Operation Manual

The electric parking brake is also engaged
automatically if:
R
DISTRONIC PLUS brings the vehicle to a
standstill or
R
the HOLD function is keeping the vehicle
stationary
R
Active Parking Assist is keeping the vehicle
stationary
In addition, at least one of the following con-
ditions must be fulfilled:
R
there is a system malfunction.
R
the power supply is insufficient.
R
the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy
period.
The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
goes out.
The electric parking brake is not automati-
cally engaged if the engine is switched off by
the ECO start/stop function.
Releasing automatically
Your vehicle's electric parking brake is auto-
matically released if all of the following con-
ditions are met:
R
the engine is running.
R
the transmission is in position D or R.
R
the seat belt has been fastened.
R
you depress the accelerator pedal.
If the transmission is in position R, the trunk
lid must be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the following
conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parking brake:
R
the driver's door is closed.
R
you have shifted out of transmission posi-
tion P or you have previously driven faster
than 2 mph (3 km/h).
Ensure that you do not depress the acceler-
ator pedal unintentionally. Otherwise the
parking brake will be released and the vehicle
will start to move.
Emergency braking
The vehicle can also be braked during an
emergency by using the electric parking
brake.
X
While driving, push handle : of the electric
parking brake (Y page 162).
The vehicle is braked as long as you keep
handle : of the electric parking brake
pressed. The longer the electric parking
brake handle : is depressed, the greater
the braking force.
During braking:
R
a warning tone sounds
R
the Release park. brakeRelease park. brake message
appears
R
the red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter flashes
When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-
still, the electric parking brake is engaged.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
i
You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
Driving tips
163
Driving and parking
Z