Blind Spot Monitor: Standard Or Optional On E-Class?

Blind-spot monitoring is a vehicle-based sensor device that detects other vehicles located in the driver's blind spot. The system provides visual, auditory, vibrating, or tactile alerts to the driver. Blind Spot Monitoring Systems use cameras or radar to watch the area around the vehicle and look for other vehicles that are nearby. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes equipped with the Blind Spot Monitoring system.

The E-Class Blind Spot and Exit Warning User Manual

The Blind Spot and Exit Warning system in the 2023 Mercedes E-Class is an innovative safety technology that alerts drivers to vehicles and obstructions in adjacent lanes, making driving safer.

The system uses two lateral, rear-facing radar sensors to monitor the area up to 130 ft (40 m) behind and 10 ft (3 m) next to your vehicle. If a vehicle is detected at speeds above approximately 8 mph (12 km/h) and enters the monitoring range directly next to your vehicle, the warning lamp in the outside mirror lights up red.

The status display in the instrument cluster will show:

• Grey: the system is activated but inoperative
• Green: the system is activated and operational

If a vehicle is detected close to your vehicle and you switch on the turn signal indicator in the corresponding direction, a double warning tone will sound, and the red warning lamp in the outside mirror will flash. If the turn signal indicator remains on, all other detected vehicles will be indicated by the flashing of the red warning lamp.

System limits

Blind Spot Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist may be limited or interrupted in the following situations:

• If there is dirt on the sensors or if they are obscured
• In poor visibility due to fog, heavy rain, or snow
• With narrow vehicles such as bicycles or motorbikes
• If the road has very wide or narrow lanes
• If vehicles are not driving in the middle of their lane
• When driving close to crash barriers or similar continuous lane borders
• When driving alongside long vehicles, such as trucks, for an extended period
• When the reverse gear is engaged

Exit Warning

The exit warning is an additional function of Blind Spot Assist, which can warn vehicle occupants about approaching vehicles when leaving the vehicle when stationary. The exit warning does not react to stationary objects or persons or road users approaching at a significantly different speed.

When the exit warning is activated, it can warn vehicle occupants for up to three minutes after switching the vehicle off. The exit warning will no longer be available once the warning lamp in the outside mirror flashes three times.

Please note that the exit warning is only an aid and not a substitute for the attention of vehicle occupants. The responsibility for opening and closing the doors and for leaving the vehicle remains with the vehicle occupants.

How does the E-Class Blind Spot Monitor work?

The E-Class is one of several prestigious Mercedes-Benz models that come equipped with Blind Spot Monitor, enhancing driver safety. The Blind Spot Monitor is a crucial safety feature that helps detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots, reducing the risk of accidents during lane changes.

The Blind Spot Monitor uses radar sensors to scan the areas alongside and behind the vehicle. When another vehicle enters the driver's blind spot, the system illuminates a warning light on the appropriate side mirror. This visual alert is accompanied by an audible alert if the driver signals a lane change while another vehicle is in their blind spot.

The Active Blind Spot Assist system, available on nearly all Mercedes-Benz models, uses sensors and cameras to monitor an area of up to 10 feet behind and adjacent to the vehicle. When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, a red triangle warning indicator appears in the corresponding exterior side mirror. If the driver signals a lane change without noticing this visual warning, the warning light will flash and an audible alert will sound. Additionally, if the driver continues to attempt the lane change, Active Blind Spot Assist can apply corrective steering actions to keep the vehicle in its intended lane.

The Blind Spot Monitor is particularly valuable in heavy traffic and on highways, where the risk of side collisions is higher. By providing timely warnings, the system helps drivers make safer decisions and can prevent hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries each year.

What is the difference between Blind Spot Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist?

Blind Spot Assist (BSA) and Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA) are driver assistance systems designed to improve safety by monitoring a vehicle's blind spots. While both systems aim to prevent collisions, there are some key differences in how they function.

Blind Spot Assist uses sensors and cameras to monitor the blind spot areas on either side of a vehicle. When a vehicle enters the blind spot, the system alerts the driver through visual, audible, or tactile warnings. These warnings may include a flashing indicator in the side mirror, an audible alert, or a vibration in the steering wheel. Blind Spot Assist is typically active at speeds above 18 mph and is designed to help drivers avoid potential collisions when changing lanes.

Active Blind Spot Assist, on the other hand, takes a more active role in collision prevention. In addition to providing visual, audible, and tactile warnings, ABSA can also intervene by applying corrective steering actions or even activating the brakes to avoid a collision. This system uses radar sensors placed on the rear bumper to detect the presence of vehicles in the blind spot and a forward-facing camera for lane detection. Like BSA, ABSA is also designed to activate at speeds above 18 mph.

One key difference between the two systems is that ABSA can actively prevent or mitigate the severity of collisions by taking control of the steering or brakes. BSA, on the other hand, relies solely on alerting the driver to take the necessary action to avoid a collision.

Another difference is that ABSA requires the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times to function properly. This ensures that the driver remains engaged and can take over control of the vehicle if needed. BSA, however, does not have this requirement.

It is important to note that both systems are designed to complement safe driving practices and should not be solely relied upon to prevent accidents. Drivers should continue to check their blind spots manually and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

How does the E-Class Exit Warning feature work?

The E-Class Exit Warning feature is an additional function of the Blind Spot Assist and can warn vehicle occupants about approaching vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians when leaving the vehicle when stationary. The system uses sensors to monitor the area around the vehicle. If it detects a potential hazard approaching from behind while the vehicle is stationary, it will warn occupants not to open the doors.

The Exit Warning feature is only available when the Blind Spot Assist is active. When activated, it can continue to warn vehicle occupants for up to three minutes after the vehicle has been switched off. The warning lamp in the outside mirror flashes three times to indicate that the exit warning is no longer available.

The E-Class Exit Warning feature is designed to be an aid and not a substitute for the attention of vehicle occupants. The responsibility for opening and closing the doors and for leaving the vehicle remains with the vehicle occupants. It is important to always pay attention to the traffic situation and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

The sensitivity of the E-Class Exit Warning feature might be adjustable through the vehicle's settings menu, allowing users to customize the alerts according to their preferences.

Can I adjust the sensitivity of the E-Class Exit Warning feature?

The E-Class is one of several prestigious Mercedes-Benz models that come equipped with a Blind Spot Monitor, which enhances driver safety. This feature is particularly valuable in heavy traffic and on highways, where the risk of side collisions is higher.

The Blind Spot Monitor uses radar sensors to scan the areas alongside and behind your vehicle. When a vehicle enters your blind spot, the system illuminates a warning light on the appropriate side mirror. If you signal a lane change while a vehicle is in your blind spot, the system will also emit an audible alert to prevent a potential collision.

The Exit Warning feature is an additional function of the Blind Spot Monitor. It warns vehicle occupants about approaching vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians when leaving the vehicle when stationary.

The sensitivity of the Exit Warning feature might be adjustable through the vehicle’s settings menu. This allows you to customize the alerts according to your preference. However, it is important to note that the exit warning is only an aid and not a substitute for the attention of vehicle occupants. The responsibility for opening and closing the doors and for leaving the vehicle remains with the vehicle occupants.

Frequently asked questions