2006 Mercedes E-Class Owner's Manual - Page 256

Controls in detail Driving systems Distronic deactivates automatically when: you set the parking brake you drive slower than 20 mph (30 km/h) the ESP® is active ( page 94) or you deactivate the ESP® you move the gear selector lever into position N A signal will sound. The Distronic off message appears in the multifunction display for approximately 5 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. The thumbwheel for making the time setting is located on the lower section of the center console. Warning! 1 Distance warning function on/off switch 2 Indicator lamp 3 Thumbwheel for setting distance Increasing distance Increasing the distance setting tells Distronic to maintain a greater following distance to the vehicle ahead. Turn thumbwheel 3 towards ¯. G G Distronic switches off and releases the brakes when the vehicle decelerates below the minimum speed of 20 mph (30 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. 255