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Sequential manual gearbox SMG*The conceptThe sequential manual gearbox SMG is 
an automated manual gearbox with 
which clutching and shifting is assumed 
by an electro-hydraulic system.
The SMG is operated via the selector 
lever in the center console and two shift 
paddles on the steering wheel.
It offers the following functions:
>Sequential mode: manual mode
>Drive mode: automatic operation 
>Ability to choose between two differ-
ent driving programs: Standard, 
Sport
>Operating safety through protection 
against misshifting
>Automatic upshifts and downshifts in 
the drive mode
>Automatic downshifts at minimum 
engine rpm
>Kickdown function in the drive mode.
>Acceleration assistant, refer to 
page 66
Selector lever positionsThe current selector lever position is 
indicated by a light-emitting diode in 
the center console.
R: Reverse
N: Neutral
Position for forward driving with one-
touch functions:
Sequential mode
+: manual upshifts
—: manual downshifts
D: drive mode.
The SMG is ready for operation in igni-
tion key position 2.
The gearbox is automatically 
placed in neutral gear if the 
driver's door is opened while the engine 
is running and the driver does not actu-
ate the pedals, the shift paddles or the 
selector lever.
This is accompanied by an acoustic 
signal and the flashing gear indicator. 
The gear display N appears in the 
instrument cluster.
A driving position can only be engaged 
when the driver's door is closed.
When the vehicle is unlocked, a buzzer 
in the area of the transmission indicates 
that the system is ready for operation.<
ShiftlockWhen the car is at a standstill, a safety 
function requires you to depress the 
brake pedal if you want to move the 
selector lever from the neutral 
position N to a driving position.Driving precautions
Use enough acceleration to pull 
away speedily when moving off on 
an uphill gradient. Never try to prevent 
the car from rolling back on an uphill 
gradient by depressing the accelerator 
pedal; always apply the handbrake. 
Otherwise you could overheat the SMG 
gearbox.<
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If – for example for valet parking – 
you turn over only your spare key, 
refer to page 28, then access to the 
locked glove compartment is not possi-
ble.<
Rechargeable flashlightThe flashlight is located on the left side 
of the glove compartment.
It features integral overload protection, 
so it can be left in its holder continu-
ously.
To avoid completely discharging 
and possibly damaging the flash-
light, always ensure that it is switched 
off before inserting it in the socket.<
Storage compartmentsFront center armrestTo open: press the button and fold up.Additional compartments and 
nets*You will find additional storage com-
partments in the front doors and in the 
center console. Storage nets are on the 
front seat backrests.
Beverage holders, coin boxA coin box and two beverage holders 
are provided in the center console.
Do not place any glass containers 
in the beverage holders, as this 
increases the risk of injury in the event 
of an accident.<
Glove compartment 
     
        
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Rear center armrest*The rear center armrest includes a bev-
erage holder and a litter bag holder.
>Beverage holder: press.
Storage package*For your convenience, there are:
>Two flip-out sockets on the rear cen-
ter console
>An eyeglasses storage compart-
ment*, not shown, in the center con-
sole.
Microphone*Hands-free systemOn vehicles that are wired for a tele-
phone* or equipped with a Voice Input 
System*, the cover for the hands-free 
microphone is located in the headliner 
near the interior lamp.
For further information on using your 
cellular phone or the Voice Input Sys-
tem, refer to the separate Owner's 
Manual.
Storage compartments
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex