2003 Mercedes E-Class Owner's Manual - Page 204

Controls in detail Driving systems Deactivating Distronic There are several ways to deactivate the Distronic system: Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the direction of arrow 3 ( page 201). or Step on the brake pedal. Distronic will be deactivated. The last speed set will be stored into memory. Distronic deactivates automatically when: you set the parking brake you drive slower than 25 mph (Canada: 40 km/h) the ESP is active ( page 75) or you deactivate the ESP you move the transmission selector lever into position N A signal will sound. The Distronic off message appears in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds. Warning! Setting the following distance in Distronic You can set the specified following distance for Distronic by varying the time setting between 1.0 and 2.0 seconds. Using this time setting and the current speed of your vehicle, Distronic calculates and sets the required following distance to the vehicle ahead. The set distance will be shown in the multifunction display field. The thumbwheel for making the time setting is located on the lower section of the center console. Warning! i The following message will appear in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds: Distronic off. The last stored speed is deleted when you turn off the engine. G G Distronic switches off and releases the brakes when the vehicle decelerates below the minimum speed of approx. 25 mph ( 40 km/h) by operation of the system. At that time the driver must apply the brakes in order to reduce vehicle speed further or bring it to a stop. It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to select the appropriate setting given road conditions, traffic, driver's preferred driving style and applicable laws and driving recommendations for safe following distance. 204