Page 170 of 506

169 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Automatic shift program
The program mode selector switch is 
located on the lower part of the center 
console.
1Program mode selector switch
C Comfort For comfort driving
S Sport For standard driving
The current gear selector lever position 
and the selected program mode (
C/S) are 
indicated in the multifunction display 
(
page 164).
Press program mode selector 
switch1 repeatedly until the letter of 
the desired program mode appears in 
the multifunction display.
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.
!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.iThe last selected program 
mode (CorS) is switched on when the 
engine is restarted. 
     
        
        Page 175 of 506

174 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionThe program mode selector switch is 
located on the lower part of the center 
console.
1Program mode selector switch
M Manual For manual gear shifting
C Comfort For comfort driving
S Sport For standard driving
The current gear selector lever position 
and the selected program mode (
M/C/S) 
are indicated in the multifunction display 
(
page 164).Activating manual shift program
Press program mode selector 
switch1 repeatedly until the
M for 
manual program modeM appears in 
the multifunction display.
The transmission switches to the 
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.Downshifting
Briefly press the gear selector lever to 
the left in theD-direction 
(page 165).
or
Press button1 on the left side of the 
steering wheel (
page 172).
The transmission shifts to the next 
lower gear.
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift 
in order to obtain braking action. This could 
result in drive wheel slip and reduced 
vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not 
prevent this type of loss of control.iWhen you brake or stop, the transmis-
sion shifts down to a gear from which 
you can easily accelerate or take off. 
     
        
        Page 214 of 506

213 Controls in detail
Audio system
Introduction to satellite radio* (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, in the contiguous U.S.
This diverse, satellite-delivered program-
ming is available for a monthly subscrip-
tion fee.
For more information and service 
availability call the SIRIUS Service Center 
(page 217), or contact 
www.siriusradio.comProgram categories
The channels are categorized. Categories 
allow you to tune to stations broadcasting 
a certain type of program (category mode) 
(
page 216).
iAdditional satellite radio equipment 
and a subscription to a satellite radio 
service provider are required for the 
satellite radio operation described 
here.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center for details and availability for 
your vehicle.
Note that categories and channels 
shown in illustrations are dependent on 
programming content delivered by the 
service provider. Programming content 
is subject to change. Therefore, chan-
nels and categories shown in illustra-
tions and descriptions contained in this 
manual may differ from the channels 
and categories delivered by the service 
provider.
iSatellite 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 beyond the service 
provider’s or our control. Service might 
also not be available in certain places 
(e.g., in tunnels, parking garages, or 
within or next to buildings) or near oth-
er technologies. 
     
        
        Page 493 of 506

492 IndexTele Aid 277
Emergency calls 278
Information 281
Initiating an 
emergency call manually 279
Messages in display 388
Remote door unlock 283
Roadside Assistance 280
Stolen vehicle tracking services 283
System self-check 277
Tele Aid System 277
Upgrade signals 282
Tele Aid System 466
Telematics* 466
Telephone* 26, 276
Answering a call 161
Dialing a number 
from the phone book 161
Ending a call 161
Hands-free microphone 29
Loading phone book* 161
Messages in display 390
Operating 160
Operation 224
Redialing 162Temperature
Display mode 145
Setting interior temperature 183
Setting units in display 145
Tires 323
Tightening torque 466
Tightening torque (Wheel bolts) 426
Time
Setting hours 147
Setting minutes 148
TIN 338
Tire
Vehicle maximum load on 338
Tire and Loading Information 317
Tire and loading terminology 335
Tire care and maintenance 314
Tire Identification Number see TIN
Tire inflation pressure
Checking 304, 322, 324
Tire inspection 314
Tire load rating 338
Tire ply composition 
and material used 338
Tire speed rating 296, 328, 338
Tire terminology 335
Tire traction 296Tires 313, 445
Direction of rotation 316
Driving instructions 295
Retreads 313
Rims and tires 445
Rotating 339
Service life 314
Temperature 323, 334
Tread depth 315, 340
Wear pattern 339
Winter 340
Tools 391
Tow-away alarm 27, 91
Disarming 92
Disarming for transport 91
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit)
CLK 320/CLK 500 434
CLK 55 AMG 435
Installing 434
Installing (CLK 55 AMG) 435
Towing the vehicle 432
Tracking services
For stolen vehicle 283
Traction 169, 338
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Traveling abroad 299