170 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionProgram 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 program mode selector switch
1 repeatedly until the letter of the de-
sired shift program appears in the ta-
chometer display (
page 22).
Select C for 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 im-
proved 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 (S or C).
Accelerator position
Your driving style influences the transmis-
sion’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.
171 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Manual shift program S 55 AMG
In the manual shift program mode you can
change the gears manually on the steering
wheel (
page 168) or by using the gear
selector lever (
page 165).
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 tachometer display
(
page 22).Activating manual shift program
Press program mode selector
switch1 repeatedly until the
M for
manual shift program appears in the
tachometer 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 tachometer display
(
page 22).
!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.
427 Index
Simultaneous wiping and washing
Windshield wipers 49
Single wipe 49
Sliding/pop-up roof 199
Closing 199, 352
Closing with KEYLESS-GO* 202
Closing with SmartKey 201
Messages in display 333
Opening 199, 352
Opening with SmartKey 201
Stopping 200
Synchronizing 202
SmartKey 30, 88
Battery check lamp 89, 94
Changing the batteries 350
Checking the batteries 91
Factory setting 89
Global locking 89
Global locking and unlocking 89
Global unlocking 89
Locking and unlocking 88
Loss of 91
Opening and closing the
sliding/pop-up roof with 201Opening and closing windows
with 197
Remote controls 88, 92
Replacing the batteries 349
Restoring to factory setting 90
Selective setting 89
Starting the engine 43
Turning off the engine 53
Unlocking with 30
SmartKey positions in starter switch 31
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
Checking the battery 95
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 91
Changing the battery 351
Factory setting 94
Global locking 94
Global unlocking 94
Loss of 96
Messages in display 328
Replacing the battery 349
Selective setting 94
Unlocking 91
Unlocking with 32
Snow chains 293Spare fuses 345
Spare parts service 378
Spare wheel
Mounting 361
Speed
Setting current 204
Setting to last stored speed in
Distronic* ("Resume"
function) 212
Speed settings
Cruise control 205
Distronic* 211, 212
Speedometer
Displaying gear range 166
Displays 208
Settings units 154
Speedometer display mode
Selecting 154
Sporty driving style 221
SRS 66, 405
Indicator lamp 310
SRS indicator lamp 58
Standing lamps 124
Replacing bulbs 353, 354, 357
