2003 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 201

Controls in detail Driving systems Distronic displays in the speedometer dial Under no circumstances should the driver await the intermittent warning sound before braking. The intermittent warning sound ceases and the red Distronic warning lamp l goes out when the necessary distance to the vehicle ahead is again established. Segments Set speed If Distronic is activated, one or two segments light up around the set speed. If Distronic detects a vehicle directly ahead, the segments (representing the difference) between the speed of the vehicle ahead and the set speed light up. If Distronic calculates that there is a danger of collision ( page 207): The red Distronic warning lamp l in the instrument cluster lights up. An intermittent warning sounds. Immediately brake the vehicle to avoid a collision. i The vehicle speed displayed on the speedometer can briefly vary from the speed setting on the Distronic system. 201