2008 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 219
2008 Mercedes SL-Class Manual
Page 219 highlights
Controls in detail Driving systems Distronic* When activated, the Distronic adaptive cruise control system increases the driving convenience afforded by the cruise control while traveling on expressways and other major roadways. If the Distronic distance sensor detects a slower moving vehicle directly ahead, your vehicle's speed will be reduced so that you follow that vehicle at the preset following distance. If there is no vehicle directly ahead of you, Distronic will function in the same way as standard cruise control ( page 214). Warning! Distronic can only apply a maximum of 20% of the vehicle's braking power. It is the driver's responsibility at all times to be attentive to the road, weather and traffic conditions. In addition, the driver must provide the steering, braking and other driving inputs necessary to remain in control of the vehicle. Warning! G Distronic requires familiarity with its operational characteristics. We strongly recommend that you review the following information carefully before operating the system. Warning! G Warning! G G Distronic adaptive cruise control is not a substitute for active driving involvement. It does not react to pedestrians or stationary objects, recognize or predict the lane curvature nor the movement of preceding vehicles. Distronic is a convenience system. Its speed adjustment reduction capability is intended to make 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's speed, distance to the preceding vehicle and, most importantly, brake operation to assure a safe stopping distance, always remains with the driver. Distronic cannot take street and traffic conditions into account. Only use Distronic if the road, weather and traffic conditions make it advisable to travel at a constant speed. 218