2010 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS ESP

Shifting into optimal gear range XPull and hold left gearshift control \000F.
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 AMG
vehicles 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 steering
wheel gearshift control.
Program mode selector switch on AMG vehicles
C ComfortFor standard drivingS SportFor sporty drivingM ManualFor manual gearshifting
The current program mode appears in the
multifunction display (Y page 322).
For information on automatic program mode
(C or S), see “Automatic shift program”
(Y page 322) and “One-touch gearshifting”
(Y page 323).
Activating manual shift programXPress the program mode selector switch
repeatedly until M appears in the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission switches to
manual program mode M. Automatic
shifting is switched off. The gear range is
not limited.
You can change the gears manually with drive
position D selected. You can upshift or
downshift through the gears in succession.
iManual program mode M will not be
stored. When the engine is turned off with
manual program mode M selected, the
automatic transmission will go to
automatic program mode (C or S) when the
engine is restarted.
Upshifting
! In manual program mode M, the
automatic transmission will not upshift,
even if the engine has reached its
overrevving range. Shift up into the next
gear before the engine has reached its
overrevving range. Make absolutely certain
that the engine speed does not reach the
red marking on the tachometer. Otherwise
the engine could be damaged which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
XBriefly pull right gearshift control \000G
(Y page 323).
The automatic transmission shifts into the
next higher gear.
Upshift indicator
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In manual program mode M, upshift
indicator 0047 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 0046 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 pull left gearshift control 0046
( Y page 323).
The automatic transmission shifts into the
next lower gear.
i For maximum acceleration, pull and hold
the left gearshift control. Depending on the
engine speed the automatic transmission
selects the optimal gear for maximum
acceleration.
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 programXPress the program mode selector switch
repeatedly 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
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Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge is located on
the left side in the instrument cluster
( Y page 32).GWarning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
During severe operating conditions, e.g. stop-
and-go traffic, the coolant temperature may
rise close to 248‡ (120†), i.e close to the
red zone of the temperature gauge.
! Excessive coolant temperature triggers a
warning in the multifunction display.
The engine should not be operated with a
coolant temperature above 248‡ (120†),
i.e. in the red zone of the coolant
temperature gauge. Doing so may cause
serious engine damage which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Tachometer
The red marking on the tachometer
( Y page 32) denotes excessive engine speed.
! Avoid driving at excessive engine speeds,
as it may result in serious engine damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
To help protect the engine, the fuel supply is
interrupted if the engine is operated within
the red marking.
Outside temperature indicator
The outside temperature indicator is on the
bottom left-hand side of the instrument
cluster ( Y page 32).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 32). Once the fuel
level has fallen below the reserve mark, the
yellow segment indicator for the fuel reserve
comes on.
Driving systems
Introduction
This section describes the following driving
systems of your vehicle:
R Cruise control
R DISTRONIC PLUS
R Hill-start assist system
R HOLD function
R AIRMATIC
R Active Body Control (ABC)
R All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
R Parktronic system with Parking Guidance
R Rear view camera
R Night View Assist Plus
R ATTENTION ASSIST
R Blind Spot Assist
R Lane Keeping Assist
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The driving safety systems ABS, Adaptive
Brake, Adaptive Brake Lights, BAS, BAS
PLUS, EBP, ESC and PRE-SAFE® Brake are
described in the “Safety and security” section
(Y page 63).
Cruise control
The cruise control maintains the speed you
set for your vehicle automatically.
The use of the cruise control is recommended
for driving at a constant speed for extended
periods of time.
The currently set speed or last set speed
(“Resume” function) appears in the
multifunction display for approximately
5 seconds. The set speed is shown by a
triangle in the speedometer and the
corresponding speedometer segments from
the selected speed to the vehicle maximum
speed in the multifunction display are
illuminated.
GWarning!
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle’s speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
RThe use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
RThe use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
RDeactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The “Resume” function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.
GWarning!
When the cruise control is braking, the brake
pedal is retracted (i.e. depressed
automatically). The pedals’ range of motion
must not be impeded by any obstacles:
RDo not place any objects in the footwell.
RMake sure that the floormats and carpets
are securely in place.
RDo not rest your foot underneath the brake
pedal, as it could otherwise be trapped.
You could otherwise cause an accident and
injure yourself and/or others.
\000FSetting current or higher speed \000GSetting current or lower speed\000

GWarning!
When the DISTRONIC PLUS is braking, the
brake pedal is retracted (i.e. depressed
automatically). The pedals’ range of motion
must not be impeded by any obstacles:
R Do not place any objects in the footwell.
R Make sure that the floormats and carpets
are securely in place.
R Do not rest your foot underneath the brake
pedal, as it could otherwise be trapped.
You could otherwise cause an accident and
injure yourself and/or others.
GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS is a convenience
system. Its speed adjustment reduction
capability is intended to make cruise control
more effective and usable when traffic speeds
vary. It is not however, intended to, nor does
it, replace the need for extreme care.
The responsibility for the vehicle’s speed,
distance to the preceding vehicle and, most
importantly, brake operation to ensure a safe
stopping distance, always remains with the
driver.
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take street and
traffic conditions into account.
Complex driving situations are not always
fully recognized by the DISTRONIC PLUS. This
could result in wrong or missing distance
warnings.
GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control
is not a substitute for active driving
involvement. It does not react to pedestrians
or on stationary objects, nor does it recognize
or predict the curvature and lane layout or the
movement of preceding vehicles. The
DISTRONIC PLUS can only apply a maximum
of 40% of the vehicle’s braking power.
The DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles possibly driving in front of you, such
as motorcycles and vehicles driving in an
offset formation.
It is the driver’s responsibility at all times to
be attentive to the road, weather and traffic
conditions. Additionally, the driver must
provide the steering, braking and other driving
inputs necessary to remain in control of the
vehicle.
High-frequency sources such as toll stations,
speed measuring systems etc. can cause the
DISTRONIC PLUS system to temporarily
cease functioning.GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take road and
traffic conditions into account. Only use the
DISTRONIC PLUS if the road, weather and
traffic conditions make it advisable to travel
at a constant speed.
GWarning!
Use of the DISTRONIC PLUS can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes
in tire traction can result in wheel spin and
loss of control.
The DISTRONIC PLUS does not function in
adverse sight and distance conditions. Do not
use the DISTRONIC PLUS during conditions of
fog, heavy rain, snow or sleet.
GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take weather
conditions into account. Switch off the
DISTRONIC PLUS or do not switch it on if:
R roads are slippery or covered with snow or
ice. The wheels could lose traction while
braking or accelerating, and the vehicle
could skid.
R the DISTRONIC PLUS system sensor covers
are dirty or visibility is diminished due to
snow, rain or fog, for example. The distance
control system functionality could be
impaired.
Always pay attention to surrounding traffic
conditions even while the DISTRONIC PLUS is
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switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able
to recognize dangerous situations until it is
too late. This could cause an accident in which
you and/or others could be injured.GWarning!
The “Resume” function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.
GWarning!
Close attention to road and traffic conditions
is imperative at all times, regardless of
whether or not the DISTRONIC PLUS is
activated.
Use of the DISTRONIC PLUS can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic
because conditions do not allow safe driving
at a constant speed.
The DISTRONIC PLUS will not react to
stationary objects in the roadway (e.g. a
stopped vehicle in a traffic jam or a disabled
vehicle). The DISTRONIC PLUS will also not
respond to oncoming vehicles.
Switch off the DISTRONIC PLUS:
R when changing from the left to the right
lane if vehicles are moving more slowly in
the left lane
R when entering a turn lane or highway off
ramp
R in complex driving situations, such as in
highway construction zones
In these situations, the DISTRONIC PLUS will
continue to maintain the set speed unless
deactivated.
The DISTRONIC PLUS is designed and
intended only to maintain a set speed and
keep a set distance from moving objects in
front of it.
The DISTRONIC PLUS functions in a speed
range of 0 to 120 mph
(Canada: 0 to 200 km/h) if a preceding
vehicle is detected. If no preceding vehicle is
detected the DISTRONIC PLUS functions in a
speed range of 20 to 120 mph
(Canada: 30 to 200 km/h).
Always obey applicable speed limits.
Do not use the DISTRONIC PLUS if you are
driving on a road with steep uphill or downhill
slopes.
When traveling in Canada in a vehicle not
registered in Canada, you must switch off the
radar sensor system ( Y page 236). Canadian
law does not permit the use of the radar
sensor system for vehicles from outside of
Canada. When you switch off the radar sensor
system, the following functions are
deactivated:
R DISTRONIC PLUS
R BAS PLUS ( Y page 64)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 69)
R Blind Spot Assist ( Y page 359)
i Due to its radar-emitting nature
DISTRONIC PLUS may have an appearance
similar to a radar detector to law
enforcement officials. You may want to
refer to this section of your Operator’s
Manual when asked.
i USA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC
as a “Vehicular Radar System”. The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removal, tampering, or
altering of the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
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You must also apply the brakes yourself to
avoid a collision. The DISTRONIC PLUS brakes
the vehicle in an effort to restore the preset
distance or to maintain the set speed. The
brake pedal is automatically applied as this
happens which results in the brake pedal
moving
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times,
including the area under the brake pedal.
Objects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement which could interfere with the
braking ability of the DISTRONIC PLUS
system.
Do not place your foot under the brake pedal
– your foot could become caught.
GWarning!
If you do not receive visual or acoustic
warning signals during a critical traffic
situation, DISTRONIC PLUS has either not
recognized the collision risk, has been
deactivated or is malfunctioning.
Remember, whether or not DISTRONIC PLUS
is operating, it is ultimately always the drivers
responsibility to apply the brakes in order to
control the vehicle and avoid a collision.
Displaying the distance graphic
In the DriveAssist menu under Distance
Display you see the current settings for
DISTRONIC PLUS. The Information shown in
the multifunction display depends on whether
DISTRONIC PLUS is activated or deactivated.
For activating or deactivating the DISTRONIC
PLUS system, see “Activating DISTRONIC
PLUS” (Y page 335) or “Deactivating
DISTRONIC PLUS” (Y page 338).
The menu overview can be found on
(Y page 222).
XPress \000@ or \000> to select the
DriveAssist menu.
XPress \000= or \000< to select the
Distance Display function.
XPress \000d.
The DISTRONIC PLUS distance graphic
appears and you will see one of the
following displays in the multifunction
display.
DISTRONIC PLUS activated
If you switch on the DISTRONIC PLUS, you will
see the set speed in the multifunction display
for approximately 5 seconds. When the
DISTRONIC PLUS is activated the following
display appears in the multifunction display.
\000FDISTRONIC PLUS activated\000GYour vehicle\000

Below 20 mph (30 km/h), you can only switch
on the DISTRONIC PLUS if the preceding
vehicle has been detected and is shown in the
multifunction display. If you no longer see the
preceding vehicle in the multifunction display
and if it is no longer detected because it has
changed lanes, for example, the DISTRONIC
PLUS switches off and a signal sounds.XPull the DISTRONIC PLUS lever briefly in
direction of arrow 0088 to call up the last set
speed, or if no speed is stored, to set and
store the current speed.
The DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on.
or
XTap the DISTRONIC PLUS lever up 0046 or
down 0047 until desired speed is set.
The DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Your vehicle adapts its speed to the
preceding vehicle, observing the set speed
as a maximum value.
If you do not completely remove your foot
from the accelerator pedal, the message
DISTRONIC PLUS Override appears in the
multifunction display. The distance to a
slower-driving vehicle will not be set. You will
drive at the speed you dictate by pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Switching on when approaching a
stationary vehicle
It is helpful to switch on the DISTRONIC PLUS
display in the multifunction display to see that
a preceding vehicle is detected
( Y page 334). You can only switch on the
DISTRONIC PLUS below a speed of 20 mph
(30 km/h) when a preceding vehicle is
detected.
If the preceding vehicle is stationary, you can
only switch on the DISTRONIC PLUS if your
vehicle is also at a standstill.
XPull the DISTRONIC PLUS lever briefly in
direction of arrow 0088.
The DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on.XTap the DISTRONIC PLUS lever up 0046 or
down 0047 until desired speed is set.
You can adjust the set speed using the
DISTRONIC PLUS lever and the target
distance using the distance setting switch on
the DISTRONIC PLUS lever ( Y page 339).
i If the DISTRONIC PLUS is switched off,
the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 69) will warn
of an impending collision if this function has
been activated with the instrument cluster
control system ( Y page 232).
Starting off
When the preceding vehicle starts off:
XRemove your foot from the brake pedal.XPull the DISTRONIC PLUS lever briefly in
direction of arrow 0088.
or
XBriefly step on the accelerator pedal.
Your vehicle starts off and adapts its speed
to the preceding vehicle.
Driving
If there is no preceding vehicle, the
DISTRONIC PLUS functions like the cruise
control ( Y page 328).
When the DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the
preceding vehicle is driving more slowly, it
brakes the vehicle in order to keep the
distance specified by you.
When the DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the
preceding vehicle is driving faster, it
accelerates the vehicle up to the set speed.
GWarning!
When you step on the brake pedal, you switch
off the DISTRONIC PLUS except when the
vehicle is at a standstill. The DISTRONIC PLUS
will no longer brake your vehicle. You are
always responsible for maintaining a distance
from other vehicles, observing road speeds
and braking well in advance.
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