Page 182 of 481

181 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
If you have selected the AMG menu in the 
control system and you are driving in the 
manual program modeM, upshift 
indicator2 in the multifunction display 
advises you to upshift before the engine 
reaches the overspeed range. Thus you 
can drive at the maximum engine speed for 
each gear without overrevving the engine.
1Gear indicator
2Upshift indicator
Shift to the next higher gear.
The fuel supply will otherwise be inter-
rupted to prevent the engine from over-
revving.Downshifting
Briefly press the gear selector lever to 
the left in theD-direction.
or
Briefly pull left shift paddle1 
(
page 178).
The transmission shifts to the next 
lower gear.Kickdown
Using the kickdown when driving in the 
manual program modeM is not possible.
Deactivating manual shift program
Press the program mode selector 
switch (
page 180) repeatedly 
until
CorS appears in the multifunction 
display.
or
Restart the engine.
The transmission will go to the 
automatic program mode (C orS).
The manual program modeM is not 
stored.
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 transmission 
shifts down to a gear from which you can easily 
accelerate or take off. 
     
        
        Page 282 of 481

281 Operation
Driving instructions
Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with 
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an 
important element in conjunction with the 
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial 
control of the pollutants in the exhaust 
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper 
operating condition by following our rec-
ommended maintenance instructions as 
outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
Emission control
Certain parts of the engine and the emis-
sion control system serve to keep the toxic 
components of the exhaust gases within 
permissible limits required by law.
These systems will function properly only 
when maintained strictly according to fac-
tory specifications. Any adjustments on 
the engine should, therefore, be carried 
out only by qualified Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter authorized technicians.Engine adjustments should not be altered 
in any way. Moreover, the specified service 
procedures must be carried out regularly 
according to Mercedes-Benz servicing 
requirements. For details refer to the 
Maintenance Booklet.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic convert-
ers, only use premium unleaded gasoline in this 
vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation 
should be repaired promptly. Otherwise, exces-
sive unburned fuel may reach the catalytic con-
verter, causing it to overheat, which could 
potentially start a fire.
Warning!G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or 
operate this vehicle in areas where combus-
tible 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.
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 only with at least one win-
dow fully open at all times. 
     
        
        Page 326 of 481

325 Operation
Tires and wheels
Maximum tire inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air 
pressure that should ever be put in the tire 
under normal driving conditions.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is 
designed to seat, multiplied by 
68 kilograms (150 lbs).
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle 
at their designated seating positions.
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed 
regular production options weighing over 
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those 
standard items which they replace, not 
previously considered in curb weight or 
accessory weight, including heavy duty 
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty 
battery, and special trim.PSI (Pounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for air pressure 
-> bar, kilopascal (kPa).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
Recommended tire inflation pressure for 
normal driving conditions is listed on the 
Tire and Loading Information placard locat-
ed on the driver’s door B-pillar. Provides 
best handling, tread life and riding com-
fort. If so equipped, supplemental informa-
tion pertaining to special driving situations 
can be found on the tire inflation pressure 
label on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube 
assembly upon which the tire beads are 
seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread and 
the bead.TIN (Tire Identification Number)
Unique identifier which facilitates efforts 
by tire manufacturers to notify purchasers 
in recall situations or other safety matters 
concerning tires and gives purchases the 
means to easily identify such tires. The TIN 
is comprised of “Manufacturer’s identifica-
tion mark”, “Tire size”, “Tire type code” 
and “Date of manufacture”.
Tire load rating
Numerical code associated with the 
maximum load a tire can support.
Tire ply composition and material used
This indicates the number of plies or the 
number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in 
the tire tread and sidewall. Tire manufac-
turers also must indicate the ply materials 
in the tire and sidewall, which include 
steel, nylon, polyester, and others. 
     
        
        Page 467 of 481

466 Index
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 27, 344
Air bag off 70
Battery (SmartKey) 102
Brakes 347
CHECK ENGINE 27, 348, 349
Coolant 350
Distance warning lamp* 220, 226
Engine diagnostics 348, 349
Engine malfunction 27, 348, 349
ESP
®27, 345, 346
Fog lamps 129
Front passenger front air bag off 29, 
356, 357
Fuel reserve 27, 351
High beam headlamps 27
Instrument cluster 344, 346
Seat belt telltale 27, 351, 352
SRS 65
Turn signals 27
Language, Setting 155
LATCH type child seat anchors 86
Layout of poly-V-belt drive 436
License plate lamps 406
Messages in display 385
Replacing bulbs 409Light alloy wheels, cleaning 339
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting 126
Automatic headlamp mode 127
Combination switch 130
Daytime running lamp mode 128
Door entry lamps 135
Exterior lamp switch 126
Front fog lamps 129
High beams 130
Instrument cluster illumination 136
Interior 133
Locator lighting 129
Low beam 126
Manual headlamp mode 127
Night security illumination 129
Parking lamps 126
Rear fog lamp 129
Settings (control system) 159
Trunk lamp 135
Limp-home mode 182
Loading see Vehicle loading
Loading the vehicle 296
Locator lighting 129, 160
Lock button (KEYLESS-GO*)
Door handle 62Locking the vehicle 59
In an emergency 399
Locking/Unlocking, SmartKey 36, 102
Locking/Unlocking, SmartKey with 
KEYLESS-GO* 37
Loss of
Key, Mechanical 108
Key, SmartKey 108
Key, SmartKey with 
KEYLESS-GO* 108
Loss of Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet 433
Low beam headlamps 55
Indicator lamp 27
Replacing bulbs 408
Switching on 55
Lubricants 448
Lumbar support 119