182 Controls in detailAutomatic transmission
Downshifting
Press button1 on the left side of the
steering wheel.
The transmission will shift to the next
lower gear as permitted by the shift
program. This action simultaneously limits
the gear range of the transmission
(
page 177) when you are driving in the
automatic program mode (CorS).Upshifting
Press button2 on the right side of the
steering wheel.
The transmission will shift to the next high-
er gear as permitted by the shift program.
This action simultaneously extends the
gear range of the transmission when you
are driving in the automatic program
mode (CorS).
iYou cannot shift with the steering
wheel gearshift buttons when the gear
selector lever is in positionP,N orR.
The manual program modeM will not
be stored. When the engine is turned
off with the manual program modeM
selected, the transmission will go to
the automatic program mode (CorS)
when the engine is restarted.
The last selected program
mode (CorS) is switched on when the
engine is restarted in the automatic
program mode.
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.
183 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Manual shift program E 55 AMG
In the manual program mode M you can
change the gears manually on the steering
wheel (
page 181) or by using the gear
selector lever (
page 176).The 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 174).Activating manual shift program
Press program mode selector
switch1 repeatedly until the
M for
manual shift program mode M 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.
!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 R or parking
positionP only when the vehicle is
stopped.
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.
184 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionDownshifting
Briefly press the gear selector lever to
the left in theD-direction
(page 176).
or
Press button1 on the left side of the
steering wheel (
page 181).
The transmission shifts to the next
lower gear.Upshifting
Briefly press the gear selector lever to
the right in theD+direction
(page 176).
or
Press button2 on the right side of the
steering wheel (
page 181).
The transmission shifts to the next
higher gear.
If, instead of the manual program mode
symbol
M, thep symbol appears in
the multifunction display (
page 174),
shift to the next higher gear. The fuel
supply will otherwise be interrupted to
prevent the engine from overrevving.
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.
!In the manual program modeM, the
transmission will not upshift, even if
the engine has reached its overrevving
range. Shift up to the next gear before
the engine has reached its overrevving
range. Make absolutely certain that the
engine speed does not reach the red
marking on the tachometer
(page 24). Otherwise the engine
could be damaged which is not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
286 OperationIn the “Operation” section you will find de-
tailed information on operating, maintain-
ing and caring for your vehicle.The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle
during the break-in period, the more satis-
fied you will be with its performance later
on.
Drive your vehicle during the first
1000 miles (1500 km) at varying but
moderate vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads
(full throttle driving) and excessive en-
gine speeds (no more than
2/3 of max-
imum rpm in each gear).
Avoid accelerating by kick-down.
Do not attempt to slow the vehicle
down by shifting to a lower gear using
the selector lever.
Select positions3, 2 or1 only when
driving at moderate speeds (for hill
driving).
Select C as the preferred shift program
(page 179) for the first 1000 miles
(1500 km).After 1000 miles (1500 km) you may grad-
ually increase vehicle and engine speeds
to the permissible maximum.
All of the above, as may apply to your vehi-
cle type, also apply when driving the first
1000 miles (1500 km) after the engine or
the rear differential has been replaced.
!Additional instructions for AMG vehi-
cles:
During the first 1000 miles
(1500 km), do not exceed a speed
of 85 mph (140 km/h).
During this period, avoid engine
speeds above 4500 rpm in each
gear.
iAlways obey applicable speed limits.
289 Operation
Driving instructions
To help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads. If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter stays on, there is a malfunction in the
SBC brake system (
page 90) or the
brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the res-
ervoir.
Have the brake system inspected by quali-
fied technicians immediately. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid rec-
ommended by Mercedes-Benz.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
parking, so that the air stream will cool
down the brakes faster.
!Be very careful not to endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Refer to the description of the Brake
Assist System (BAS) (
page 87).
Warning!
G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.
Be certain to read and observe the warning
notices on brake pad replacement
(page 380).!When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps pre-
vent overheating of the brakes and re-
duces brake pad wear.
308 OperationEngine compartmentTransmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
check the transmission.Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze. To check
the coolant level, the vehicle must be
parked on level ground and the engine
must be cool.
The coolant expansion tank is located on
the driver’s side of the engine compart-
ment. 1Coolant expansion tank
Using a rag, turn the cap slowly approx-
imately one half turn to the left to re-
lease any excess pressure.
Continue turning the cap to the left and
remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level:
for cold coolant: reaches the black
top part of the reservoir
for warm coolant: is approximately
0.6 in (1.5 cm) higher
Add coolant as required.
Warning!
G
In order to avoid any possibly serious burns:
Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system,
or if the coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates that the coolant is overheated.
Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if coolant temperature is
above 158°F (70°C). Allow engine to
cool down before removing cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and
is under pressure.
Using a rag, slowly open the cap approx-
imately
1/2 turn to relieve excess pres-
sure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out un-
der pressure.
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene gly-
col which may burn if it comes into con-
tact with hot engine parts.
473 Technical terms
FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles)
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem PLUS)
Maintenance service indicator in the
multifunction display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. FSS evaluates en-
gine temperature, oil level, vehicle
speed, engine speed, distance driven
and the time elapsed since your last
service, calculates other maintenance
service work required, and calls for the
next maintenance service accordingly.
Gear range
Number of gears which are available to
the automatic transmission for shifting.
The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.GPS
(G
lobal P
ositioning S
ystem)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special re-
ceivers. Employs DVD digital maps for
navigation.
Heater booster system
Provides for additional heat in the
vehicle interior in vehicle models with
diesel engines.
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning
lamps in the driver’s field of vision, in-
cluding the tachometer, speedometer
and fuel gauge.
KEYLESS-GO*
System for entering and operating the
vehicle without the use of a SmartKey.Kickdown
Depressing the accelerator past the
point of resistance shifts the transmis-
sion down to the lowest possible gear.
This very quickly accelerates the vehi-
cle and should not be used for normal
acceleration needs.
Lock button
Button on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or un-
locked. Pushing the lock button down
on an individual door from inside will
lock that door.
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles)
Maintenance service indicator in the
multifunction display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. The Vehicle Main-
tenance System in your vehicle tracks
distance driven and the time elapsed
since your last maintenance service,
calculates other maintenance service
work required, and calls for the next
maintenance service accordingly.
479 Index
Automatic climate control (4-zone*) 204
Adjusting air distribution 210
Adjusting air volume 211
Air conditioning 214
Air recirculation mode 212
Deactivating 209
Defrosting 211
Maximum cooling MAX COOL 212
Rear air conditioning 216
Residual heat and ventilation 215
Setting the temperature 210
Automatic climate control (Dual-zone)
Adjusting air distribution 198
Adjusting air volume 198
Air conditioning 201
Air recirculation mode 199
Defrosting 199
Heater booster system 203
Residual ventilation 202
Setting the temperature 197
Automatic climate control*
Rear window defroster 191
Automatic headlamp mode 134Automatic lighting control
Activating 139
Automatic locking when driving 118
Automatic transmission 174
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 185
Gear ranges 177
Gear selector lever position 178
Gear shifting malfunctions 185
Manual shift program mode
(E 55 AMG) 183
Manual shifting 176
One-touch gearshifting 176
Program mode selector switch 179
Selector lever position 174
Starting the engine 46
Winter program mode 179
Automatic transmission*
Accelerator position 180
Kickdown 180
Kickdown, manual shift program (E 55
AMG only) 185B
Backrest
Folding forward 257
Folding rearward 258
Bar 337
BAS 87, 471
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 415, 416
Check lamp 100, 106
Checking 101, 107
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Changing 415, 416
Checking 101, 107
Batteries, vehicle
Charging 435
Disconnecting 434
Messages in display 370, 378, 379
Reconnecting 435
Removing 435
Service 433