Electric parking brake

General notes

WARNING

If you leave children unsupervised in the vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for example:
• releasing the parking brake • shifting the automatic transmission out of the parking position P
• starting the engine.

They could also operate the vehicle's equipment. There is a risk of an accident and injury.

When leaving the vehicle, always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.

The electric parking brake performs a function test at regular intervals while the engine is switched off. The sounds that can be heard while this is occurring are normal.

Applying/releasing manually

■ To engage: push handle 1.

When the electric parking brake is engaged, the (USA only) or

(Canada only) red indicator lamp lights up in the instrument cluster.

The electric parking brake can also be applied when the SmartKey is removed.

■ To release: pull handle 1.

The red (USA only) or
(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.

The electric parking brake can only be released:
• if the SmartKey is in position 1 in the ignition lock or
• if the ignition was switched on using the Start/Stop button.

To ensure that you do not roll backwards when pulling away on an uphill slope, engage the electric parking brake  .

Applying automatically

The electric parking brake is applied automatically:
• if DISTRONIC PLUS brings the vehicle to a standstill or
• if the HOLD function is keeping the vehicle stationary
In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be fulfilled: • the engine is switched off.

• the driver's door is open and the seat belt is not fastened.

• the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy period.

The red (USA only) or
(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.

Releasing automatically

The electric parking brake is released automatically when all of the following conditions are fulfilled: • the engine is running.

• the transmission is in position D or R.

• the seat belt has been fastened.

• you depress the accelerator pedal.

If the transmission is in position R, the trunk lid must be closed.

If your seat belt is not fastened, the following conditions must be fulfilled to automatically release the electric parking brake: • the driver's door is closed.

• you have shifted out of transmission position P or you have previously driven faster than 2 mph (3 km/h)

Emergency braking

■ While driving, push handle 1 of the electric parking brake.

The vehicle can also be braked during an emergency by using the electric parking brake.

The vehicle is braked for as long as the handle of the electric parking brake is pressed. The longer the electric parking brake handle is depressed, the greater the braking force.

During braking:
• a warning tone sounds.

• the Release Park. Brake message appears
• the red (USA only) or
(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster flashes.

When the vehicle has been braked to a standstill, the electric parking brake is engaged.