Airmatic - Mercedes-Benz S-Class Operator's Manual

Driving systems
246
The ROAD SURFACE SCAN function monitors
the road in front of the vehicle using multi-
function camera : at the top of the wind-
shield. This function is automatically active if
you select comfort suspension tuning. The
system is operational at speeds of up to
81 mph (130 km/h).
This function allows bumps in the road sur-
face to be detected before the vehicle drives
over them. The spring struts are then actu-
ated, with the result that chassis movements
are significantly reduced when driving over
bumps.
The system is deactivated when you select
the raised vehicle level or sports mode.
The system may be impaired or may not func-
tion if:
the road surface is insufficiently lit
R
there is poor visibility, e.g. snow, rain, fog or
R
spray
there is glare, e.g. from the sun or from
R
oncoming traffic
the windshield is dirty, fogged up or cov-
R
ered, for instance by a sticker, in the vicinity
of the camera
the road surface has no texture or is reflec-
R
tive, e.g. in the case of newly laid asphalt,
concrete slabs or puddles
the distance to the vehicle in front is too
R
short
sections of the route have a very small
R
radius of curvature
you accelerate hard or brake sharply
R

AIRMATIC

General notes
AIRMATIC is an air suspension with variable
damping for improved driving comfort. All-
round level control ensures the best possible
suspension and constant ground clearance,
even with a laden vehicle. When you drive
fast, the vehicle is lowered automatically to
improve driving safety and to reduce fuel con-
sumption. There is also the option to manually
adjust the vehicle level. AIRMATIC consists of
level setting, level control and the Adaptive
Damping System ADS PLUS.
Important safety notes
WARNING
G
When the vehicle is being lowered, people
could become trapped if their limbs are
between the vehicle body and the wheels or
underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle or
in the immediate vicinity of the wheel arches
when the vehicle is being lowered.
Vehicle level
Setting the raised vehicle level
It is possible to choose between the "Normal"
and "Raised" vehicle levels. Select the "Nor-
mal" setting for normal road surfaces and
"Raised" for driving with snow chains or on
particularly poor road surfaces. Your selec-
tion remains stored even if you remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Start the engine.
X
If indicator lamp ; is not lit:
Press button :.
X
Indicator lamp ; lights up. The vehicle is
raised by 1.0 in (25 mm) compared to the
normal level.