2007 MERCEDES-BENZ CL500 Shift

363 Controls in detail
Lighting
Lighting
Exterior lamp switch
The exterior lamp switch is located on the
dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.
iIf you drive in countries where vehicles drive
on the other side of the road than the country in
which the vehicle is registered, you must have
the headlamps modified for symmetrical low
beams. Relevant information can be obtained at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
iThe active Bi-Xenon headlamps monitor
your steering angle and driving speed, then auto-
matically shift their beams to either side to bet-
ter follow the curvature of the road ahead,
increasing usable illumination over conventional
headlamps.
1‚Standing lamps, left (turn left two
stops)
2ˆStanding lamps, right (turn left
one stop)
3MOff
Daytime running lamp mode
(
page 365)
4*Automatic headlamp mode
Daytime running lamp mode
(
page 365)
5CParking lamps (also side marker
lamps, tail lamps, license plate
lamps, instrument panel lamps)
6BLow beam headlamps or high
beam headlamps when the com-
bination switch is pushed for-
ward. The tail lamps, license
plate lamps, side marker lamps,
parking lamps and instrument
panel lamps also come on.
7‡Front fog lamps
8†Rear fog lamp
iIf you hear a warning signal you have forgot-
ten to switch off the headlamps before opening
the driver’s door.
In addition the message “Please switch off
lights” appears in the multifunction display.
Switch off the headlamps.
!Failure to switch off the headlamps when
leaving the vehicle may result in a discharged
battery.

365 Controls in detail
Lighting
Daytime running lamp mode
Turn exterior lamp switch to
positionM or*.
When the engine is running, the low
beam headlamps are switched on.
In low ambient light conditions, the fol-
lowing lamps will switch on additional-
ly:

Tail and parking lamps

License plate lamps

Side marker lamps
Canada only
The daytime running lamp mode is manda-
tory and therefore in a constant mode.When the engine is running, and you shift
from a driving position to positionN orP,
the low beam headlamps will switch off
with a 3-minute delay.
When the engine is running, and you
turn the exterior lamp switch to
positionC, the parking lamps and
the side marker lamps switch on addi-
tionally.

turn the exterior lamp switch to
positionB, the manual headlamp
mode has priority over the daytime run-
ning lamp mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps
switch on (
page 363).USA only
By default, the daytime running lamp mode
is deactivated. Activate the daytime run-
ning lamp mode using the control system,
see “Setting daytime running lamp mode
(USA only)” (
page 271).
When the engine is running, and you turn
the exterior lamp switch to position C
orB, the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp
mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps switch
on (
page 363).
iWith the daytime running lamp mode activat-
ed and the engine running, the low beam head-
lamps cannot be switched off manually.
iWith the exterior lamp switch in position
M or *, you cannot switch on the high
beam headlamps.
The high beam flasher is available at all times.
For nighttime driving you should turn the exterior
lamp switch to positionB to permit activa-
tion of the high beam headlamps.
iWith the daytime running lamp mode
activated and the exterior lamp switch in
position M, you cannot switch on the high
beam headlamps.
The high beam flasher is available at all times.
For nighttime driving you should turn the exterior
lamp switch to positionB or * to permit
activation of the high beam headlamps.

368 Controls in detail
Lighting
Corner-illuminating lamps
The corner-illuminating lamps improve illu-
mination of the area in the direction into
which you are turning.
The corner-illuminating lamps will operate
with the engine running and with:

the exterior lamp switch in
positionB or* (
page 363)
or

the daytime running lamp mode acti-
vated (
page 365).
Switching on corner-illuminating lamps
Switch on the left or right turn signal
(
page 363), depending on whether
you are turning left or right.or
Turn steering wheel in desired direc-
tion.
The corner-illuminating lamp on the
side of your steering direction comes
on.Switching off the corner-illuminating
lamps
The combination switch for the turn signal
resets automatically after major steering
wheel movements. This will switch off the
corner-illuminating lamps if they were acti-
vated by switching on the left or right turn
signal.
If the turn signal should stay on after mak-
ing the turn, the turn signal and corner-illu-
minating lamp can be switched off by
returning the combination switch to its
original position.
iWith the automatic headlamp mode activat-
ed: The corner-illuminating lamps will only come
on in low ambient lighting conditions.
iIf you are driving faster than 43 mph
(70 km/h), the corner-illuminating function is
not available.
iIf you have switched on the turn signal for
one side but turn the steering wheel in the other
direction, the corner-illuminating lamp comes on
for the side indicated by the turn signal.
iThe corner-illuminating lamps temporarily
come on, on both sides of the vehicle if you turn
the steering wheel in one direction and then in
the other direction shortly thereafter.
iThe corner-illuminating lamps will come on
automatically depending on the steering angle,
even if you did not switch on either turn signal. If
the corner-illuminating lamps came on automat-
ically, they will also go out automatically depend-
ing on the steering angle.
iWhen you shift the automatic transmission
in reverse gearR, the corner-illuminating lamp
opposite to your steering direction comes on.
The turn signal has no influence on the corner-il-
luminating lamp on the outside of the curve.
iIf you are driving faster than 43 mph
(70 km/h) when activating the turn signal indica-
tor, the corner-illuminating lamp function is
switched off.
iThe corner-illuminating lamp may remain lit
for a short time. The corner-illuminating lamp
comes on for no more than 20 seconds with the
vehicle standing still. It is then switched off even
if the turn signal is still switched on or you have
turned the steering wheel to full lock.

378 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
Starting the engine Automatic transmission
Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmission
PPark position
RReverse gear
NNeutral
DDrive position
For more information on how to operate
the gear selector lever, see “Automatic
transmission” (
page 389).
Warning!G
Make sure that absolutely no objects are ob-
structing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all obsta-
cles. If there are any floormats or carpets in
the footwell, make sure that the pedals still
have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.Warning!G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause un-
consciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while driving,
have the cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive with at least one window
fully open.

381 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
The engine does not start. You cannot
hear the starter.
The battery may not be sufficiently
charged.
Get a jump start (page 660).
If the engine will not start despite a jump
start:
Call Roadside Assistance.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
Driving off
Depress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever can now be
used.
Shift automatic transmission toD orR.
Release the brake pedal.
Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.
The electronic parking brake is auto-
matically released (
page 384).
The red brake warning lamp 0
(USA only) or ! (Canada only) in the
instrument cluster goes out.After a cold start, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts at a higher engine revolution.
This allows the catalytic converter to reach
its operating temperature earlier.
iWait for the gear selection process to com-
plete before setting the vehicle in motion.
iShifting from gear position P to position R,
N, or D is only possible with the brake pedal de-
pressed. Without the brake pedal depressed, the
gear selector lever can be moved, but the park-
ing pawl remains engaged, not allowing shifting
to occur.
!If you hear a warning signal, the red indica-
tor lamp 0 (USA only) or ! (Canada only)
in the instrument cluster flashes and the mes-
sage “Please release parking brake” appears in
the multifunction display when driving off, you
are driving with the electronic parking brake en-
gaged, or you are carrying out an emergency
brake application with the electronic parking
brake.
Release the electronic parking brake
(
page 384).
iOnce the vehicle is in motion, the automatic
central locking system engages and the locking
knobs in the doors move down.
The automatic door lock feature can be deacti-
vated (
page 238).
You can open a locked door from the inside.
Open door only when conditions are safe to do
so.


382 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
For more information, see “Driving instruc-
tions” (
page 499).
Turn signals
Combination switch
1Turn signals, right
2Turn signals, left
Press the combination switch in the
direction of arrow1 or2.
The corresponding turn signal indicator
lampL orK in the instrument
cluster flashes (
page 30).
The combination switch resets automati-
cally after major steering wheel move-
ments.
Warning!G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.
Warning!G
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector le-
ver out of P or N if the engine speed is high-
er than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel-
erate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
!Shift the automatic transmission toP or R
only when the vehicle is stopped in order to avoid
damaging the transmission.
!Do not run cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high engine
speeds may shorten the service life of the en-
gine.
This is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
!Simultaneously depressing the accelerator
pedal and applying the brakes reduces engine
performance and causes premature brake wear
and drivetrain wear which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.


384 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
Parking Electronic parking brake
Warning!G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and the
steering systems. In this case, it is impor-
tant to keep in mind that a considerably
higher degree of effort is necessary to brake
and steer the vehicle.
Warning!G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible materials such as grass, hay, or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a re-
sult of vehicle movement, before turning off
the engine and leaving the vehicle always:

Keep right foot on brake pedal.

Engage electronic parking brake.

Shift the automatic transmission to P.

Slowly release brake pedal.

When parked on an incline, turn front
wheels towards the road curb.

Turn the SmartKey to starter switch
position0 and remove, or press
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button
(
page 337).

Take the SmartKey or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* with you and lock vehicle
when leaving.
Warning!G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unat-
tended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. Children could release the
electronic parking brake and/or shift the
automatic transmission out of position P, ei-
ther of which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.

385 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
1Handle for electronic parking brake
Manually releasing electronic parking
brake
Pull handle1.
The red indicator lamp 0 (USA only)
or ! (Canada only) in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
You cannot release the electronic parking
brake until the ignition is switched on.Automatically releasing electronic
parking brake
Your vehicle’s electronic parking brake is
automatically released when:

The engine is running.

Transmission is in position D or R.

The hood is closed.

You have fastened your seat belt.

You step on the accelerator pedal.
If gear R is engaged, the trunk must be
closed.
Warning!G
Getting out of your vehicle with the automat-
ic transmission not fully engaged in
positionPis dangerous. Also, when parked
on an incline, position P alone may not pre-
vent your vehicle from moving, possibly hit-
ting people or objects.
Always engage the electronic parking brake
in addition to shifting to position P
(
page 378).
When parked on an incline, turn front wheels
towards the road curb.
iIf you have not fastened your seat belt, the
following conditions must be met in order for the
electronic parking brake to be automatically re-
leased:

The driver’s door is closed.

You must move the gear selector out of P po-
sition or drive faster than 2 mph (3 km/h).