Drive Assist systems, function - GF54.00-P-0002FLM

MODEL 212 as of model year 2014 

Driver assistance systems, general 

The driver assistance systems support the driver in various situations either actively or passively depending on the configuration of the systems. In both cases, the driver assistance systems contribute to driving safety. This helps to reduce the frequency of accidents and their consequences. Ride comfort is also enhanced.

The following driver assistance systems are available and are described in separate documents:

• Attention assistance system 
• Cruise control 
• Lane Keeping Assist (with CODE 476 (Lane Keeping Assist)) 
• COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (with CODE 258 (Collision Prevention Assist)) up to 30.11.2014 
• COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS (with CODE 258 (COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS)) as of 01.12.2014 
• DISTRONIC PLUS (with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS)) 
• Blind Spot Assist (with CODE 234 (Blind Spot Assist)) 
• Active Blind Spot Assist (with CODE 237 (Active Blind Spot Assist)) 
• Active Lane Keeping Assist (with CODE 238 (Active Lane Keeping Assist)) 
• BAS PLUS (with CODE 268 (Brake Assist PLUS) or CODE 269 (Brake Assist PLUS, cross-traffic (BAS+Q))) 
• PRE-SAFE® brake (with CODE 271 (Autonomous brake intervention / pedestrian protection) or CODE 300 (Collision reduction (CMS))) 
• Rear-end PRE-SAFE® (with CODE 253 (Rear collision warning and protection system)) 
• DISTRONIC PLUS Steer Assist (with CODE 266 (Steer Assist)) up to 30.11.2014 
• DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot (with CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot)) as of 01.12.2014 
• Traffic Sign Assist (with CODE 513 (Traffic sign recognition)) 

Attention assistance system 

The attention assistance system is integrated in the Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/4) (model 212 (except 212.074/075/076/092/095/098/274/275/276/292/298) except CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS)), the regenerative braking system control unit (N30/6) (model 212.095/098/298) or the Premium Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/7) (model 212 (except 212.095/098/298) with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS), model 212.074/075/076/092/274/275/276/292). By evaluating steering patterns any onset of driver fatigue (e.g. on long monotonous journeys on freeways and highways) can be detected. If the evaluation indicates fatigue or an increasing lack of attention by the driver, the driver is prompted to take a break by means of visual and acoustic warnings.

Cruise control 

The cruise control constantly controls the actual speed of the vehicle without operation of the accelerator pedal to the target speed set by the driver. The vehicle is also automatically braked through active intervention by the brake system when driving down a hill to maintain the target speed.

The driver assistance systems specified below are based on camera or radar technology. People and objects such as, e.g. vehicles and obstacles or traffic signs are registered on the basis of camera or radar technology. Depending on the particular requirements called for, each of the driver assistance systems use the detection ranges shown as a diagram in the following graphic:

Fig 1: Overview Of Drive Assist System

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Lane Keeping Assist (with CODE 476 (Lane Keeping Assist)) 

The Lane Keeping Assist detects inadvertent crossing of lane markings and, in certain situations, warns the driver by means of a warning system in the steering wheel when the vehicle leaves the lane.

The Lane Keeping Assist evaluates detection range "B" (front field of vision of camera).

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (with CODE 258 (Collision Prevention Assist)) up to 30.11.2014 

The COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS continuously checks the safe distance to the vehicle immediately in front, warns the driver optically and acoustically of potential collisions (e.g. rear-end collision) with other vehicles, thereby significantly reducing the risk of accident considerably. In an imminent collision situation, the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS initiates autonomous partial braking.

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST evaluates detection range "A" (front mid-range radar).

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS (with CODE 258 (COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS)) as of 01.12.2014 

The COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS continuously checks the distance to the vehicle in front, warns the driver visually and acoustically of potential collisions (e.g. rear-end collision) with other vehicles, thereby helping to reduce the risk of accident considerably. In an imminent collision situation, the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS initiates autonomous partial braking.

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS evaluates detection range "A" (front mid-range radar).

DISTRONIC PLUS (with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS)) 

The DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and distance relative to the vehicle in front in a vehicle speed range of v = 0 to 200 km/h and v = 200 to 0 km/h automatically according to the driver's request.

DISTRONIC PLUS evaluates detection ranges "A" (front long range radar) and "C" (front short range radar).

Blind Spot Assist (with CODE 234 (Blind Spot Assist)) 

The Blind Spot Assist monitors the rear and side areas of the vehicle using short range radar and, if necessary, informs the driver that an intentional lane change (turn signal active) is not recommended at this time. In the broader sense, the Blind Spot Assist system acts as an extension of the rearview mirrors.

The Blind Spot Assist evaluates detection range "D" (rear short range radar).

Active Blind Spot Assist (with CODE 237 (Active Blind Spot Assist)) 

The Active Blind Spot Assist monitors the rear and side areas of the vehicle using short range radar and, if necessary, informs the driver that an intentional lane change (turn signal active) is not recommended at this time. In the broader sense, the Active Blind Spot Assist system acts as an extension of the rearview mirrors.

If the active Blind Spot Assist system detects the threat of an imminent side collision with a vehicle during a lane change, a course-correcting intervention by the brake system is requested. This is conducted through targeted wheel-specific interventions by the brake system, to move the vehicle back onto a collision-free course.

Active Blind Spot Assist evaluates detection ranges "A" (front long range radar), "C" (front short range radar) and "D" (rear short range radar).

Active Lane Keeping Assist (with CODE 238 (Active Lane Keeping Assist)) 

The Active Lane Keeping Assist detects when lane markings are unintentionally crossed over and warns the driver in certain situations by means of a warning system in the steering wheel before the lane is exited. If the driver fails to react to the warning, specific interventions by the brake system are initiated in order to return the vehicle to the road lane.

Active Lane Keeping Assist evaluates detection ranges "A" (front long range radar), "B" (front camera field of view), "C" (front short range radar), "D" (rear short range radar) and "E" (rear long range radar).

BAS PLUS (with CODE 268 (Brake Assist PLUS) or CODE 269 (Brake Assist PLUS, cross-traffic (BAS+Q))) 

BAS PLUS supports the driver during a critical braking situation. The required brake servo assistance is calculated dependent on the situation. In this way a threatened collision can be prevented or, at least, the consequences of the collision are mitigated.

Unlike the PRE-SAFE® brake, there is no autonomous brake application with BAS PLUS. The driver is alerted to the hazardous situation and the brake system is prepared for emergency braking; the braking operation must however be initiated by the driver.

BAS PLUS evaluates detection ranges "A" (front long range radar), "B" (front camera field of view) and "C" (front short range radar).

PRE-SAFE® brake (with CODE 271 (Autonomous brake intervention / pedestrian protection) or CODE 300 (Collision reduction (CMS))) 

The PRE-SAFE® brake assesses the traffic situation in front of the vehicle and it continuously determines the hazard potential for a rear-end collision. In critical accident situations PRE-SAFE® brake introduces appropriate measures geared towards avoiding a collision or - at the least - reducing the possible consequences of a collision.

Furthermore, there is a distance warning function contained therein which advises the driver about a vehicle driving immediately ahead which is too close. An optical and acoustic warning is issued before any possible collisions with vehicles or stationary obstacles on the vehicle's own lane.

PRE-SAFE® brake evaluates detection ranges "A" (front long range radar), "B" (front camera field of view) and "C" (front short range radar).

PRE-SAFE® brake is a component of the PRE-SAFE® safety concept. A detailed description of this function is available in the separate "Pre-SAFE" function description.

Rear-end PRE-SAFE® (with CODE 253 (Rear collision warning and protection system)) 

PRE-SAFE® rear end extends the preventive occupant protection system for the stationary vehicle in the event of an imminent rear end collision. To this end, the traffic situation at the rear is monitored. Various measures are introduced on this basis that may be able to reduce the consequences of an accident for the passengers.

Rear-end PRE-SAFE® evaluates detection range "E" (rear long range radar).

The rear-end PRE-SAFE® is a component of the PRE-SAFE® safety concept. A detailed description of this function is available in the separate "Pre-SAFE" function description.

DISTRONIC PLUS Steer Assist (with CODE 266 (Steer Assist)) up to 30.11.2014 

DISTRONIC PLUS Steer Assist extends DISTRONIC PLUS (distance and speed control) by assisting the driver with lateral guidance of the vehicle (steering movement). This does not relieve the driver of his responsibility to ensure that the vehicle remains in its lane, it does however help to ease the strain thereby enhancing the comfort factor.

DISTRONIC PLUS Steer Assist evaluates detection ranges "A" (front long range radar), "B" (front field of view of camera), and "C" (front short range radar).

DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot (with CODE 266 (DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot)) as of 01.12.2014 

The DISTRONIC PLUS automatically controls the speed and the distance to a vehicle driving ahead in accordance with the driver's request by braking when necessary and accelerating again if possible. Distance and speed control is performed by the radar sensors control unit. In order to do this, the radar sensors control unit actively intervenes in the engine management or the brake system.

If heavier braking is required than the DISTRONIC PLUS can apply, the driver is visually and acoustically warned.

The Steer Assist assists the driver by keeping the vehicle in the center of the lane, even in gentle bends. The vehicle stays in its lane, and unintentional movement towards the lane markings is prevented. The Steer Assist does not relieve the driver of his/her task of keeping the vehicle in the lane. It serves more to relieve the load and therefore to facilitate the resulting increase in comfort. Assistance is also only provided within defined limits, i.e. no assistance can be provided for large steering angles at slow speeds, e.g. caused by driving on roads going over passes.

DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot evaluates detection ranges "A" (long range radar), "B" (front field of view of camera) and "C" (front short range radar).

Traffic Sign Assist (with CODE 513 (Traffic sign recognition)) 

Traffic Sign Assist detects traffic and prohibition signs for the stretch of road covered by the vehicle. It notifies the driver of given speed limits and prohibitions or their termination, while also warning visually and acoustically when entering a freeway or a expressway opposite the specified direction of travel (driver driving the wrong way scenario).

The following traffic signs are registered and evaluated:

• Speed limits including additional signs along with the corresponding termination signs
• No overtaking signs and their termination
• No entry signs and regulatory signs on slip roads

The Traffic Sign Assist evaluates detection range "B" (front field of vision of camera).