Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Safety

Overview of driving safety systems. Important safety information. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). BAS (Brake Assist System)

In this manual: Safety
Introduction — 5At a glance — 6Safety — 25Opening and Closing — 17Seats, steering wheel and mirrors — 12Lights and windshield wipers — 11Climate Control — 11Driving and parking — 44On-board computer and displays — 29Stowing and Useful Information. Good to Know — 1Stowing and Useful Information. Storage Options — 10Stowage and convenience features. Convenience features — 7Maintenance and care — 11Roadside assistance — 13Wheels and tires — 13Technical data — 13
~3min read

The Mercedes E-Class (4th generation W212, 2009–2016) combines state-of-the-art braking and assistance systems with the aim of ensuring your safety at all times. This article explains how ABS and BAS provide reliable control, even in critical situations. Discover background information that helps you make the most of these technologies.

Overview of driving safety systems

This section contains information on the following driving safety systems:
  • ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
  • BAS (Brake Assist System)
  • BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System PLUS) with Cross-Traffic Assist
  • COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS (distance warning function and adaptive brake assist)
  • Adaptive brake light
  • ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
  • EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
  • ADAPTIVE BRAKE
  • PRE-SAFE Brake
  • STEER CONTROL steering assistant

Important Safety Notes

Driving safety systems cannot reduce the risk of accidents caused by inappropriate or inattentive driving, nor can they override physical limits. Driving safety systems are aids only. You are responsible for maintaining a safe following distance, choosing an appropriate speed, braking in good time and staying within your lane. Always adapt your driving to current road and weather conditions and maintain an adequate safety distance. Drive attentively.

The driving safety systems described can only achieve their maximum effect when there is the best possible contact between the tires and the road surface. For this, pay particular attention to the information on tires, recommended minimum tire tread depth, etc..

On snowy or icy roads, use winter tires (M+S tires), and snow chains if necessary. Only then will the driving safety systems described in this section work at their full effectiveness.

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

General Information

ABS regulates the brake pressure so that the wheels do not lock during braking. This keeps your vehicle steerable while braking.

When you switch on the ignition, the yellow ABS warning lampin the instrument cluster illuminates. It goes out when the engine is running.

Important Safety Notes

Info

Observe the section "Important safety notes".

WARNING

If ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels can lock during braking. Steerability and braking performance are then severely impaired. In addition, other driving safety systems are switched off. There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents!

Continue driving carefully. Have ABS checked immediately by a qualified specialist workshop.

If ABS is malfunctioning, other systems also fail, including driving safety systems. Observe the information on the ABS warning lamp and on the display messages that may appear in the instrument cluster.

ABS operates regardless of road conditions from a speed of approx. 8 km/h. On a slippery road, ABS already intervenes when you brake only lightly.

Brakes

When ABS is active: keep pressing the brake pedal firmly until the braking situation has passed.

Full braking: Press the brake pedal down with full force.

When ABS is regulating during braking, a pulsing can be felt in the brake pedal.

A pulsing brake pedal may indicate hazardous road conditions and is a reminder to drive with particular care.

BAS (Brake Assist System)

General Information

BAS operates in emergency braking situations. If you press the brake pedal quickly, BAS automatically increases the brake pressure and can thus shorten the braking distance.

Important Safety Notes

Info

Observe the section "Important safety notes".

WARNING

If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance in emergency braking situations may increase. There is a risk of accidents!

In emergency braking situations, press the brake pedal down with full force. ABS prevents the wheels from locking.

Brakes

Keep pressing the brake pedal firmly until the emergency braking situation has passed.
  • ABS prevents the wheels from locking.

    When you release the brake pedal, the brakes work normally again. BAS is deactivated.

    The Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) offers a wide range of driving safety systems that stabilize the vehicle even in extreme situations. ABS ensures steerability during braking, while BAS optimizes the brake pressure in emergency braking situations.

    These technical aids considerably reduce the risk of accidents, but the driver remains responsible for defensive driving. The combination of technology and attentiveness makes the E-Class one of the safest vehicles in its segment.

    In this way, the E-Class demonstrates that Mercedes-Benz approaches safety holistically, for drivers, occupants and other road users alike.

    • Test yourself

    A quick Mercedes-Benz E-Class quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.