i Shifting the automatic transmission out
of park position P is only possible with the
brake pedal depressed.
Without the brake pedal depressed, the
gear selector lever can be moved up or
down, but the parking pawl remains
engaged, not allowing shifting to occur.
i The gear selector lever always returns to
its original position.
The current transmission position P, R, N,
or D appears in the multifunction display
(Y page 118).
E 63 AMG only: There are additional
indicators on the cover of the shifting gate
showing the current gear selector lever
position.
The indicators come on when you insert the
SmartKey into the starter switch, and go out
when you remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch.
GWarning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
iMoving the gear selector lever up or down
shifts the automatic transmission out of
park position P.
All models except E 63 AMG: Shifting
into park position P
XWith the vehicle at a standstill, press
button : on the gear selector lever.
SmartKey: When you turn off the engine using
the SmartKey, and remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch or open a front door,
the automatic transmission will shift into park
position P automatically.
KEYLESS-GO: When you turn off the engine
using the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and
open a front door, the automatic transmission
will shift into park position P automatically.
GWarning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
iMoving the gear selector lever up or down
shifts the automatic transmission out of
park position P.
HOLD function or DISTRONIC PLUS:
The automatic transmission will shift into
park position P automatically when HOLD
function or DISTRONIC PLUS brings your
vehicle to standstill. In addition, at least one
of the following conditions must be met:
RThe engine is turned off.
RThe driver’s door is opened and the seat
belt is not inserted in the seat belt buckle.
E 63 AMG: Shifting into park position P
XWith the vehicle at a standstill, press
button : on the gearshift pattern.
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GWarning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
Shifting into neutral position N
XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal.XMove the gear selector lever up or down to
the resistance point to select neutral
position N.
When you turn off the engine, the automatic
transmission will shift into neutral position
N automatically.
SmartKey: Removing the SmartKey from the
starter switch or opening a front door after
turning off the engine will shift the automatic
transmission into park position P
automatically.
KEYLESS-GO: Opening a front door after
turning off the engine will shift the automatic
transmission into park position P
automatically.
Remaining in neutral position N
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral position N, e.g. when taking
the vehicle through an automatic conveyor-
type car wash, observe the following
instructions.
GWarning!
When leaving the SmartKey in the starter
switch, do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle. It is possible for children to switch
on the ignition which could result in
unsupervised use of vehicle equipment.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
With SmartKey:XMake sure the ignition is switched on.XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XIf engaged, release the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
With KEYLESS-GO:
XMake sure the ignition is switched on.XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.XRelease the brake pedal.XRemove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button from the starter switch.XInsert the SmartKey into the starter switch.XSwitch on the ignition.XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
pressed.XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XIf engaged, release the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
Shifting into reverse gear R
XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal.XMove the gear selector lever up past the
resistance point.
Shifting into drive position D
XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal.XMove the gear selector lever down past the
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EffectBPark position
Shift the automatic transmission
into park position P only when the
vehicle is stopped. The park
position is not intended to serve as
a brake when the vehicle is parked.
Rather, the driver should always
engage the parking brake in
addition to shifting the automatic
transmission into park position P to
secure the vehicle.
The SmartKey can only be removed
from the starter switch with the
gear selector lever in park position
P . With the SmartKey removed from
the starter switch, the gear selector
lever is locked in park position P.
If the vehicle’s electrical system is
malfunctioning, the automatic
transmission could remain locked
in park position P.XHave the vehicle’s electrical
system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.CReverse gear
Shift the automatic transmission
into reverse gear R only when the
vehicle is stopped.EffectANeutral position
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive axle. When the
brakes are released, the vehicle can
be moved freely (pushed or towed).
To avoid damage to the
transmission, never shift the
automatic transmission into neutral
position N while driving.
Exception: If the ESC is switched off
or malfunctioning, shift the
automatic transmission into neutral
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding.
! Coasting the vehicle, or driving
for any other reason with the
automatic transmission in
neutral position N can result in
transmission damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.7Drive position
The automatic transmission shifts
automatically. All forward gears are
available.
Driving tips
Kickdown
Use the kickdown when you want maximum
acceleration.
XU.S. vehicles except AMG vehicles:
Fully depress the accelerator pedal.
Depending on the engine speed the
automatic transmission shifts into a lower
gear.XCanada vehicles and AMG vehicles:
Depress the accelerator pedal past the
point of resistance.
Depending on the engine speed the
automatic transmission shifts into a lower
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DownshiftingGWarning!
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 pull left gearshift control :
( Y page 122).
The automatic transmission shifts into the
next lower gear.
i When you brake or stop, the automatic
transmission shifts down into a gear from
which you can easily accelerate or take off.
Kickdown
Using the kickdown while driving in manual
program mode M is not possible.
Deactivating manual shift program
XTurn the program mode selector dial until
C or S appears in the multifunction display.
or
XRestart the engine.
The automatic transmission will go to
automatic program mode C.
Manual program mode M is not stored.
Emergency operation (limp-home
mode)
If vehicle acceleration becomes less
responsive or sluggish or the automatic
transmission no longer shifts, the automatic
transmission is most likely operating in limp-
home (emergency operation) mode. In this
mode only second gear and reverse gear R
can be selected.
XStop the vehicle in a safe location.XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.XTurn off the engine.XWait at least 10 seconds before restarting.XRestart the engine.XShift the automatic transmission into drive
position D (for second gear) or reverse gear
R .XHave the automatic transmission checked
at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.
Transfer case
This section applies to vehicles equipped with
all-wheel drive (4MATIC) only. Both the front
and rear axles are powered at all times when
the vehicle is being operated.
! Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
! Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0, or
1 , or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0, or 1) when
R the parking brake is being tested on a
brake test dynamometer
R towing the vehicle with the front or rear
axle raised (not permissible for vehicles
with 4MATIC)
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
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If another display appears instead of the
standard display:
XPress button = or ; to select the
Trip menu.
or
XPress button % repeatedly until the
standard display appears.
or
XPress and hold button % until the
standard display appears.
Fuel consumption statistics since start
XPress button = or ; to select the
Trip menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select From
Start.
:Distance driven since start;Time elapsed since start=Average speed since start?Average fuel consumption since start
All statistics stored since the last engine start
will be reset approximately 4 hours after the
SmartKey in the starter switch is turned to
position 0 or removed from the starter switch.
Resetting will not occur if you turn the
SmartKey back to position 1 or 2 within this
time period.
The fuel consumption statistics since start
reset automatically to 0 after 9 999 miles or
999 hours, whichever occurs first.
Fuel consumption statistics since last
reset
XPress button = or ; to select the
Trip menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select From
Reset.
:Distance driven since last reset;Time elapsed since last reset=Average speed since last reset?Average fuel consumption since last reset
The fuel consumption statistics since last
reset reset automatically to 0 after
99 999 miles or 9 999 hours, whichever
occurs first.
Resetting values
You can reset the values for the following
functions:
RTrip odometer
RFuel consumption statistics since start
RFuel consumption statistics since last reset
XPress button = or ; to select the
Trip menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select the
function you wish to reset.
XPress button a.
Example illustration: Reset fuel consumptionstatistics since start
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SETUPXPress button = or ; to select the
AMG menu.
XPress button 9 to select SETUP.
or
XTap the AMG button on the center console
(Y page 165).
iYou can store and call up automatic
transmission program mode and
suspension style settings with the AMG
button on the center console. For more
information, see (Y page 165).
:Automatic transmission program mode
indicator
;ESC mode indicator=Suspension style indicator
RACETIMER
GWarning!
The RACETIMER feature is only for use on
roads and in conditions where high speed
driving is permitted. Racing on public roads is
prohibited under all circumstances. The driver
is and must always remain responsible for
following posted speed limits.
The RACETIMER allows you to time and save
driving stretches.
XPress button = or ; to select the
AMG menu.
XPress button 9 repeatedly until the
RACETIMER appears in the multifunction
display.
:RACETIMER;Lap number
You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or the starter switch is in
position 2 (Y page 85).
While the RACETIMER is being displayed, you
cannot adjust the audio volume using buttons
W or X.
XStarting: Press button W.XDisplaying intermediate time: Press
button X while the timer is running.
The intermediate time is shown for
5 seconds.
XStopping: Press button W.
When you stop the vehicle and turn the
SmartKey to position 1 (Y page 85) or, in
vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, turn off the
engine and do not open the driver’s door, the
RACETIMER stops timing. Timing is resumed
when you press button W after switching
the ignition back on or restarting the engine.
Saving lap time and starting a new lap
You can save up to 16 laps.
XPress button X while the timer is
running.
The intermediate time will be shown for
5 seconds.
XPress button X within 5 seconds.
The intermediate time shown will be saved
as a lap time.
The RACETIMER begins timing the new lap.
The new lap begins to be timed as soon as
the intermediate time is called up.
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RVehicle status message memory
(Y page 139)
RRestarting the tire pressure loss warning
system (Canada only) (Y page 233)
RChecking tire inflation pressure
electronically with the Advanced TPMS
(Y page 233)
RCalling up the maintenance service
indicator display (Y page 259)
Vehicle status message memory
Use the vehicle status message memory
function to scan malfunction and warning
messages that may be stored in the system.
Such messages appear in the multifunction
display and are based on conditions or
system status the vehicle’s system has
recorded.
GWarning!
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner’s and/or driver’s
responsibility to maintain the vehicle’s
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages.
XPress button = or ; to select the
Serv. menu.
If conditions have occurred causing status
messages to be recorded, the number of
messages appears in the multifunction
display:
XPress button : or 9 to select the
messages function.
XPress button a to confirm.
The stored messages will now be displayed
in the order in which they have occurred.
For malfunction and warning messages,
see “Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display” (Y page 272).
XUse button : or 9 to scroll through
the messages.
If you turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0 and then back to position 2, all
messages will be deleted from the message
memory.
Settings menu
Introduction
In the Sett. menu there are two functions:
The function Factory Setting
(Y page 139), with which you can reset the
settings to the original factory settings and a
collection of submenus (Y page 140) with
which you can make individual settings for
your vehicle.
Resetting to factory settings
You can reset most of the settings of the
submenus to the factory settings.
For safety reasons, the function Daytime
Running Lamps in the Lights submenu
cannot be reset while driving.
XPress button = or ; to select the
Sett. menu.
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XPress button a to change the current
status.
Depending on the previous status, the
Daytime Running Lamps: mode will be
Enabled or Disabled.
With Daytime Running Lamps mode
enabled and the exterior lamp switch at
position $ or c, the daytime running
lamps are switched on when the engine is
running.
In low ambient light conditions the following
lamps will come on additionally:
RLow-beam headlamps
RParking lamps
RTail lamps
RLicense plate lamps
RSide marker lamps
For more information on the daytime running
lamp mode, see (Y page 98).
iMake sure the exterior lamp switch is set
to M or c when you switch off the
daytime running lamps while driving at
night.
For safety reasons, resetting all the functions
of all submenus to the factory settings while
driving (Y page 139) will not deactivate the
daytime running lamp mode.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display:
Cannot Be Completely Reset to
Factory Settings while Driving..
Switching Adaptive Highbeam Assist on
or off
XPress button = or ; to select the
Sett. menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select the
Lights submenu.
XPress button a.XPress button : or 9 to select the
Adaptive Highbeam Assist: function.
The current setting Enabled or Disabled
is shown.
XPress button a to change the current
status.
Depending on the previous status, the
Adaptive Highbeam Assist: function
will be Enabled or Disabled.
For more information on the Adaptive
Highbeam Assist, see (Y page 100).
Switching locator lighting on or off
With the Locator Lighting: function
activated and the exterior lamp switch in
position c
Rthe exterior lamps will come on during
darkness when the vehicle is unlocked with
the SmartKey.
The lamps will go out when the driver’s door
is opened.
If you do not open the driver’s door after
unlocking the vehicle with the SmartKey,
the lamps will go out automatically after
approximately 40 seconds.
Rthe exterior lamps will remain on for
15 seconds during darkness after exiting
the vehicle and closing all doors.
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