployed if PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning lamp in the centre console is not lit more. This means that there is not a child restraint system with automatic child seat recognition* fitted to the front-passenger's seat or that a child restraint system with automatic child seat recognition* has been fitted to the front-passenger's seat incorrectly.

Driver's knee airbag

The driver's knee airbag is only available in certain countries.

The driver's knee airbag can help reduce the risk of injury to the knees, thighs and lower legs.

Driver's knee airbag is always deployed along with the driver's front airbag and inflates underneath the steering column.

Sidebags
Risk of injury

If you wish to use seat covers, Mercedes-Benz recommends that, for safety reasons, you only use seat covers that have been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

The seat covers must have a special tear seam for sidebags. Otherwise, a head/thorax airbag cannot deploy correctly and would fail to provide the intended protection in the event of an accident. Appropriate seat covers can be obtained from a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.

Risk of injury

Sensors to control the airbags are located in the doors. Therefore, do not make any modifications to the doors or door trims, e.g. retrofitting loudspeakers. Damage to the doors can affect operation of the sidebags.

The purpose of sidebag deployment is to enhance the level of protection for the thorax (but not the head, neck or arms) of the vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs.

Front sidebags and rear sidebags*  deploy next to the outer seat cushion. They are deployed:

  • on the side on which an impact occurs

  • at the start of an accident with a high rate of lateral vehicle deceleration or acceleration, e.g. in a side impact

  • independently of the seat belt use

  • independently of the front airbags

  • independently of the belt tensioners

Windowbags

The purpose of the windowbags is to enhance the level of protection for the head (but not chest or arms) of the vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs.

The windowbags are integrated into the side of the roof frame and run from the front door (A-pillar) to the rear door (C-pillar).

Windowbags are deployed:

  • at the start of an accident with a high rate of vehicle acceleration or deceleration in a lateral direction

  • on the side on which an impact occurs

  • independently of the front airbags

  • regardless of whether the front-passenger's seat is occupied

  • independently of the seat belt use

  • if the vehicle overturns and the system determines that windowbag deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt

PRE-SAFE®* system

PRE-SAFE® system takes pre-emptive measures to protect you in certain hazardous situations.

PRE-SAFE® intervenes in the event of:

  • emergency braking situations, e.g. if the BAS Brake Assist intervenes

  • critical situations involving driving dynamics, e.g. if the vehicle oversteers or understeers significantly due to physical limits being exceeded

If you are driving faster than approximately 30 km/h and ESP® is not switched off on the C 63 AMG, PRE-SAFE® may take the following measures in these situations:

  • It tensions the front seat belts.

  • Vehicles with memory functions*: it adjusts the front-passenger seat if this is in an unfavourable position.

  • If the vehicle skids, it closes the sliding/tilting sunroof* or panorama sliding sunroof* and the side windows so that only a small gap remains.

If the hazardous situation passes without resulting in an accident, PRE-SAFE® slackens the belt pretensioning. You can then reverse all settings made by PRE-SAFE® again.

If the seat belts are not released:

  

Move the backrest or the seat back slightly until the belt tension is reduced.

 

The locking mechanism releases.

Risk of injury

When adjusting the seat, make sure that nobody can become trapped.

When you move the seats, make sure that there are no objects in the footwell or behind the seats. Otherwise, you could damage the seats and the objects.

NECK-PRO head restraints (except C 63 AMG)

NECK-PRO head restraints are designed to increase protection to the driver's and front-passenger's head and neck. To this end, the head restraints on the driver's and front-passenger seats are moved forwards and upwards in the event of a rear-end collision when viewed in the direction of travel. This provides better head support.

Risk of injury

Head restraint covers prevent the NECK-PRO head restraints from triggering correctly. Consequently, the NECK-PRO head restraints cannot provide the intended level of protection. Do not use head restraint covers.

If the NECK-PRO head restraints are triggered in an accident, you must reset the head restraints on the driver's and front-passenger seats more. Head restraints that have been triggered are tilted forwards.

Children in the vehicle

If a child is travelling in your vehicle, secure the child using a child restraint system which is appropriate to the size and age of the child and is recommended for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. You should fit the restraint system to a suitable rear seat. You can also secure the child on the integrated child seat*more. Ensure that the child is secured throughout the trip.

You can obtain information about the correct child restraint system from any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.

It is advisable to use Mercedes-Benz care products to clean child restraint systems. Information about this can be obtained from any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.

Risk of injury

Do not leave children unsupervised in the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child restraint system. Children could injure themselves on parts of the vehicle. They could also be seriously or even fatally injured by prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold.

Do not expose the child restraint system to direct sunlight. Parts of the child restraint system could heat up and the child could burn herself/himself on them.

If a child opens a door, the child or other persons could be injured as a result. The child could get out and be injured in the process or be injured by a passing vehicle.

Risk of injury

An unsecured or an incorrectly positioned load increases the risk of injury for the child and all other occupants, during:

  • an accident

  • a braking manoeuvre

  • a sudden change of direction

Do not carry heavy or hard objects inside the vehicle unless they are secured. You will find further information under "Loading guidelines" in the index.

Child restraint systems

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use the child restraint systems listed on.more

Risk of injury

To reduce the risk of serious or even fatal injury to the child in the event of a sudden change in direction, braking or an accident:

  • children less than 1.50 m tall and under twelve years of age must always be secured in special child restraint systems on a suitable vehicle seat. This is necessary because the seat belts are not designed for children of this size.

  • do not secure children less than 1.50 m tall or under twelve years of age on the front-passenger seat. Exception: the child is secured in a vehicle with automatic child seat recognition on the front-passenger seat* and is secured in a child restraint system with automatic child seat recognition.

  • if you secure a forward-facing child restraint system to the front-passenger seat, you must move the front-passenger seat as far back as possible.

  • children must never travel sitting on the lap of another occupant. Due to the forces occurring in the event of a sudden change of direction, heavy braking or an accident, it would not be possible to restrain the child. The child could be thrown against parts of the vehicle interior and be seriously or even fatally injured.

Risk of injury

The child restraint system cannot perform its protective function if it is not correctly fitted to a suitable vehicle seat. The child cannot be restrained in the event of a sudden change of direction, heavy braking or an accident. This may lead to serious or even fatal injuries. For this reason, when fitting a child restraint system, observe the manufacturer's installation instructions and the correct use of the child restraint system.

Child restraint systems should be fitted to the rear seats. Children are generally better protected there.

The entire base of the child restraint system must always rest on the seat cushion. Never place objects, e.g. a cushion, under the child restraint system.

Only use child restraint systems with their original covers. Only replace damaged covers with genuine Mercedes-Benz covers.

For safety reasons, you should only use child restraint systems which have been approved for use in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Child seat on the front-passenger's seat

Warning on the front-passenger sun visor

Warning symbol for a rearward-facing child restraint system

Risk of injury

If the front-passenger front airbag is not disabled:

  • a child secured in a child restraint system on the front-passenger seat could be seriously and even fatally injured by the front-passenger front airbag deploying. This is especially a risk if the child is in the immediate vicinity of the front-passenger front airbag when it deploys.

  • a child must never be secured on the front-passenger seat in a rearward-facing child restraint system. Only secure a rearward-facing child restraint system on a suitable rear seat.

  • always move the front-passenger seat to the rearmost position if you secure a child in a forward-facing child restraint system on the front-passenger seat.

The front-passenger front airbag is not disabled:

  • on vehicles without automatic child seat recognition on the front-passenger seat*.

  • on vehicles with automatic child seat recognition on the front-passenger seat*, if there is no child restraint system with automatic child seat recognition fitted to the front-passenger seat.

  • on vehicles with automatic child seat recognition on the front-passenger seat* if the  PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning lamp is not lit.

To draw attention to this danger, a corresponding warning sticker on the dashboard and on both sides of the sun visor on the front-passenger side.

Information about recommended child restraint systems is available at any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.

Automatic child seat recognition on the front-passenger's seat*

If your vehicle does not have automatic child seat recognition on the front-passenger's seat, this is indicated by a special sticker. The sticker is affixed to the side of the dashboard on the front-passenger side. It is visible when you open the front-passenger door.

The sensors for the automatic child seat recognition on the front-passenger's seat detects whether a special Mercedes-Benz child seat with automatic child seat recognition has been fitted. In such cases,  PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp lights up. The front-passenger airbag is disabled.

Risk of injury

If the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning lamp does not light up when the child restraint system is fitted, the front-passenger front airbag has not been disabled. If the front-passenger front airbag is deployed, the child could be seriously or even fatally injured.

Proceed as follows:

  • do not use a rearward-facing child restraint system on the front-passenger seat.

  • fit a rearward-facing child restraint system on a suitable rear seat.

or

  • only use a forward-facing child restraint system on the front-passenger seat and move the front-passenger seat to its rearmost position.

  • have the automatic child seat recognition checked at a qualified specialist workshop.

To ensure that the automatic child seat recognition on the front-passenger seat functions correctly, never place objects (such as a cushion) under the child restraint system. The entire base of the child restraint system must always rest on the seat cushion. An incorrectly fitted child restraint system cannot perform its intended protective function in the event of an accident, and could lead to injuries.

The windowbag, the sidebag and the belt tensioner on the front-passenger side are still active even if the front-passenger front airbag is disabled by the automatic child-seat recognition on the front-passenger's seat.

Risk of injury

Do not place items of electronic equipment on the front-passenger seat, e.g.:

  • laptops, when switched on

  • mobile phones

  • cards with transponders, e.g. ski passes or access cards

Signals from electronic equipment can cause interference in the automatic child seat recognition sensor system. This could lead to a system malfunction. This may cause the  PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning lamp to light up without there being a child seat with automatic child seat recognition fitted. This means that the front-passenger airbag does not deploy during an accident. It is also possible that the  PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning lamp will not light up briefly if you turn the key in the ignition lock to position 2.

Suitable seat positions for child restraint systems
 

Weight categories

Seat positions

Group 0: up to 10 kg;

Group 0+: up to 13 kg;

Group I: 9 to 18 kg;

Front-passenger's seat (front-passenger airbag is not disabled)

X

(X: seat unsuitable for children of this weight category.)

X

UF

(UF: suitable for forward-facing child seat securing systems that belong to the Universal category and are approved for use in this weight category.)

,

(Adjust the front-passenger's seat to the rearmost position and adjust the belt height adjustment to the lowest position.)

,

(As recommended, see the following table "Recommended child restraint systems".)

Front-passenger's seat (front-passenger airbag is disabled*

(Vehicles with automatic child seat recognition* on the front-passenger's seat: the child restraint system fitted must be in the category of child seats with automatic child seat recognition. The  PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning lamp must be continuously lit.)

)

U, ,

(U: suitable for forward-facing child seat securing systems that belong to the Universal category and are approved for use in this weight category. )

U, ,

U, ,

Rear bench seat, left and right

U,

U,

U,

Rear centre seat, vehicles with and without through-loading facility*

IL

(IL: as recommended, see the following table of "Recommended child seat securing systems".)

IL

U,

 

Weight categories

Seat positions

Group II: 15 to 25 kg;

Group III: 22 to 36 kg;

Front-passenger's seat (front-passenger airbag is not disabled)

All vehicles except AMG: UF

(UF: suitable for forward-facing child seat securing systems that belong to the Universal category and are approved for use in this weight category.)

,

(Adjust the front-passenger's seat to the rearmost position and adjust the belt height adjustment to the lowest position.)

,

(As recommended, see the following table of "Recommended child restraint systems".)

All vehicles except AMG: UF, ,

Front-passenger's seat (front-passenger airbag is disabled*

(Vehicles with automatic child seat recognition* on the front-passenger's seat: the child restraint system fitted must be in the category of child seats with automatic child seat recognition. The  PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning lamp must be continuously lit.)

)

All vehicles except AMG: U, ,

(U: suitable for forward-facing child seat securing systems that belong to the Universal category and are approved for use in this weight category. )

All vehicles except AMG: U, ,

Rear bench seat, left and right

U,

U,

Rear centre seat, vehicles with and without through-loading facility

U,

U,

Example of an approval label on the child restraint system

Suitable seat positions for ISOFIX child restraint systems

 

Weight categories

 

Carrycot

0: up to 10 kg

0+: up to 13 kg

Size category

F

G

E

E

D

C

Equipment

ISO/L1

ISO/L2

ISO/R1

ISO/R1

ISO/R2

ISO/R3

Rear bench seat, left and right

X

(X: this position is unsuitable.)

X

IL

(IL: as recommended, see the following table of "Recommended ISOFIX child seat securing systems".)

IL

IL

IL

 

Weight category

 

I: 9 to 18 kg

Size category

D

C

B

B1

A

Equipment

ISO/R2

ISO/R3

ISO/F2

ISO/F2X

ISO/F3

Rear bench seat, left and right

IL

(IL: as recommended, see the following table of "Recommended ISOFIX child seat securing systems".)

IL

IUF

(IUF: suitable for forward-facing ISOFIX child seat securing systems that belong to the Universal category and are approved for use in this weight category.)

IUF

IUF

Recommended child restraint systems

Weight categories

Manufacturer

Type

Approval number

Daimler order number

Automatic child seat recognition

Group 0+: up to 13 kg;

Britax-Römer

BABY SAFE PLUS

E1 03 301146

E1 04 301146

A 000 970 10 00

Yes

Group I: 9 to 18 kg;

Britax-Römer

DUO PLUS

E1 03 301133

E1 04 301133

A 000 970 11 00

Yes

A 000 970 16 00

No

( For child restraint systems without automatic child seat recognition, move the front-passenger's seat to the rearmost position.)

Category II/III: 15 to 36 kg

Except AMG vehicles: Britax-Römer

Except AMG vehicles: KID

E1 03 301148

E1 04 301148

A 000 970 12 00

Yes

A 000 970 17 00

No

Recommended ISOFIX child seat securing system

 

Weight categories

 

Group 0: up to 10 kg;

Group 0: up to 10 kg;

Group 0: up to 10 kg;

Group 0+: up to 13 kg;

Group 0+: up to 13 kg;

Group 0+: up to 13 kg;

Size category of the child restraint systems

E

F

G

C

D

E

Manufacturer

-

-

-

-

-

Britax-Römer

Type

-

-

-

-

-

BABY SAFE ISOFIX PLUS

Type approval number

-

-

-

-

-

E1 04 301146

Category

-

-

-

-

-

Universal

Daimler order number

-

-

-

-

-

B6 6 86 8224

Automatic child seat recognition

-

-

-

-

-

No

 

Weight categories

 

Group I: 9 to 18 kg;

Group I: 9 to 18 kg;

Group I: 9 to 18 kg;

Group I: 9 to 18 kg;

Group I: 9 to 18 kg;

Size category of the child restraint systems

A

B

B1

C

D

Manufacturer

-

-

Britax-Römer

-

-

Type

-

-

DUO PLUS

-

-

Type approval number

-

-

E1 03 301133

E1 04 301133

-

-

Category

-

-

Universal

-

-

Daimler order number

-

-

A 000 970 11 00

-

-

Automatic child seat recognition

-

-

Yes

-

-

ISOFIX child seat securing system in the rear compartment

ISOFIX is a standardised securing system for specially-designed child restraint systems on the rear seats. Securing rings for two child restraint systems are fitted on the left and right rear seats.

Risk of injury

A child restraint system secured by the ISOFIX child seat securing system does not provide sufficient protection for children weighing more than 22 kg. For this reason, do not secure children weighing more than 22 kg in a child restraint system secured by the ISOFIX child seat securing system. If the child weighs more than 22 kg, secure the child restraint system using a lap-shoulder belt.

Risk of injury

The child restraint system cannot perform its protective function if it is not correctly fitted to a suitable vehicle seat. The child cannot be restrained in the event of a sudden change of direction, heavy braking or an accident. This may lead to serious or even fatal injuries. For this reason, when fitting a child restraint system, observe the manufacturer's installation instructions and the correct use of the child restraint system.

On the rear seats, only use child restraint systems with an ISOFIX child seat securing system which have been recommended for use in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

An incorrectly fitted child restraint system could come loose and seriously or even fatally injure the child or other vehicle occupants. When fitting the child restraint system, make sure that it is engaged in the securing rings on both sides.

Risk of injury

Please note that if child restraint systems, or their retaining systems, are damaged or subjected to a load in an accident, they may not be able to provide their protective function. This could result in serious or even fatal injuries to the secured child in the event of an accident, heavy braking or a sudden change in direction.

For this reason, have child restraint systems and their anchorages which have been damaged or subjected to a load in an accident checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

When fitting the child restraint system, make sure that the seat belt for the centre seat does not become trapped. Otherwise, it could be damaged.

Illustration showing a vehicle with through-loading feature in the rear bench seat*

Vehicles without through-loading feature on rear bench seat* (Saloon)
  

Before you fit the child seat: pull the protective caps off the securing rings .

TopTether

TopTether provides an additional connection between the child restraint system secured with ISOFIX and the rear seat. It helps reduce the risk of injury even further.

The TopTether anchorage points in the rear compartment are located behind the outer head restraints.

Saloon

Estate

  

Move head restraint upwards.

  

Guide TopTether belt* under head restraint between the two head restraint rods.

  

Saloon: fold cover of TopTether anchorage up.

  

All: hook TopTether hook* into TopTether anchorage .

  

Saloon: fold cover of TopTether anchorage down.

  

All: move head restraints slightly down again if necessary more. Make sure that you do not interfere with the correct routing of TopTether belt*.

  

Fit the ISOFIX child restraint system with TopTether*. Comply with the manufacturer's installation instructions. Make sure that the TopTether belt* is tight.

Integrated child seat*

The child seats are integrated into the right and left-hand sides of the seats of the rear bench seat. In conjunction with the components listed in the following table, they comply with the legal requirements of ECE R 44.04.

Weight categories

Integrated child seat

Padded table*

Side head restraints

Group I: 12.5 to 18 kg;

Folded out

Mandatory

Mandatory

Group II: 15 to 25 kg

Folded out

Not permissible

Mandatory

Group III: 22 to 36 kg

Folded out

Not permissible

Mandatory

Mercedes-Benz recommends the integrated child seat for children with a body weight of 12.5 to 36 kg.

For children weighing between approximately 12.5 kg and 18 kg, you must always also use an additional padded table* and a side head restraint which have been specially approved for the integrated child seat.

Risk of injury

To reduce the risk of serious or even fatal injury to the child in the event of a sudden change in direction, braking or an accident:

  • you must follow the manufacturer's installation instructions for the child seat when fitting the padded table* and side head restraint and when fastening the seat belt.

  • do not modify the integrated child seat, the padded table* or the side head restraint. Do not use protective covers.

  • make sure that the padded table* and the side head restraints do not become trapped or damaged. For instance, this may occur when you close the doors, adjust the seat, stow away the padded table* and the side head restraints or transport heavy items.

  • replace the integrated child seat, the padded table* and the side head restraints if these were damaged or subjected to heavy loads during an accident.

  • observe that children under two years of age or children weighing less than 12.5 kg require a different child restraint system. Information about other child restraint systems is available from any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.

  • the rear seat backrest in the vehicle must be securely locked in position.

Side head restraints
Seat belt guide
Integrated child seat
Release handle
Folding out the child seat
  

Pull release handle  forwards.

  

Push integrated child seat upwards and back until it engages.

Fastening a child's seat belt
Risk of injury

To reduce the risk of serious or even fatal injury to the child in the event of a sudden change in direction, braking or an accident:

  • the shoulder section of the seat belt must be routed across the middle of the child's shoulder - never across the child's neck - and be pulled tight against the child's chest. The lap section of the seat belt must be routed across the child's pelvis - not across the abdomen - and be pulled tight against the child's body. Retighten the belt strap if necessary.

  • never secure more than one child at a time in the child restraint system.

  • the belt strap must not be trapped or twisted, nor rub against any sharp edges.

  • if you have not installed the side head restraint, the standard head restraint must always be set correctly when driving with a child in the integrated child seat. This means that the back of the head must be supported by the centre of the head restraint at about eye level.

Also observe the installation instructions for the padded table* and the additional warnings and information about risk of injury.

  • is routed as low as possible across the pelvic area, in front of the hips

  • is tightened across the lap by pulling upwards on the child's shoulder belt

  • is tight and is routed across the middle of the child's shoulder

  • is not twisted and does not pass across the child's neck or under the child's arm

  

Pull the belt smoothly from the inertia reel.

  

engage the belt tongue in the buckle.

  

If integrated child seat is being used without the padded table*, make sure that the belt:

  

Adjust the head restraint more.

Folding in the child seat

  

Pull release handle  forwards.

  

Push the middle of the integrated child seat forwards and down until it engages.

Padded table* for the integrated child seat*

Use the padded table according to the specifications in the table more.

Do not use the integrated child seat with padded table as a direct attachment to a baby car seat for which a body weight of up to 10 kg is permitted.

Risk of injury

If the padded table is not installed correctly on the integrated child seat, it cannot provide the intended protection. It would then not be possible to restrain the child in the event of an accident, sudden braking or abrupt change in direction and this could result in serious or even fatal injury to the child. For this reason, observe the following description when fitting the padded table.

The padded table is only suitable for use together with the folded-out integrated child seat.

On the rear seats, only use the padded table which is recommended for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

An incorrectly fitted padded table could come loose and seriously or even fatally injure the child or other vehicle occupants. Fit the padded table and ensure that it is correctly secured.

Risk of injury

Do not modify the padded table, integrated child seat or seat belts. The padded table must not be used without a cover. The cover must not be removed from the padded table or replaced with a cover from another manufacturer. Otherwise, the official approval becomes invalid and its protective function could be restricted.

Fitting the padded table

Side head restraints
Padded table
Seat belt guide points
Left leg
Integrated child seat
Right leg
  

Fold out integrated child seat more.

  

Place the child on integrated child seat .

  

Fold both legs and down.

  

Place padded table over integrated child seat .

Risk of injury

Ensure that:

  • the belt is routed as described below.

  • the belt is not twisted.

  • the padded table is close to the child's body.

  • the belt strap is not trapped or twisted and does not rub against any sharp edges.

Otherwise, it would not be possible to restrain the child in the event of an accident, sudden braking or abrupt change in direction and this could result in serious or even fatal injury to the child.

  

Pull the belt smoothly from the inertia reel.

  

Attach the lower and upper sections of the belt in left seat belt guide point .

  

Guide both sections of the belt to right seat belt guide point and attach.

  

engage the belt tongue in the buckle.

  

Slide padded table close to the child's body.

  

Pull both parts of the belt tight. Ensure that the belt is not twisted.

  

Adjust the head restraint more.

Side head restraints for the integrated child seat*

Use the side head restraints according to the specifications in the table more.

Should another side head restraint be required for the second integrated child seat*, they can be ordered at any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.

Fitting side head restraints
Risk of injury

If you do not secure the side head restraint at the anchor points intended, it cannot provide the intended level of protection. It would then not be possible to protect the child in the event of an accident, sudden braking or abrupt change in direction and this could result in serious or even fatal injury to the child.

Only attach the side head restraint to the intended anchor points on the rear head restraint.

For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use side head restraints which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.

  

Slide head restraints upwards and position them upright.

  

Slide side head restraints from the front to the centre of both head restraint bars until they engage.

 

Right-hand and left-hand lock verification indicator must be folded in. The red surfaces should no longer be visible.

  

Make sure that side head restraint is engaged in both head restraint bars.

  

Slide head restraints downwards more until they rest on the upper edge of side head restraints .

  

Guide the seat belt through seat belt guide on the door side on side head restraint .

  

Secure the child using the seat belt more.

Removing the side head restraints
  

Take the seat belt out of seat belt guide .

  

Move head restraint upwards.

  

Press left or right release button and pull side head restraint forward to remove it.

 

Left and right lock verification indicators fold out briefly.

  

Adjust head restraints more.

Storing the padded table and the side head restraint

Risk of injury

If the padded table and the side head restraints are not secured in the vehicle as specified, they may come loose. In the event of an accident, sudden braking or abrupt change in direction, they could injure vehicle occupants or cause damage to the vehicle.

Secure the padded table in the vehicle as specified.

On vehicles with TIREFIT kit, the side head restraints can be stored in the stowage compartment under the boot/luggage compartment floor more/more.

Child-proof locks

If children are travelling in the vehicle, you can activate the child-proof locks for the rear doors.

Child-proof locks for the rear doors

The child-proof locks on the rear doors enable you to secure each door individually. A locked door cannot be opened from the inside. The door can be opened from the outside if the vehicle is unlocked.

Risk of accident and injury

Activate the child-proof locks for the rear doors and the override switch for the rear windows if children are travelling in the vehicle. Otherwise, the children could open doors or windows while the vehicle is in motion and injure themselves or others.

Saloon shown as an example

  

To activate: press locking lever upwards .

  

Make sure that the child-proof locks are working properly.

  

To deactivate: press locking lever downwards .

Override feature for the rear side windows
Risk of accident and injury

Activate the child-proof locks for the rear doors and the override switch for the rear windows if children are travelling in the vehicle. Otherwise, the children could open doors or windows while the vehicle is in motion and injure themselves or others.

  

To activate: press button .

 

Indicator lamp lights up. The rear side windows can only be operated using the switches on the driver's door.

  

To deactivate: press button .

 

Indicator lamp goes out. You can operate the rear side windows using the switches in the rear compartment.

Date of printing:

11/23/2009

Interactive Owner's Manual [In depth | Occupant safety]

Owner's Manual version: RE 2009/03 a

Note: The online Owner's Manual is the latest version available. Deviations between this manual and items specific to your vehicle may occur since Mercedes-Benz constantly adapts its vehicles to the latest technology and modifies design and equipment. Please note that this online Owner's Manual does not under any circumstances replace the printed Owner's Manual which is supplied with the vehicle.