Page 196 of 341

193 Automatic transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the 
transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service 
brake.
For longer stops with the engine idling, shift into “N” 
or “P” and hold the vehicle with the service brake.
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill gradient, do not 
hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids 
unnecessary transmission heat build up.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a 
parking space, control the vehicle speed by gradually 
releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never 
abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow), 
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying 
slight partial throttle.Rocking a vehicle free in this manner may cause the 
ABS or traction system malfunction indicator lamp to 
come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the 
malfunction indication.
Wa r n i n g !
Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever 
not fully engaged in position “P” is dangerous. 
Also, when parked on an incline, position “P” alone 
may not prevent your vehicle from moving, 
possibly hitting people or objects.Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting 
to position “P”, see page 200 for parking brake. When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel 
against curb.Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the 
electronic key from the steering lock, and lock the 
vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the 
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. 
Children could move the gear selector lever from 
position “P”, which could result in an accident 
and/or serious personal injury.
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        Page 202 of 341

199 Automatic transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Caution!
Never change the program mode when the selector lever 
is out of position “P”. It could result in a change of 
driving characteristics for which you may not be 
prepared.
Important!
Always be certain of the program mode selected since 
the vehicle driving characteristics change with the 
selection of the program mode.
Dependent on the program mode selector switch 
position “S” or “W” and the gear selector lever in 
position “R”, the ratio of power transmission changes.
Emergency operation (Limp home mode)
If vehicle acceleration worsens or the transmission no 
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating 
in Limp home mode which engages when there is a 
malfunction of the transmission. This condition may be 
accompanied by the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction 
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster coming on.In this mode only the 2nd gear or reverse gear can be 
activated.
To engage 2nd gear or reverse:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move selector lever to position “P”.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Wait approx. 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move selector lever to position “D” (for 2nd gear), or 
move selector lever to position “R” (for reverse gear).
Have the transmission checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
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        Page 241 of 341
238 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
LIGHTING SYSTEMWhen the message appears after starting the engine, or 
if it comes on while driving, this indicates a failure in 
the parking lamp, taillamp, stop lamp, or low beam 
headlamp. See page 277 for instructions on replacing 
bulbs.
If an exterior lamp fails, the message will appear only 
when that lamp is switched on.
If a brake lamp fails, the message will appear when 
applying the brake and stays on until the engine is 
turned off.
Note:
If additional lighting is installed (e.g. auxiliary 
headlamps etc.) be certain to connect into the fuse 
before the failure indicator monitoring unit order to 
avoid damaging the system.
Line 1 Line 2
LAMP DEFECTIVE CHECK LAMPS!
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
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        Page 268 of 341
265 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index 6. Insert jack arm fully into the tube hole up to the 
stop. Place jack on firm ground. Position the jack so 
that it is always vertical (plumb-line) as seen from 
the side (see arrow), even if the vehicle is parked on 
an incline.
7. Jack up the vehicle until the wheel is clear of the 
ground. Never start engine while vehicle is raised.8. Unscrew upper-most wheel bolt and install 
alignment bolt (1) supplied in the tool kit. Remove 
the remaining bolts. Keep bolt threads protected 
from dirt and sand.
9. Remove wheel. Grip wheel from the sides. Keep 
hands from beneath the wheels.
P40.10-2481-26
P40.10-2482-26
1
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