BMW 5 Series
Buick LaCrosse
Chrysler 200
Dodge Avenger
Ford Fusion
Honda Accord
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Optima
Mazda Mazda6
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Nissan Maxima
Subaru Legacy
Toyota Camry
Volvo S60Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Driving safety systems
Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Driving safety systems
- Driving safety systems overview
- Important safety notes
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
- BAS (Brake Assist System)
- BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus)
- ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
- Deactivating/activating ESP® (AMG vehicles)
- ADAPTIVE BRAKE
- PRE-SAFE® Brake
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
- BAS (Brake Assist System)
- BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus*)
- ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
- EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution)
- ADAPTIVE BRAKE
- PRE-SAFE® Brake
Important safety notes
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 driving safety systems described in this section cannot reduce these risks or 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.
Please note that the driving safety systems described only work as effectively as possible when there is adequate contact between the tires and the road surface. Pay particular attention to the information regarding tires, recommended minimum tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and tires" section.
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow chains. Only in this way will the driving safety systems described in this section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
Observe the "Important safety notes" section
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of roadsurface conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
WARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving 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 the steering capability and extending the braking distance.
The 
warning lamp in the
instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel a pulsing in the brake pedal.
•► If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the brake pedal with force until the braking situation is over.
•► To make a full brake application: depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions, and functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.
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.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
Observe the "Important safety notes" section
BAS operates in emergency braking situations. If you depress the brake pedal quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
•► Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
WARNING
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.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus)
BAS PLUS is only available in vehicles equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS.
Observe the "Important safety notes" section
At speeds above approximately 4 mph (7 km/h), BAS PLUS assists you when braking in hazardous situations and uses the radar sensor system to evaluate the traffic conditions.
This device has been approved by the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar sensor system is intended for use in an automotive radar system only. Removing, altering or tampering with the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
With the help of the radar sensor system, BAS PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the path of your vehicle for an extended period of time.
At speeds up to approximately 40 mph (70 km/h), BAS PLUS can also detect stationary obstacles, for example stopped or parked vehicles.
Should you approach an obstacle and BAS PLUS has detected a risk of collision, BAS PLUS calculates the braking force necessary to avoid a rear-end collision.
- At speeds up to approximately 20 mph(30 km/h): should you apply the brakes forcefully, BAS PLUS will automatically increase the braking force to a level suitable for the traffic conditions.
- At speeds up to approximately 20 mph(30 km/h): should you apply the brakes, BAS PLUS is activated. Braking is performed as late as possible.
If BAS PLUS demands particularly high braking force, preventative passenger protection measures (PRE-SAFE®) are activated simultaneously.
Keep the brake pedal depressed until the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally again if:
- you release the brake pedal.
- there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision.
- no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
BAS PLUS is then deactivated.
For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the radar sensor system must be switched on and operational, see "Radar sensor system" in the index.
WARNING
BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify
objects and complex traffic situations. BAS
PLUS cannot intervene in these cases.
There is a risk of an accident. Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be impaired if there is:
- dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
- snow or heavy rain
- interference by other rdar sources
- the possibility of strong radar reflections,
for example in parking garages
- a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
- a vehicle traveling in front on a different line
WARNING
BAS PLUS does not react:
- to people or animals
- to oncoming vehicles
- to crossing traffic
- in curves
As a result, BAS PLUS cannot intervene in critical situations. There is a risk of an accident. Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.
Following damage to the front end of the vehicle, have the configuration and operation of the radar sensors checked at a qualified specialist workshop. This also applies to collisions at low speeds where there is no visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
If BAS PLUS is not available due to a malfunction in the radar sensor system, the brake system remains available with full brake boosting effect and BAS.
ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
See the "Important safety notes" section
If ESP® detects that the vehicle is deviating from the direction desired by the driver, one or more wheels are braked to stabilize the vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also modified to keep the vehicle on the desired course within physical limits. ESP® assists the driver when pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP® can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
If ESP® intervenes, the 
ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
WARNING
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP® when the ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. Proceed as follows:
- when driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
- while driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
- adapt your speed to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid. ESP® cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed.
Vehicles without 4MATIC: switch the
ignition off when:
- the parking brake is being tested using a
dynamometer
- the vehicle is being towed with the front/
rear axle raised
Application of the brakes by ESP® may otherwise destroy the brake system.
Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the ignition when the parking brake is being tested on a brake dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP® may otherwise destroy the brake system.
Only use wheels with the recommended tire sizes. Only then will ESP® function properly.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
WARNING
Observe "Important safety notes"
Traction control is part of ESP®.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels individually if they spin. This enables you to pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for example if the road surface is slippery on one side. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more drive torque is also transferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you deactivate ESP®.
Deactivating/activating ESP® (except AMG vehicles)
WARNING
ESP® should not be deactivated during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not deactivate ESP® when the emergency or spare wheel is mounted.
ESP® is activated automatically when the engine is started.
It may be best to deactivate ESP® in the
following situations:
- when using snow chains
- in deep snow
- on sand or gravel
WARNING
Switch on ESP® immediately if one of the
previously stated conditions is no longer met.
Otherwise, ESP® cannot stabilize the vehicle if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
If you deactivate ESP®:
- ESP® no longer improves driving stability.
- the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
- traction control is still activated.
- ESP® still provides support when you
brake.
If ESP® is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the 
ESP® warning
lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle.
•► To deactivate:.
The 
ESP® OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
WARNING
When the ESP® OFF warning lamp
is lit,
ESP® is deactivated.
If the ESP® warning lamp and the
ESP® OFF warning lamp remain lit,
ESP® is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP® is deactivated or not operational, vehicle stability in standard driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions and to the non-operating status of the ESP®.
Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an extended period with ESP® deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
•► To activate:.
The ESP® OFF warning lamp in
the
instrument cluster goes out.
Deactivating/activating ESP® (AMG vehicles)
Activating/deactivating SPORT handling mode
WARNING
The SPORT handling mode should not be
switched on during normal driving.
Switching on the SPORT handling mode will
result in the following:
- no restriction to the engine torque
- system supported traction control is
limited
The SPORT handling mode is designed for driving on closed tracks when the vehicle's own natural oversteer and understeer characteristics are desired and requires a highly skilled and experienced driver able to handle these critical driving situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you switch on the SPORT handling mode.
Do not switch on the SPORT handling when a spare wheel is mounted.
ESP® is activated automatically when the engine is started.
It may be best to activate SPORT handling
mode in the following situations:
- when using snow chains
- in deep snow
- on sand or gravel
WARNING
Switch off the SPORT handling mode and
switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the SPORT handling
mode will only stabilize the vehicle to a limited
extent when it is starting to skid or a wheel is
spinning.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
- ESP® only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
- the engine's torque is restricted only to a
limited degree and the drive wheels can
spin. The spinning of the wheels results in
a cutting action, which provides better grip.
- traction control is still activated.
- ESP® still provides support when you brake
firmly.
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, the 
ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP® only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.
•► To activate: briefly press button 1.
The 
SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
The SPORT handling mode message appears in the multifunction display.
•► To deactivate: briefly press button 1.
The 
SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
Activating/deactivating ESP®
WARNING
The ESP® should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
- no restriction to engine torque
- loss of system-supported traction control
"ESP® OFF" is designed for driving on closed tracks when the vehicle's natural oversteer and understeer characteristics are desired and requires a highly skilled and experienced driver able to handle these critical driving situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you switch off the ESP®.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare wheel is mounted.
ESP® is activated automatically when the engine is started.
It may be best to deactivate ESP® in the
following situations:
- when using snow chains
- in deep snow
- on sand or gravel
WARNING
Switch on ESP® immediately if one of the
previously stated conditions is no longer met.
Otherwise, ESP® cannot stabilize the vehicle if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
If you deactivate ESP®:
- ESP® no longer improves driving stability.
- the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels are able to spin. The
spinning of the wheels results in a cutting
action, which provides better grip.
- traction control is still activated.
- PRE-SAFE® is no longer available, nor is it
activated if you brake firmly and ESP®
intervenes.
- PRE-SAFE® Brake is no longer available,
nor is it activated if you brake firmly and
ESP® intervenes.
- ESP® still provides support when you brake
firmly.
If ESP® is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the 
ESP® warning
lamp in the instrument cluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle.
the instrument cluster does not flash. In such situations, ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle.
•► To deactivate: press button 1 until the
ESP® OFF warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
The 
OFF message appears in the
multifunction display.
WARNING
When the ESP® OFF warning lamp
is lit,
ESP® is deactivated.
If the ESP® warning lamp and the
ESP® OFF warning lamp remain lit,
ESP® is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP® is deactivated or not operational, vehicle stability in standard driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions and to the non-operating status of the ESP®.
Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an extended period with ESP® deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
•► To activate: briefly press button 1.
The ESP® OFF warning lamp in
the
instrument cluster goes out. The
ON
message appears in the multifunction
display.
EBD (electronic brake force distribution)
Observe the "Important safety notes" section
EBD monitors and controls the brake pressure on the rear wheels to improve driving stability while braking.
WARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the braking system
remains available with full brake boosting
effect. However, the rear wheels can still lock,
e.g. under full braking. This could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and cause an
accident. You should therefore adapt your
driving style to the different handling
characteristics.
ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety and offers increased braking comfort. In addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE BRAKE also has the HOLD function and hill start assist.
For further information, see Driving tips.
PRE-SAFE® Brake
PRE-SAFE® Brake is only available in vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS.
Observe the "Important safety notes" section
PRE-SAFE® Brake can help you to minimize the risk of a frontal collision with a vehicle ahead or reduce the effects of such a collision. If PRE-SAFE® Brake has detected a risk of collision, you will be warned visually and acoustically as well as by automatic braking. PRE-SAFE® Brake cannot prevent a collision without your intervention.
At speeds above approximately 4 mph (7 km/h), this function warns you
when you are rapidly approaching the vehicle
in front. An intermittent warning tone will
then sound and the 
distance warning
lamp in the instrument cluster will light up.
•► Brake immediately in order to increase the
distance from the vehicle in front.
or
•► Take evasive action provided it is safe to do
so.
If the driver and front passenger have their seat belt fastened, PRE-SAFE® Brake can also brake the vehicle automatically at speeds from approximately 4 mph (7 km/h) to approximately 124 mph (200 km/h).
Due to the nature of the system, particularly complicated driving conditions may cause unnecessary warnings or the unnecessary intervention of PRE-SAFE® Brake. To stop the braking action, you can either depress the accelerator pedal further, activate kickdown or release the brake pedal.
The braking action of PRE-SAFE® Brake is ended automatically if:
- you maneuver to avoid the obstacle.
- there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision.
- there is no longer an obstacle detected in
front of your vehicle.
USA only: this device has been approved by the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System".
The radar sensor system is intended for use in an automotive radar system only.
Removing, altering or tampering with the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
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.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
With the help of the radar sensor system, PRE-SAFE® Brake can detect obstacles that are in front of your vehicle for an extended period of time.
At speeds up to approximately 40 mph (70 km/h), PRE-SAFE® Brake can also react to stationary obstacles, for example stopped or parked vehicles.
If you approach an obstacle and PRE-SAFE® Brake detects a risk of collision, the system will initially alert you both visually and acoustically. If you do not brake or take evasive action, the system will warn you by automatically braking the vehicle gently. If there is an increased risk of collision, preventative passenger protection measures (PRE-SAFE®) are activated (Y page 50). If the risk of collision remains at speeds of over 20 mph(30 km/h) and you do not brake, take evasive action or accelerate significantly, the vehicle may perform automatic braking up to emergency braking. Automatic emergency braking is not performed until immediately prior to an accident that can no longer be avoided.
WARNING
Even if PRE-SAFE® Brake slows the vehicle
before an imminent rear-end collision, the
system cannot avert a collision without the
intervention of the driver. There is a risk of an
accident. Brake according to the situation or
take evasive action. Delayed intervention by
the driver can lead to an accident.
WARNING
PRE-SAFE® Brake cannot always detect
complex traffic situations properly.
In these cases, PRE-SAFE(R) Brake may:
- give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
- neither give a warning nor intervene
There is a risk of an accident. Always pay particular attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake, especially if PRE-SAFE(R) Brake warns you. Terminate the intervention in a non-critical driving situation.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
- dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
- snow or heavy rain
- interference by other radar sources
- the possibility of strong radar reflections,
for example in parking garages
- a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
- a vehicle traveling in front on a different line
WARNING
PRE-SAFE® Brake does not react:
- to people or animals
- to oncoming vehicles
- to crossing traffic
- in curves
As a result, PRE-SAFE® Brake cannot intervene in critical situations. There is a risk of an accident. Always pay careful attention to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.
In order to maintain the appropriate distance to the vehicle in front and thus prevent a collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.
•► To activate/deactivate: activate or deactivate PRE-SAFE® Brake in the onboard computer.
The 
symbol appears in the
multifunction display as long as the HOLD
function is not activated (Y page 187).
On vehicles with Parking Guidance, the
symbol is displayed when
transmission position P is selected or if you
drive faster than 22 mph(35 km/h).
For PRE-SAFE® Brake to assist you when driving, the radar sensor system must be switched on (Y page 229) and operational.
Following damage to the front end of the vehicle, have the configuration and operation of the radar sensors checked at a qualified specialist workshop. This also applies to collisions at low speeds where there is no visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
