DISTRONIC PLUS, Function - GF30.30-P-3300RR
Model 190
with code 239 (Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC)
Shown up to 30.11.2018
Shown as of 01.12.2018
Function requirements, general
- No undervoltage or overvoltage
- Adaptive cruise control controller unit correctly calibrated and coded
- DISTRONIC PLUS switched on via the cruise control lever (up to 30.11.2018)
- DISTRONIC PLUS switched on via the cruise control switch or the cruise control resume switch (as of 01.12.2018)
- Engine running or drivetrain operational
- Parking brake not operated
- Gear range "D" engaged
- Vehicle is not in backward movement
- Soiling and function test of DISTRONIC controller unit completed successfully
The DISTRONIC controller unit performs a soiling and function test to ensure proper operation after each engine start. This assumes an object is in the detection range which can be used as a reference value. If a malfunction is established or there is no object in the detection range of the DISTRONIC controller unit, the DISTRONIC PLUS cannot be activated.
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) not switched to passive mode
- No active intervention recognized by the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)®)
Distronic PLUS, general
According to the specification of the driver, the DISTRONIC PLUS automatically regulates the speed and the distance to the vehicle driving immediately ahead in a vehicle speed range 0 to 200 km/h. The control takes place via the DISTRONIC controller unit.
The DISTRONIC PLUS is extended by the function COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS. This contains the distance warning, adaptive Brake Assist, and autonomous brake application functions (vehicle speed up to 200 km/h). If the driver does not react to the warning tone in an accident-critical situation, the DISTRONIC controller unit initiates an autonomous brake application.
If the DISTRONIC PLUS is switched off, the situation directly in front of the vehicle is still detected and evaluated. In dangerous situations warnings are given, as described above, or there is autonomous braking.
The adaptive cruise control electric controller unit actively intervenes in the engine management, the transmission control and controlling of the brake system to implement the DISTRONIC PLUS.
The following graphic represents the mode of function of the DISTRONIC PLUS:
- Standstill control, enable issued (driver door/driver belt buckle and front passenger door closed)
DISTRONIC PLUS programmed in the electronic ignition lock control unit (N73).
Detection range of the DISTRONIC controller unit
The operation of DISTRONIC PLUS takes place via the cruise control lever (up to 30.11.2018) or via the instrument cluster multifunction steering wheel button group (as of 01.12.2018).
Operation DISTRONIC, up to 30.11.2018
Model 190 up to 11/30/18
with code 239 (Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC)
except code 460 (Canada version)
except code 494 (US version)
If the SPEEDTRONIC LED lights up, the DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated and the function variable SPEEDTRONIC programmed. The steering column tube module control unit actuates the SPEEDTRONIC LED directly.
Model 190 up to 11/30/18
with code 239 (Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC)
Each time the cruise control lever is actuated, the distance from the preceding vehicle is shown on the instrument cluster for 5 s. Through selection of the operating level "DISTRONIC PLUS" in the menu "Assistance" the distance graphic is shown permanently. Display of the distance graphic can be switched on or off independently of the activity of the automatic distance control. The distance from the vehicle driving immediately ahead can be set in seven stages between approx. 1.0 and 2.0 s via the DISTRONIC control.
Operation DISTRONIC, as of 01.12.2018
Model 190 as of 12/1/18
with code 239 (Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC)
Each time the cruise control switch or Proximity Control Assist switch is actuated, the distance from the vehicle driving immediately ahead is shown in the instrument cluster for 5 s. Through selection of the operating level "DISTRONIC PLUS" in the menu "Assistance" the distance graphic is shown permanently. Display of the distance graphic can be switched on or off independently of the activity of the automatic distance control. The distance from the vehicle driving immediately ahead can be set in seven stages between approx. 1.0 and 2.0 s via the Proximity Control Assist switch.
The DISTRONIC controller unit evaluates the following input factors :
- Operating condition of engine/drivetrain (function requirements)
- Status of parking brake (function requirements)
- Engaged gear range (function requirements)
- DISTRONIC PLUS switched on via the cruise control lever (function requirements) and driver request via the cruise control lever (up to 30.11.2018)
- DISTRONIC PLUS switched on via the cruise control switch or the cruise control resume switch (function requirements) and driver request via the Proximity Control Assist switch (as of 01.12.2018)
- Object recognition
- Vehicle speed/acceleration
- Engine drive torque
- Brake torque
- Acceleration/yaw rate
- Steering wheel angle
- Driver request to overtake (sets the turn signals on the combination switch)
- Brake pedal position
- Accelerator pedal position
Operating condition for Engine/drivetrain :
The ME-SFI [ME] control unit sends the signal "Engine running" or the "Drivetrain operational" signal via the drive train CAN, powertrain control unit and chassis CAN 1 to the DISTRONIC controller unit.
Parking brake status :
The status of the parking brake (activated or deactivated) is sent by the electric parking brake control unit via chassis CAN 1 to the DISTRONIC controller unit.
Engaged gear range :
The dual-clutch transmission control unit sends information on the engaged drive range via the drive CAN, powertrain control unit, and suspension CAN 1 to the DISTRONIC controller unit.
DISTRONIC PLUS switched on via the cruise control lever and driver request via cruise control lever (up to 30.11.2018) :
The steering column tube module control unit directly reads in the switch position of the CC lever and sends it to the DISTRONIC controller unit via chassis CAN 1.
DISTRONIC PLUS switched on via the cruise control switch or the cruise control resume switch and driver request via the Proximity Control Assist switch (as of 01.12.2018) :
The steering wheel electronics read in the operation signals of the cruise control switch, cruise control resume switch, and Proximity Control Assist switch directly and send them via the steering wheel CAN, steering column tube module control unit, AMG FlexRay, AMG gateway control unit, and suspension CAN 1 to the DISTRONIC controller unit.
Object recognition :
The DISTRONIC controller unit monitors the traffic space in front of the vehicle up to a distance of 200 m in a corridor of 12°.
Vehicle speed/acceleration :
The vehicle speed is calculated from the wheel speed. The acceleration is defined over the increase in rotational speed. The Electronic Stability Program control unit transmits the wheel speed signals via chassis CAN 1 to the DISTRONIC controller unit.
Engine drive torque :
Information concerning the current available engine torque is transmitted by the ME-SFI [ME] control unit via drive train CAN, powertrain control unit and chassis CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit, which evaluates this appropriately and sends to the DISTRONIC controller unit via chassis CAN 1.
Braking torque :
The Electronic Stability Program control unit transmits information about the currently set braking torque via chassis CAN 1 to the DISTRONIC controller unit.
Acceleration/yaw rate :
The turn rate, lateral acceleration and longitudinal acceleration sensor sends the values for vehicle longitudinal and lateral acceleration and yaw rate to the Electronic Stability Program control unit via the vehicle dynamics CAN. The Electronic Stability Program control unit evaluates the data and transmits the it via chassis CAN 1 to the DISTRONIC controller unit.
For reasons of comfort and safety, the maximum (positive) acceleration of the automatic distance control is limited to approx. 2.5 m/s2
. It operates antiproportional to the vehicle speed, which means that the positive and negative accelerations reduce with increasing speed.
Steering wheel angle :
The steering angle is recorded by the steering wheel angle sensor.
Up to 30.11.2018:
The steering column tube module control unit directly reads in the signals from the steering wheel angle sensor and sends information about the steering wheel angle via chassis CAN 1 to the DISTRONIC controller unit.
As of 01.12.2018:
The steering column tube module control unit reads in the signals of the steering wheel angle sensor directly and sends the information to the steering wheel angle via AMG FlexRay, the AMG gateway control unit, and suspension CAN 1 to the DISTRONIC controller unit.
Driver request to overtake (sets the turn signals on the combination switch)
Up to 30.11.2018:
The steering column tube module control unit directly reads in the switch position of the combination switch and sends it to the DISTRONIC controller unit via chassis CAN 1.
As of 01.12.2018:
The steering column tube module control unit reads in the switch position of the combination switch directly and sends it via AMG FlexRay, the AMG gateway control unit, and suspension CAN 1 to the DISTRONIC controller unit.
Brake pedal position :
The Electronic Stability Program control unit transmits the status of the brake pedal via chassis CAN 1 to the DISTRONIC controller unit.
Accelerator pedal position :
The ME-SFI [ME] control unit sends information about the accelerator pedal position via the drive train CAN, powertrain control unit and chassis CAN 1 to the DISTRONIC controller unit.
The DISTRONIC controller unit outputs the following initial parameters (requests) :
- Increase/reduce engine torque
- Engage targeted gear (back or upshift)
- Object information
- Increase/reduce the braking torque
- Emit warning tones, system or warning messages
Raise/reduce Engine torque :
The DISTRONIC controller unit transmits the request "increase engine torque" or "decrease engine torque" via chassis CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit. The Electronic Stability Program control unit evaluates this request as well as further driving dynamics requests internally and transmits them, according to their relevance, via chassis CAN 1, powertrain control unit and engine CAN to the ME-SFI [ME] control unit. The ME-SFI [ME] control unit implements this request appropriately.
Engage targeted gear (downshift or upshift) :
The DISTRONIC controller unit transmits the request "Engage targeted gear" via chassis CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit. The Electronic Stability Program control unit evaluates this request as well as additional driving dynamic requests and sends them, according to the relevance, via suspension CAN 1, the powertrain control unit, and the drive CAN to the dual-clutch transmission control unit. This request is to be understood as a shift recommendation. Downshift or upshift of the A/T takes place autonomously through the DKG control unit itself, dependent on the current operating condition.
Object information :
The DISTRONIC controller unit sends the object information (e.g. distance and speed differential to the target vehicle and the movement status of the target vehicle) via suspension CAN 1, the powertrain control unit, and engine CAN to the ME-SFI control unit.
Raise/reduce braking torque :
The DISTRONIC controller unit transmits the request "increase braking torque" or "decrease braking torque" via chassis CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit. The Electronic Stability Program control unit reacts by directly actuating the traction system hydraulic unit, which reacts by increasing or decreasing the braking torque according to the brake torque.
Emit warning tones, system or warning messages
Up to 30.11.2018:
The DISTRONIC controller unit sends the requests to output acoustic warnings, display system or warning messages request via chassis CAN 1, the front SAM control unit and chassis CAN 2, AMG Gateway control unit and user interface CAN to the instrument cluster. The corresponding system or warning message is output via the instrument cluster and the instrument cluster speaker is actuated directly.
As of 01.12.2018:
The DISTRONIC controller unit sends the requests to output warning tones and system or warning messages via suspension CAN 1, the AMG gateway control unit, and user interface CAN to the instrument cluster. The corresponding system or warning message is output in the instrument cluster and the instrument cluster speaker is actuated directly.
DISTRONIC PLUS
The description of the DISTRONIC PLUS function takes place, as an example, in the following chronological sequence:
- Activate DISTRONIC PLUS and drive off automatically
- Automatic distance control
- Change of driving lane (overtaking)
- Automatic speed control
- Going back into a lane/person in the front regulation
- Distance warning
- Adaptive Brake Assist
- Autonomous partial braking
- Automated Stop Vehicle
The sequence can vary depending on the driver requests and the current traffic situation.
Activate DISTRONIC PLUS and drive off automatically
The following options are available for activating DISTRONIC PLUS:
- Using the resume from memory switch on the cruise control lever, call up the last selected speed setting (speed setting over 30 km/h) (up to 30.11.2018)
- Using the cruise control resume switch, call up the last selected speed setting (speed setting over 30 km/h) (as of 01.12.2018)
- Briefly operate accelerator pedal
The vehicle moves off and adapts its speed to the maximum speed of the vehicle immediately ahead up to the selected target speed. If there is no vehicle immediately ahead, the DISTRONIC PLUS functions like the CC.
For stationary vehicles, there is a specified distance from which a stationary vehicle is no longer displayed.
Technical implementation
The DISTRONIC controller unit receives or transmits the following information or requests:
Input factors:
- Accelerator pedal position
- Driver request via cruise control lever (up to 30.11.2018)
- Driver request via the instrument cluster multifunction steering wheel button group (as of 01.12.2018)
- Object recognition
- Vehicle speed/acceleration
- Acceleration/yaw rate
- Brake pedal position
Initial parameters:
- Increase/reduce engine torque
- Engage targeted gear
- Object information
- Emit warning tones, system or warnings
Automatic distance control
The automatic distance control can only be activated while driving if a vehicle driving immediately ahead was detected. If the vehicle driving immediately ahead brakes or accelerates, the DISTRONIC PLUS can initiate the following measures for vehicle deceleration or vehicle acceleration:
- Increase/reduce engine torque
- Increase/reduce the braking torque
The brake application takes place by means of hydraulic pressure controlling in the wheel brake cylinder by the traction system hydraulic unit according to the current vehicle status. To do this the Electronic Stability Program control unit assesses various variables such as the required braking torque.
The driver must press on the brake pedal is sees that the instigated measures are not adequate to avoid any possible collision.
If the vehicle driving immediately ahead accelerates again, the engine torque is increased and the vehicle also accelerates. The increase in engine torque is dependent on the ascent or the descent involved, among other things.
The driver furthermore has the option of operating the accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle (e. g. when overtaking). The IC shows the "DISTRONIC passive" message. If the automatic distance control requires a higher acceleration than the driver prescribes, the driver request is overlaid by the request for automatic distance control and the "DISTRONIC passive" message goes off.
If the vehicle driving immediately in front leaves the detection range of the DISTRONIC controller unit, the automatic distance control is deactivated at a speed of less than 20 km/h.
Technical implementation
The DISTRONIC controller unit receives or transmits the following information or requests:
Input factors:
- Object recognition
- Vehicle speed/acceleration
- Acceleration/yaw rate
- Engine drive torque
- Accelerator pedal position
- Driver request via cruise control lever (up to 30.11.2018)
- Driver request via the instrument cluster multifunction steering wheel button group (as of 01.12.2018)
- Brake pedal position
Initial parameters:
- Increase/reduce engine torque
- Increase/reduce the braking torque
- Engage targeted gear
- Object information
- Emit warning tones, system or warnings
Change of driving lane (overtaking)
For an overtaking maneuver with a speed of over 60 km/h, the vehicle is automatically accelerated (up to maximum speed setting). To do this the driver must initiate the overtaking maneuver by setting the turn signal. In as far as the automatic distance control is activated, the DISTRONIC controller unit recognizes the intention of the driver to overtake and accelerates the vehicle while taking account of the distance to the vehicle driving immediately ahead.
When approaching a slowly moving vehicle and therefore an active automatic intervention by the brake system, this is then canceled insofar as the driver initiates the overtaking procedure by operating the turn signal. If required, the vehicle is additionally accelerated.
After the overtaking maneuver the vehicle accelerates to the set speed (automatic speed control), insofar as no other vehicle driving in front was detected as a target object. If a vehicle driving immediately ahead is subsequently detected as a target object the automatic speed control function changes over again into the automatic distance control function.
The overtaking maneuver is broken off in the following situations:
- Risk of collision with the current target object
- Risk of collision with a vehicle moving directly at the side and ahead
Technical implementation
The DISTRONIC controller unit receives or transmits the following information or requests:
Input factors:
- Object recognition
- Driver request over the combination switch
- Vehicle speed/acceleration
- Acceleration/yaw rate
- Engine drive torque
- Accelerator pedal position
Initial parameters:
- Increase/reduce engine torque
- Increase/reduce the braking torque
- Engage targeted gear
- Object information
- Emit warning tones, system or warning messages
Automatic speed control
If the vehicle is in active distance control and the vehicle driving immediately in front accelerates to a speed of over 200 km/h or leaves the detection range of the DISTRONIC controller unit, the automatic distance control switches to the automatic speed control.
Technical implementation
The DISTRONIC controller unit receives or transmits the following information or requests:
Input factors:
- Object recognition
- Driver request via cruise control lever (up to 30.11.2018)
- Driver request via the instrument cluster multifunction steering wheel button group (as of 01.12.2018)
- Vehicle speed/acceleration
- Acceleration/yaw rate
- Engine drive torque
- Accelerator pedal position
- Brake pedal position
Initial parameters:
- Increase/reduce engine torque
- Engage targeted gear
- Increase/reduce the braking torque
- Object information
Going back into a lane/person in the front regulation
If the vehicle driving immediately ahead turns off and there is another vehicle in front, the system only switches over to the new target vehicle if it is moving. The system does not operate for stationary objects unless a preceding vehicle is tracked to a standstill. If while driving a vehicle turns in front within the safe distance to the vehicle driving immediately ahead, the distance to this new vehicle is regulated. If the vehicle is in automatic speed control and a vehicle tuns onto the lane driven in this vehicle is registered as the vehicle driving immediately ahead. If the distance to the swinging-in vehicle lies below the value that was preselected, DISTRONIC PLUS decelerates the vehicle. If the requested brake power is not sufficient, a visual and acoustic warning is issued, and the driver has to press the brake pedal.
DISTRONIC PLUS is thereby deactivated. This process is signaled to the driver through the output of the message "DISTRONIC PLUS OFF" in the instrument cluster. The driver can subsequently reactivate the DISTRONIC PLUS.
Technical implementation
The DISTRONIC controller unit receives or transmits the following information or requests:
Input factors:
- Object recognition
- Vehicle speed
- Brake pedal position
Initial parameters:
- Increase/reduce engine torque
- Increase/reduce the braking torque
- Engage targeted gear
- Object information
- Emit warning tones, system or warnings
Distance warning
The DISTRONIC PLUS warns the driver visually and acoustically in the vehicle speed range of 7 to 250 km/h or the maximum design speed about moving obstacles in his or her lane. DISTRONIC PLUS differentiates here between a static (without code 460 (Canada version) and without code 494 (USA version)) and a collision-critical distance warning.
Static distance warning (without code 460 (Canada version) and without code 494 (USA version)) :
Output of the static distance warning takes place purely optically.
If the distance from the vehicle driving immediately ahead is undershot for 0.8 s in flowing traffic this critical distance is maintained for over 3 s (e.g. at a speed of 100 km/h, distance of approx. 22.2 m), the DISTRONIC controller unit sends the request to output a warning.
Up to 30.11.2018
The DISTRONIC controller unit sends the request to output the warning via suspension CAN 1, the front SAM control unit, suspension CAN 2, the AMG gateway control unit, and the user interface CAN to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster reacts by actuating the DISTRONIC warning lamp.
As of 01.12.2018
The DISTRONIC controller unit sends the request to output the warning via suspension CAN 1, the AMG gateway control unit, and the user interface CAN to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster reacts by actuating the DISTRONIC warning indicator.
Collision critical distance warning :
Output of the collision-critical distance warning takes place optically and acoustically.
If an obstacle in the detection range of the radar sensor is classified as accident-critical (a collision will occur within 2.6 s), the DISTRONIC controller unit sends the request to output the warning.
Up to 30.11.2018
The DISTRONIC controller unit sends the request to output the warning via suspension CAN 1, the front SAM control unit, suspension CAN 2, the AMG gateway control unit, and the user interface CAN to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster then actuates the DISTRONIC warning lamp and the instrument cluster speaker (intermittent warning tone) directly.
As of 01.12.2018
The DISTRONIC controller unit sends the request to output the warning via suspension CAN 1, the AMG gateway control unit, and the user interface CAN to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster then actuates the DISTRONIC warning display and the instrument cluster speaker (intermittent warning tone) directly.
Take-back of the warning only occurs if the situation has been defused.
Due warning of stationary obstacles is given only in the vehicle speed range of 7 to approx. 70 km/h.
Visual warning messages in instrument cluster, up to 30.11.2018
Warning display in the instrument cluster, as of 01.12.2018
This is shown inversely on the IC, i. e. the distance warning readiness indicator is hidden when the distance warning function is active. If the distance warning function is deactivated, the distance warning readiness indicator and the "OFF" lettering are shown.
The distance warning is basically active for an active DISTRONIC PLUS. If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, which also contains a distance warning system, can be separately activated in the "Collision Prevention Assist Plus" menu on the instrument cluster.
Adaptive Brake Assist
If the driver reacts in a critical situation with emergency braking, he is supported by the Adaptive BAS. The DISTRONIC controller unit calculates the necessary brake boost in order to avoid any collision or at least to mitigate its consequences. The adaptive Brake Assist supports the driver in a vehicle speed range of 7 to 250 km/h for maximum full-stop braking for vehicles driving directly ahead and in a vehicle speed range of 7 to approx. 70 km/h for stationary obstacles.
The emergency braking is defined over the actuation speed and the actuation strength with which the brake pedal is actuated.
The DISTRONIC controller unit takes the current distance and the closing speed to the obstacle into account to permanently calculate the required brake force. If there is no actuation or the intensity of actuation of the brake pedal by the driver considerably decreases, the brake boost on the driver braking is reduced and the Adaptive Brake Assist System is also deactivated. The Brake Assist System will also be deactivated if the driver presses the accelerator pedal.
Additional function requirements for autonomous partial braking
- Vehicle speed: 7 to 200 km/h (for obstacles driving directly in front and stationary obstacles)
Autonomous partial braking
If the driver fails to react in an accident-critical situation to the warning, the DISTRONIC controller unit initiates autonomous partial braking and a reduction in engine torque. The DISTRONIC controller unit calculates the necessary braking torque (maximum deceleration approx. 6 m/s2 ) taking into account the following variables:
- Speed difference relative to the vehicle or obstacle
- Distance from vehicle or obstacle
The DISTRONIC controller unit sends the corresponding request to increase the braking torque and for torque reduction via suspension CAN 1 to the Electronic Stability Program control unit. The Electronic Stability Program control unit evaluates the incoming requests, actuates the traction system hydraulic unit directly, and sends the request to reduce engine torque via chassis CAN 1, powertrain control unit and drive train CAN to the ME-SFI [ME] control unit.
If the driver then reacts to the autonomous partial braking and brakes, the Adaptive Brake Assist System provides support for the best possible utilization of the braking distance to the obstacle.
Model 190
with code 239 (Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC)
with code 299 (PRE-SAFE® system)
If a collision is unavoidable, occupant protection measures are taken in addition to intervention by the brake system.
Automated Stop Vehicle
For an active DISTRONIC PLUS the vehicle will follow the vehicle driving immediately ahead to standstill. The deceleration here is due to the service brake. The service brake also secures a stationary vehicle against rolling away.
After a defined time period the electric parking brake is also activated (standstill control safety strategy).
Securing the vehicle using the DISTRONIC PLUS function (standstill control) does not replace securing the vehicle for parking.
Technical implementation
The DISTRONIC controller unit receives or transmits the following information or requests:
Input factors:
- Object recognition
- Vehicle speed
- Brake pedal position
Initial parameters:
- Increase/reduce engine torque
- Engage targeted gear
- Increase/reduce the braking torque
- Object information
The following traffic situations show the limits of DISTRONIC PLUS:
Obstacles and stationary vehicles
The DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obstacles or stationary vehicles which were not previously registered as the target object. If, for example, the detected vehicle turns off and there is an obstacle or stationary vehicles behind it, no automatic intervention by the brake system occurs.
Curves, curved entrances and exits:
The DISTRONIC PLUS can only provides limited detection of vehicles in curves. One's own vehicle can then brake unexpectedly or late.
Vehicles moving across in front of one's own vehicle:
DISTRONIC PLUS may detect vehicles in cross traffic by mistake.
For an activated distance control the vehicle can start off unintended, (e. g. at a traffic light with cross-traffic).
Displaced driving style:
DISTRONIC PLUS may not be able to detect vehicles driving displaced to one side. The distance to the vehicle in front becomes too small.
Lane change by other vehicles:
The DISTRONIC PLUS does not yet detect the vehicle moving into the lane. The distance to the vehicle moving into the lane becomes too small.
Narrow vehicles:
DISTRONIC PLUS does not detect the vehicle in front at the edge of the carriageway because of its narrow width. The distance to the vehicle in front becomes too small.
| Electrical function schematic for DISTRONIC PLUS | Model 190 up to 11/30/18 with code 239 (Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC) | PE30.30-P-2053-97HBA | |
| Model 190 as of 12/1/18 with code 239 (Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC) | PE30.30-P-2053-97HBB | ||
| Overview of system components for driver assistance systems | GF54.00-P-9998RR |