163 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Program mode selector switch
The program mode selector switch is
located on the lower part of the center
console.
1Program mode selector switch
S Sport For standard driving
C Comfort For comfort driving
Press the program mode selector
switch 1 repeatedly until the letter of
the desired shift program appears in
the multifunction display (
page 129).
SelectCfor comfort driving:
The vehicle starts out in second
gear (both forward and reverse) for
gentler starts. This does not apply if
full throttle is applied or gear
range1 is selected.
Traction and driving stability are
improved on icy roads.
Upshifts occur earlier even when
you give more gas. The engine then
operates at lower rpms and the
wheels are less likely to spin.
The power transmission ratio for
gear selector lever positionR
changes depending on the program
mode selected (SorC).
Accelerator position
Your driving style influences the
transmission’s shifting behavior:
Less throttle Earlier upshifting
More throttle Later upshifting
Kickdown
Use kickdown when you want maximum
acceleration.
Press the accelerator past the point of
resistance.
The transmission shifts into a lower
gear.
Ease on the accelerator when you have
reached the desired speed.
The transmission shifts up again.
!Never change the program mode when
the gear selector lever is out of
positionP. This could result in a
change of driving characteristics for
which you may not be prepared.
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164 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionManual shift program CLK 55 AMG
In the manual shift program mode you can
change the gears manually on the steering
wheel (
page 161) or by using the gear
selector lever (
page 158).
Allow engine to warm up under low load
use. Do not place full load on the engine
until the operating temperature has been
reached. Shift into reverse gear only when
the vehicle is stopped.Program mode selector switch
The program mode selector switch is
located on the lower part of the center
console.
1Program mode selector switch
S Sport For standard driving
C Comfort For comfort driving
M Manual For manual gear shifting
The selected shift program (
C/S/M) is
indicated in the multifunction display
(
page 129).Activating manual shift program
Press program mode selector
switch1 repeatedly until the
M for
manual shift program appears in the
multifunction display.
The program mode switches to manual
program modeM. Automatic shifting is
switched off. The gear range is not
limited.
You can change the gears manually when
the gear selector lever is in positionD. You
can upshift or downshift through the gears
in succession.
The current gear selector lever position
and the selected shift program (
C/S/M) is
indicated in the multifunction display
(
page 129).
!Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period when driving off on
slippery road surfaces. This may cause
serious damage to the drive train which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
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192 Controls in detailAudio systemWeather band
Press the
WB key.
The weather band station last selected
is tuned in.
Select the desired weather band
station with buttons4 to7.
If a station cannot be tuned in, a scan
is automatically started.
Pressf ore button. The next
receivable weather band station is
tuned in.
Satellite radio (SAT)* (USA only)Sirius Satellite Radio provides 100 chan-
nels of digital-quality radio, among others
music, sports, news, and entertainment,
free of commercials. Sirius Satellite Radio
uses a fleet of high-power satellites to
broadcast 24 hours per day
coast-to-coast.
This diverse, satellite-delivered program-
ming is available for a monthly subscrip-
tion fee.
For more information, call the Sirius ser-
vice or contact www.siriusradio.com
Program categories
The channels are categorized. The catego-
ries allow you to tune to stations broad-
casting a certain type of program
(PTY mode) (
page 195).
iAdditional optional satellite radio
equipment and a subscription to satel-
lite radio service provider is required
for the satellite radio operation de-
scribed here. Feature description is
based on preliminary information avail-
able at time of printing.
At time of printing, no date for availabil-
ity of optional equipment required for
satellite radio operation had been set.
Contact your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for details and
availability for your vehicle.
Satellite radio service may be unavail-
able or interrupted from time to time
for a variety of reasons, such as envi-
ronmental or topographic conditions
and other things we can't control. Ser-
vice might also not be available in cer-
tain places (e.g., in tunnels, parking
garages, or within or next to buildings)
or near other technologies.
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429 Index
Automatic climate control 172
Adjusting air distribution 176
Air recirculation mode 178
Defrosting 177
Rear window defroster 171
Setting the temperature 175
Automatic headlamp mode 120
Automatic lighting control
Activating 124
Deactivating 125
Automatic locking when driving 107Automatic transmission 157
Accelerator position 163
Comfort (C) program mode 163, 164
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) 166
Fluid level 291
Gear ranges 159
Gear selector lever position 157, 160
Gear shifting malfunctions 166
Kickdown 163
Manual (M) program mode 164
Manual shift program
mode (CLK 55 AMG) 164
One-touch gearshifting 158
Program mode selector switch 163
Program mode selector
switch CLK 55 AMG 164
Speedshift (CLK 55 AMG) 161
Sport (S) program mode 163, 164
Starting the engine 44
Steering wheel gearshift
control (CLK 55 AMG) 161
Transmission fluid 291
Auxiliary fuse box 396B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 71, 419
Compatible child seats 71, 419
Self-test 72
Backup lamps 373, 378
Bulbs 373
BAS 78, 419
Messages in display 322, 323
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 350
Check lamp 89, 94
Checking 90, 95
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Changing 351
Check lamp 89, 94
Checking 90, 95
Battery discharged
Jump starting 388
Battery, vehicle 294, 385
Charging 386
Disconnecting 386
Messages in display 326
Reconnecting 387
Reinstalling 386
Removing 386
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451 Index
Soft top switch 218, 219
Sound system 183
Spare fuses 396
Spare parts service 398
Speed
Setting current 227
Setting last stored speed
("Resume" function)
in Distronic* 235
Speed settings
Cruise control 228
Distronic* 234, 235
To last stored speed
("Resume" function)
in Cruise control 228
Speed shift 424
Speedometer 23
Displaying gear range 159
Distronic* displays 231
Settings units 142
Speedometer display mode
Selecting 142
Speedshift (CLK 55 AMG) 161SRS 66, 424
Indicator lamp 318
Standard driving
Transmission program
mode S (Sport) 163, 164
Standing lamps 119
Replacing bulbs 373, 375, 377
Standing water
Driving instructions 280
Starter switch 21, 31
Positions 31
Starting difficulties 45
Starting position 31
Starting the engine 43
Station (radio)
Search 135
Station selection
Setting 149
Steering column
In/out adjustment 38
Up/down adjustment 38
Steering gear oil
Message in display 341Steering wheel 37
Adjusting 37
Buttons 24
Cleaning 309
Height adjustment 38
Steering wheel gearshift
control (CLK 55 AMG) 161
Activating 164
Deactivating 165
Downshifting 162
Upshifting 162
Stolen vehicle
Tracking services 265
Stopping
Windows 212
Storage bags 252
Storage compartments
Glove box 250
Storage spaces
Cup holder 251
Storing
Minispare wheel 346
Storing (Memory function)
Positions into memory 117
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453 Index
Tele Aid
Information 262
Initiating an
emergency call manually 260
Messages in display 341
Remote door unlock 264
Roadside assistance 260
Stolen vehicle tracking services 265
Tele Aid System 257
Tele Aid System 425
Tele Aid* 257
Emergency calls 258
System self-check 258
Upgrade signals 263
Telematics* 425Telephone* 24, 256
Answering a call 155
Dialing a number from
the phone book 155
Emergency call 208
Ending a call 155
Hands-free microphone 27
Loading phone book* 155
Messages in display 342
Operating 154
Operation 203
Redialing 156
Temperature
Display mode 142
Grades of tires 418
Setting units in display 142
Tires 298
Tightening torque 425
Tightening torque (Wheel bolts) 384
Time
Setting hours 144
Setting minutes 145Tire inflation pressure
Checking 286, 298
Tire speed rating 278, 425
Tire traction 277
Tires 403
Consumer information 417
Direction of rotation 297
Driving instructions 276
Retreads 296
Rims and tires 403
Service life 297
Temperature 298
Temperature grades 418
Tires and wheels 296
Tread depth 300
Wear pattern 299
Winter 300
Tools 343
Tow-away alarm 25, 84
Arming 85
Disarming 85
Disarming for transport 84
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