2008 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 426

Controls in detail Driving systems Warning! G Warning! G Warning! G DISTRONIC Plus is a convenience system. Its speed adjustment reduction capability is intended to make the cruise control more effective and usable when traffic speeds vary. It is not however, intended to, nor does it, replace the need for extreme care. The responsibility for the vehicle speed and the distance to the vehicle ahead, including most importantly brake operation to assure safe stopping distance, always remains with the driver. DISTRONIC Plus cannot take street and traffic conditions into account. Complex driving situations are not always fully recognized by DISTRONIC Plus. This could result in wrong or missing distance warnings. DISTRONIC Plus adaptive cruise control is no substitute for active driving involvement. It does not react to pedestrians or stationary objects, nor does it recognize or predict the curvature and lane layout or the movement of vehicles ahead. DISTRONIC Plus can only apply a maximum of 40% of the vehicle's braking power. DISTRONIC Plus may not detect narrow vehicles possibly driving in front of you, such as motorcycles and vehicles driving in an offset formation. It is the driver's responsibility at all times to be attentive to road, weather and traffic conditions and to provide the steering, braking and other driving inputs necessary to retain control of the vehicle. High-frequency sources such as toll stations, speed measuring systems etc. can cause the DISTRONIC Plus system to temporarily cease functioning. DISTRONIC Plus requires familiarity with its operational characteristics. We strongly recommend that you review the following information carefully before operating the system. Warning! G DISTRONIC Plus cannot take street and traffic conditions into account. Only use DISTRONIC Plus if the road, weather and traffic conditions make it advisable to travel at a steady speed. Warning! G Use of DISTRONIC Plus can be dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction can result in wheel spin and loss of control. 425