2008 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 429

Controls in detail Driving systems vehicle ahead and your vehicle's current speed indicate that DISTRONIC Plus will not be capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to maintain the preset following distance, which creates a danger of a collision. Immediately brake your vehicle to increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. The warning sound is intended as a final caution that you have not interceded with your own braking inputs to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Do not wait for the operation of the warning signal to intercede with your own braking, as that will result in potentially dangerous emergency braking which will not always result in an impact being avoided. Tailgating increases the risk of an accident. You must also apply the brakes yourself to avoid a collision. DISTRONIC Plus brakes the vehicle in an effort to restore the preset distance or to maintain the speed. The brake pedal is automatically applied as this happens which results in the brake pedal moving. Keep driver's foot area clear at all times, including the area under the brake pedal. Objects stored in this area may impair pedal movement which could interfere with the braking ability of the DISTRONIC Plus system. Do not place your foot under the brake pedal - your foot could become caught. Warning! G If you do not receive visual or acoustic warning signals during a critical traffic situation, DISTRONIC Plus has either not recognized the collision risk, has been deactivated or is malfunctioning. Remember, whether or not DISTRONIC Plus is operating, it is ultimately always the drivers responsibility to apply the brakes in order to control the vehicle and avoid a collision. Displaying the distance graphic In the "Assistance" menu under "Distance display" you see the current settings for DISTRONIC Plus. The information shown in the multifunction display depends on whether DISTRONIC Plus is activated or deactivated. Warning! G DISTRONIC Plus brakes your vehicle with a maximum of 13 ft/s2. This corresponds to about 40% of the maximum deceleration ability of your vehicle. i For activating or deactivating the DISTRONIC Plus system, see "Activating DISTRONIC Plus" ( page 430) or "Deactivating DISTRONIC Plus" ( page 435). 428