Activating and using the cruise control system in your Mercedes-Benz vehicle, including those with AMG steering wheels, is a straightforward process. The cruise control system helps maintain a constant speed without requiring you to press the accelerator pedal, enhancing comfort during long drives and on highways. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to activate and use it:

1. Locate the Cruise Control Stalk or Steering Wheel Buttons

• The cruise control stalk is typically found behind the steering wheel or on the left side of the steering column, although it may vary depending on the model. For vehicles with an AMG steering wheel, you may find cruise control buttons integrated on the wheel itself.
• Some models may also have buttons on the steering wheel that allow you to adjust the cruise control settings, while others may require the stalk to be used.

2. Activate the Cruise Control System

• Turn on the car: Start your vehicle by turning on the ignition or pressing the engine start button.
• Engage the system: To activate cruise control:
  • If using a stalk: Move the stalk towards the "ON" position, or push it up/down to activate the cruise control.
  • If using buttons on the steering wheel: Press the cruise control button (usually marked with a speedometer icon).
• The cruise control system will activate, and the “CRUISE” light or an indicator will appear on your dashboard or the digital display, showing that it is ready to be set.

3. Set the Desired Speed

• Accelerate to the desired speed: Drive your vehicle to the speed you want to maintain.
• Set the speed:
  • If using a stalk: After reaching the desired speed, push the stalk upwards to set the cruise control. In some vehicles, pulling the stalk towards you (or pushing the "SET" button on the steering wheel) will lock in the speed.
  • If using the steering wheel buttons: Press the SET button to lock the cruise control at your current speed.
  The system will now maintain that speed without the need to keep your foot on the accelerator.

4. Adjusting the Speed

• To increase the speed:
  • Use the stalk by moving it upward or pressing the “+” button on the steering wheel.
  • If using the buttons on the steering wheel: Simply press the + or up button to increase speed incrementally.
• To decrease the speed:
  • Use the stalk by moving it downward or pressing the “-” button on the steering wheel.
  • If using the buttons: Press the - or down button to reduce speed.
• Speed increments are usually in small steps, but you can keep pressing the buttons until the desired speed is reached.

5. Cruise Control Features:

• Resume/Cancel:
  • To resume a previously set speed after canceling or turning off the system, press the RES (resume) button on the stalk or on the steering wheel. This will return the system to the last set speed.
  • To cancel cruise control, either press the cancel button on the stalk or simply tap the brake pedal. The system will disengage, and you can manually control the speed again.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (if equipped):
  • Some modern Mercedes-Benz models, especially AMG variants, may feature adaptive cruise control. This system automatically adjusts your speed based on the distance from the vehicle ahead.
  • Use the distance setting buttons on the steering wheel (usually marked with an icon of a car and a distance) to adjust how far away from the car ahead you want to maintain.
  • If the vehicle in front slows down, adaptive cruise control will slow your car down as well, maintaining a safe following distance. If the road clears, it will accelerate back to your set speed.

6. Deactivating Cruise Control

• To turn off the cruise control system:
  • If using the stalk: Move the stalk back to the "OFF" position.
  • If using the steering wheel buttons: Press the OFF button or tap the brake pedal to disengage the system.

7. Cruise Control Safety Tips:

• Braking: If you need to brake or slow down, simply press the brake pedal. This will automatically disengage the cruise control system. You can then resume by pressing the resume button after braking.
• Speed Limit Adjustments: Always ensure that your cruise control speed is within legal limits, especially in areas with variable speed limits.
• Avoid Using Cruise Control in Traffic: It’s best to avoid using cruise control in heavy traffic or on winding roads, as it may not provide the level of responsiveness required for safe driving in such conditions.

Conclusion:

Using the cruise control system in your Mercedes-Benz, including AMG models, is a simple way to enhance comfort during long highway drives by maintaining a constant speed without manually controlling the accelerator. Always remember to activate, adjust, and deactivate the system safely, and enjoy a smoother driving experience on open roads.