2008 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 79

Safety and Security Driving safety systems When the distance to the forward vehicle is too small, the distance warning lamp l lights up in the instrument cluster. If you approach the forward vehicle very quickly, you will hear a warning tone. If you do not apply the brakes yourself or maneuver around a sensed obstacle, the vehicle will automatically initiate light braking. PRE-SAFE® ( page 56) is activated when the distance to the vehicle ahead at your current speed is so close that PRE-SAFE® Brake will not be capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently. Warning! G Warning! G PRE-SAFE® Brake will only respond with brake assistance if it has clearly detected an object. Detection can be impeded by dirty or covered sensors snowfall or heavy rain disturbance from other radar sources strong radar reflection such as in parking garages PRE-SAFE Brake uses radar signals that are not reflected well by narrow objects and absorptive materials. For this reason BAS Plus will not react to persons and animals approaching traffic or cross-traffic PRE-SAFE® Brake may not detect narrow vehicles driving in front of you, such as motorcycles and vehicles driving offset from your vehicle center. ® PRE-SAFE® Brake brakes your vehicle with a maximum of 13 ft/s2 (4 m/s2). This corresponds to about 40% of the maximum deceleration ability of your vehicle. This automatic braking is intended only to initiate the braking if the driver has not already done so. The driver must apply the brakes in order to prevent a collision. PRE-SAFE® Brake applies the brake pedal automatically which results in the brake pedal moving. Therefore 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 PRE-SAFE® Brake. Do not place your foot under the brake pedal - your foot could become caught. 78