Driving Systems - Mercedes-Benz R-Class Owner's Manual

Controls

Driving systems

Driving systems
Overview of driving systems
The vehicle's driving systems are described
on the following pages:
R Cruise control, Distronic* and Speedtronic,
which are used to control the speed of the
vehicle
The rear axle level control*, which regu-
R
lates the vehicle level at the rear axle
AIRMATIC package*, consisting of level
R
control* for individual adjustment of
ground clearance and ADS* (Adaptive
Damping System), for individual adjust-
ment of suspension tuning
4*MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive), for
R
optimum traction
Parktronic*, which assists you in parking
R
and manoeuvring
Reversing camera*, which assists you
R
when parking and manoeuvring
The ABS, BAS, ESP ® , EBV vehicle safety sys-
tems and the distance warning system* are
described in the "Safety" section
( page 58).
Y
140
Cruise control
Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden or towing a trailer, you must
select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time. By
doing so you will make use of the braking
effect of the engine, which relieves the load
on the brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly.
G Risk of accident
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This
could cause the drive wheels to lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic con-
ditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 30 km/h.
G Risk of accident
Cruise control cannot take account of road
and traffic conditions.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even when cruise control is activated.
Cruise control is only an aid designed to
assist driving. You are responsible for the
vehicle's speed and for braking in good
time.
G Risk of accident
Do not use cruise control:
in road and traffic conditions which do
R
not allow you to maintain a constant
speed (e.g. heavy traffic or winding
roads). You could otherwise cause an
accident.
on slippery roads. Braking or accelerat-
R
ing could cause the drive wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid.
when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to
R
fog, heavy rain or snow
Cruise control lever
You can operate cruise control and variable
Speedtronic with the cruise control lever.
The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control
lever indicates which system you have selec-
ted:
LIM indicator lamp off:
R
Cruise control is selected.
LIM indicator lamp lit:
R
Variable Speedtronic is selected.
* optional