The current program mode appears in the
multifunction display.:Program mode indicator
You should only change the program mode
when the automatic transmission is in park
position P.
Automatic program mode S will not be stored.
When the engine is turned off with the
automatic program mode S selected, the
automatic transmission will go to the
automatic program mode C when the engine
is restarted.
XPress the program mode selector switch
repeatedly until the letter of the desired
program mode appears in the multifunction
display.
For selecting automatic program mode (C or
S) on vehicles with dynamic handling
package, see “Dynamic handling package
with sport driving mode” (Y page 184).
Selecting program mode C means:
RThe vehicle starts out more gentle, both
forward and reverse, except when driving
off with full throttle.
RTraction and driving stability are improved
on icy roads.
RUpshifts occur earlier even when you give
more gas. The engine then operates at
lower revolutions and the wheels are less
likely to spin.
Selecting program mode S means that
upshifts occur later.
One-touch gearshifting
With the automatic transmission in drive
position D and driving in automatic program
mode C or S, you can limit or extend the gear
range using the gear selector lever or the
steering wheel gearshift control.
Steering wheel gearshift control is available
on vehicles with dynamic handling package
and on C 63 AMG only.
Vehicles with dynamic handling package and
C 63 AMG: For information on using the gear
selector lever or the steering wheel gearshift
control in manual program mode M, see
“Manual shift program” (Y page 113).
Steering wheel gearshift control (exampleillustration)
iYou cannot shift with the steering wheel
gearshift control when the automatic
transmission is in park position P, neutral
position N, or reverse gear R.
Limiting gear range
GWarning!
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.
112Automatic transmissionControls in detail
204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 112
XBriefly press the gear selector lever to the
left in the D- direction.
or
XBriefly pull left gearshift control :.
The automatic transmission will shift into
the next lower gear as permitted by the
shift program. This action simultaneously
limits the gear range of the automatic
transmission.
iTo avoid overrevving the engine when
downshifting, the automatic transmission
will not shift into a lower gear if the engine’s
maximum speed would be exceeded.
Extending gear range
XBriefly press the gear selector lever to the
right in the D+ direction.
or
XBriefly pull right gearshift control ;.
The automatic transmission will shift into
the next higher gear as permitted by the
shift program. This action simultaneously
extends the gear range of the automatic
transmission.
iIf you press on the accelerator pedal
when the engine has reached the
revolution limit of the current gear range,
the automatic transmission will upshift
beyond any gear range limit selected.
Canceling gear range limit
XPress and hold the gear selector lever to
the right in the D+ direction until the gear
range indicator disappears from the
multifunction display.
or
XPull and hold right gearshift control ; until
the gear range indicator disappears from
the multifunction display.
The automatic transmission will shift from
the current gear range directly into drive
position D.
Shifting into optimal gear range XPress and hold the gear selector lever to
the left in the D- direction.
or
XPull and hold left gearshift control :.
The automatic transmission will select the
gear range suited for optimal acceleration
and deceleration automatically. This will
involve shifting down one or more gears.
Manual shift program
The manual shift program is available on
vehicles with dynamic handling package and
on C 63 AMG only.
Manual program mode M differs with regard
to spontaneity, response time, and shifting
smoothness from automatic program mode
S.
In manual program mode M, system-
controlled automatic gearshifting is switched
off. You need to change the gears by manually
upshifting or downshifting using the gear
selector lever or the steering wheel gearshift
control.
Program mode selector switch on vehicles withdynamic handling package
M ManualFor manual gearshiftingAutomatic transmission113Controls in detail204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 113Z
Upshift indicator (C 63 AMG only)
In manual program mode M, upshift
indicator ; 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.
XShift the automatic transmission from
current gear : into the next higher gear.
The fuel supply will otherwise be
interrupted to prevent the engine from
overrevving.
Downshifting
GWarning!
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.
XBriefly press the gear selector lever to the
left in the D- direction.
or
XBriefly pull left gearshift control :
(Y page 112).
The automatic transmission shifts into the
next lower gear.
iVehicles with dynamic handling package:
To avoid overrevving the engine when
downshifting, the automatic transmission
will not shift into a lower gear if the engine’s
maximum speed would be exceeded.
iFor maximum acceleration, press and
hold the gear selector lever to the left in the
D- direction or pull and hold the left
gearshift control. Depending on the engine
speed the automatic transmission selects
the optimal gear for maximum
acceleration.
iWhen you brake or stop, the automatic
transmission shifts down into a gear from
which you can easily accelerate or take off.
Kickdown
AMG vehicles: Using the kickdown while
driving in manual program mode M is not
possible.
All vehicles except AMG vehicles: You can
also use the kickdown while driving in manual
program mode M when you want maximum
acceleration.
XU.S. vehicles: Fully depress the
accelerator pedal.
Depending on the engine speed the
automatic transmission shifts into a lower
gear.
XCanada vehicles: Depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance.
Depending on the engine speed the
automatic transmission shifts into a lower
gear.
iYou cannot shift with the gear selector
lever or the steering wheel gearshift control
when using the kickdown.
Automatic transmission115Controls in detail204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 115Z
Outside temperature indicator
The outside temperature indicator is
displayed in the multifunction display
(Y page 120).
GWarning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge is on the left-hand side of the
instrument cluster (Y page 28). Once the fuel
level has fallen below the reserve mark, the
yellow fuel tank reserve warning lamp 8
for the fuel reserve comes on.
Control system
Introduction
The control system is activated as soon as the
starter switch is in position 2.
The control system enables you to call up
information about your vehicle and to change
vehicle settings.
For example, you can use the control system
to find out when your vehicle is next due for
maintenance service, to call up statistical
data on your vehicle, and much more.
GWarning!
A driver’s attention to the road and traffic
conditions must always be his/her primary
focus when driving.
For your safety and the safety of others,
selecting features through the multifunction
steering wheel should only be done by the
driver when traffic and road conditions permit
it to be done safely.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
The control system relays information to the
multifunction display.
Multifunction steering wheel
The displays in the multifunction display and
the settings in the control system are
controlled by using the buttons on the
multifunction steering wheel.
:Multifunction display;Press button~to end a call
to reject an incoming call
6to answer a call
to dial7
to redial7
8to mute7Function only available in telephone menu.118Control systemControls in detail
204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 118
Press buttonW
Xto set the volume
to operate the RACETIMER 8=Press button?to activate the Voice Control
System 9?Press button briefly%to cancel the Voice Control
System 9
to go back
to confirm messagesPress and hold button%to select the standard displayAPress button;
=to call up line for menus and to
select menusPress button briefly9
:to select submenu or scroll
through lists
within Audio menu to select
previous or next track, scene or
stored station
within Tel menu to switch to
the phone book and select a
name or numberPress and hold button9
:within Audio menu to select a
track or scene with quick
search or to select previous or
next station in station list or
wave band
within Tel menu to start the
quick search in the phone bookPress buttonato confirm selection or
messages
Depending on the selected menu, pressing
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel will alter what appears in the
multifunction display.
The information available in the multifunction
display is arranged in menus and
accompanying functions and submenus.
The individual functions are then found within
the relevant menu (radio or CD operations
under Audio, for example). These functions
serve to call up relevant information or to
customize the settings for your vehicle.
It is helpful to think of the menus, and the
functions within each menu, as being
arranged in a circular pattern.
In the Settings menu, instead of functions,
you will find a number of submenus for calling
up and changing settings. For instructions on
using these submenus, see “Settings menu”
( Y page 130).
The number of menus available in the system
depends on which optional equipment is
installed in your vehicle.
8 AMG vehicles only.
9 The Voice Control System is only available with the COMAND system. Refer to separate operating
instructions.Control system119Controls in detail204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 119Z
Lap analysis
This function is only available if you have
saved at least two laps and have stopped the
RACETIMER.
XPress button = or ; to select the
AMG menu.
XPress button 9 repeatedly until the lap
analysis appears in the multifunction
display.
Each lap is shown in its own submenu. The
fastest lap is indicated by flashing
symbol :.
:Lap number;Lap time=Average speed during lap?Lap lengthAMaximum speed during lapXPress button : or 9 to see other lap
analyses.
Navi menu
The Navi menu contains the functions
needed to operate your navigation system.
XPress button = or ; to select the
Navi menu.
The message shown in the multifunction
display depends on the status of the
navigation system:
RWith the COMAND system switched on
or off and route guidance not activated,
the direction of travel and, if applicable,
the name of the street currently traveled
on appear in the multifunction display.
RWith the COMAND system switched on
and route guidance activated, maneuver
instructions appear in the multifunction
display.
Please refer to separate COMAND system
operating instructions for instructions on how
to activate the route guidance system.
Audio menu
The functions in the Audio menu operate the
audio equipment which you have currently
switched on.
The following functions are available:
RSelecting radio station (Y page 126)
ROperating audio devices/audio media
(Y page 127)
ROperating video DVD (Y page 127)
If the audio system or the COMAND system
is currently switched off, the message Audio
Off appears in the multifunction display.
XTo adjust the volume: Press button
W or X on the multifunction steering
wheel.
Selecting radio station
iThe SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio is treated
as a radio application.
Additional optional satellite radio
equipment and a subscription to a satellite
radio service provider are required for
satellite radio operation. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
details and availability for your vehicle.
For more information on satellite radio
operation, see “Satellite radio”
(Y page 152).
Vehicles with COMAND system:
Refer to separate COMAND system
operating instructions.
126Control systemControls in detail
204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 126
Activating easy-entry/exit feature
Use this function to activate and deactivate
the easy-entry/exit feature (Y page 85).
GWarning!
You must make sure no one can become
trapped or injured by the moving steering
wheel when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated.
To stop steering wheel movement, move
steering wheel adjustment stalk or press one
of the memory position buttons.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could open the driver’s door and
unintentionally activate the easy-entry/exit
feature, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
XPress button = or ; to select the
Settings menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select the
Convenience submenu.
XPress button a.XPress button : or 9 to select the
Easy Entry/Exit: function.
The current setting Enabled or Disabled
is shown.
XPress button a to change the current
status.
Depending on the previous status, the
Easy Entry/Exit: feature will be
Enabled or Disabled.
Switching fold-in function for exterior
rear view mirrors on or off
This feature is only available in Canada
vehicles.
Use this function to set the exterior rear view
mirrors to be folded in automatically when
you lock your vehicle.
With this function set to Enabled and the
exterior rear view mirrors folded in using the
button on the door control panel
(Y page 88), the exterior rear view mirrors will
not fold out when you switch on the ignition.
You will then have to fold out the exterior rear
view mirrors using the button on the door
control panel (Y page 88).
Make sure both exterior rear view mirrors are
folded out completely before driving off.
XPress button = or ; to select the
Settings menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select the
Convenience submenu.
XPress a.XPress button : or 9 to select the
Fold Mirrors in when Locking:
function.
The current setting Enabled or Disabled
is shown.
XPress button a to change the current
status.
Depending on the previous status, the
automatic fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors will be Enabled or Disabled.
Audio system
Audio and telephone operation
These instructions are intended to help you
become familiar with your Mercedes-Benz
audio system. They contain useful tips and a
detailed description of the user functions.
136Audio systemControls in detail
204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 136
The audio system consists of the following:
RAudio control unit
RAudio display
RAudio controller with buttons k and
2
In addition, the audio system can also be
operated with the multifunction steering
wheel (Y page 118).
In these instructions, the keypad (right side
of audio control unit) and the function buttons
are referred to as “buttons”.
Audio control unit
With the audio control unit you can
Rswitch the audio system on/off
Radjust the volume
Rselect the operating modes
Renter telephone numbers and accept,
reject, initiate and end telephone calls
Rload and eject CDs
Audio control unit overviewItem:Switching to radio mode
(Y page 149)
Calling up wave bands
(Y page 149)
Switching on Sat mode
(Y page 154)
;Switching to CD audio or MP3 mode
(Y page 158)
=Disc slot?Load/eject button (Y page 161)AClear button for deleting digits or
entire entries (Y page 178)
Entering a passcode (Y page 171)
Entering a telephone number
(Y page 177)
138Audio systemControls in detail
204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 138