2011 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class AMG

:Transmission position
iThe arrows in the transmission position
display show how and into which
transmission positions you can change
using the DIRECT SELECT lever.
! If the transmission position display in the
multifunction display is not working, you
should pull away carefully to check whether
the desired transmission position is
engaged. Ideally, you should select
transmission position D and drive program
S . On AMG vehicles, select drive program
C . Do not restrict the shift range.
Transmission positions
BPark position
Do not shift the transmission into
position P unless the vehicle is
stationary. The parking lock should
not be used as a brake when
parking. In addition to engaging the
parking lock, you must always
apply the parking brake to secure
the vehicle.
In the event of a fault in the vehicle
electronics, the transmission can
be locked in position P.
Have the vehicle electronics
checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.CReverse
Only shift the transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary.ANeutral
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. The transmission
could otherwise be damaged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
! Driving in neutral N can
damage the drive train.7Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Gearshifting
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D. This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
R a shift range restriction, if selected
R the selected drive program
C/S or M (AMG vehicles) ( Y page 147)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed
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Driving tips
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
XVehicles for USA except AMG vehicles:
fully depress the accelerator pedal.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.XVehicles for Canada except AMG
vehicles: depress the accelerator pedal
beyond the pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
Rocking the vehicle free
Rocking the vehicle free by repeatedly
shifting back and forth between transmission
positions D and R can help to free a vehicle
that has become stuck in mud or snow. The
engine management system of the vehicle
limits shifting back and forth between
transmission positions D and R to a maximum
speed of 5 mph (9 km/h). To shift back and
forth between transmission positions D and
R , move the selector lever up and down
beyond the pressure point.
Working on the vehicle
GWarning
When working on the vehicle, engage the
parking brake and shift the automatic
transmission into park position P. Otherwise
the vehicle could roll away which could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
Trailer towing
XWhen towing a trailer and driving downhill,
shift to a lower gear if the automatic
transmission constantly shifts between
two gears.XEngaging a lower gear and reducing the
speed reduces the risk of the engine
overheating.Program selector button
The program selector button is only available
for AMG vehicles.
Program selector button with manual drive
program (AMG vehicles only)
C ComfortComfortable, economical
drivingS SportSporty driving styleM ManualManual gearshifting
i
For further information on "Drive
program" ( Y page 148).
Only change from automatic drive program
C or S to manual drive program M when the
vehicle is stationary.
XPress program selector button :
repeatedly until the letter for the desired
gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.
i The automatic transmission switches to
automatic drive program C each time the
engine is started.
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Clearing the shift range restrictionXPull and hold the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter until D is shown again in the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission shifts from the
current shift range directly to D.
Selecting the ideal shift range
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter and hold it in position.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
gear which allows ideal acceleration and
deceleration. To do this, the automatic
transmission shifts down one or more
gears.
Manual drive program
Switching on the manual drive program
The manual drive program is only available for
AMG vehicles.
Manual drive program M is different from
drive program S with regard to spontaneity,
responsiveness and smoothness of gear
changes.
Manual drive program M can be selected
using the program selector button. You can
change gear using the steering wheel paddle
shifters in manual drive program M if the
transmission is in position D. The gear
currently selected and engaged is shown in
the multifunction display.
XPress program selector button
( Y page 147) repeatedly until M appears in
the multifunction display.
Upshifting
XPull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y page 148).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
! In manual drive program M, the automatic
transmission does not shift up
automatically even when the engine
limiting speed for the current gear is
reached. When the engine limiting speed is
reached, the fuel supply is cut to prevent
the engine from overrevving. Always make
sure that the engine speed does not reach
the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage.
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
you will see an upshift indicator in the
multifunction display.:Gear indicator;Upshift indicatorXPull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
Downshifting
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y page 148).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
i If you brake the vehicle or stop without
shifting down, the automatic transmission
will shift down to a gear that will allow the
vehicle to accelerate or pull away again.
i For maximum acceleration, pull the left-
hand steering wheel paddle shifter until the
transmission selects the optimum gear for
the current speed.
Kickdown
i Kickdown is not possible in manual drive
program M.
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Switching off the manual drive programXAMG vehicles: press the program selector
button ( Y page 147) repeatedly until C or
S appears in the multifunction display.150Automatic transmissionDriving and parking
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! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition must be switched off
(SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the ignition
lock or Start/Stop button in position 0 or
1 ) while the parking brake is being tested
on a brake dynamometer (maximum 10
seconds).
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
If your brake system is only subjected to
moderate loads, you should regularly test
your brake system's function by forcefully
depressing the brake pedal when driving at
high speed. This also improves the brake
pads' friction.GWarning
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on ( Y page 66).
High-performance brake system for
AMG vehicles
The high-performance brake system is only
installed on the ML 63 AMG.
GWarning
New vehicle brake pads and discs, and
replacement brake pads and discs may take
several hundred miles of driving until they
provide optimum braking efficiency. Until that
time, you may need to use increased brake
pedal pressure while braking. Please be aware
of this and adjust your driving and braking
accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive high-demand braking will cause
correspondingly high brake wear. Please be
attentive to the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and brake condition
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performance driving, it is
important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
The high-performance brake system is
designed for heavy loads. This may lead to
noise when braking. This will depend on:
R speed
R braking force
R environmental conditions, such as
temperature and humidity
The wear of individual components of the
brake system, such as the brake pads/linings
or brake discs, depends on the individual
driving style and operating conditions.
Parking brake
If you drive on wet roads or dirt-covered
surfaces, road salt and/or dirt could get into
the parking brake.
In order to prevent corrosion and a reduction
in the braking power of the parking brake,
observe the following:
R gently depress the parking brake from time
to time before beginning the journey.
R drive approximately 110 yd (100 m)
without exceeding a speed of 12 mph
(20 km/h).
GWarning!
While performing this procedure please
assure that the vehicle is stopped before
applying the parking brake. Otherwise the
rear wheels could lock up. You could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
In addition, the vehicle’s brake lights do not
light up when the parking brake is engaged.
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when you engage the parking brake.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
R you drive at low speeds
R the tires have adequate tread depth
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Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle:Approach/departure angle, front;Approach/departure angle, rear:: 27;Steel-spring
vehicles27°22°26°:: 28;Vehicles with the
AIRMATIC package Raised level31°25°29°Highway level25°18°24°:;AMG vehiclesRaised level26°28°Highway level21°24°
R Comply with the rules for off-road driving.
R Do not drive at an angle on slopes, inclines
or gradients, but instead follow the direct
line of fall. The maximum gradient-climbing
capability of your vehicle is 100%, which
corresponds to an approach/departure
angle of 45°. Note that the vehicle's
gradient-climbing capability depends on
the off-road conditions.
R Before tackling steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1.
R Drive slowly.
R Avoid high engine speeds – drive at a
suitable engine speed (maximum 3000
rpm).
R Use the braking power of the engine when
driving down a slope. Observe the engine
speed, do not overrev the engine.
R Check the brakes after driving off-road for
a long time.GWarning!
Never turn the vehicle around on steep
inclines. The vehicle might roll over. If the
vehicle cannot complete the attempted climb,
back it down in reverse gear.
i Hill start assist will aid you when pulling
away on a hill.
For more information, see "Hill start assist"
( Y page 142).
Maximum gradient climbing ability
On good road surfaces, the maximum
gradient climbing capability of your vehicle is
100%, which corresponds to an approach/
departure angle of 45°. Note that the
vehicle's gradient-climbing capability
depends on the off-road conditions.
Accelerate carefully and make sure that the
wheels do not spin when driving on steep
terrain.
i If the load on the front axle is reduced
when pulling away on a steep uphill slope,
the front wheels have a tendency to spin.
4ETS recognizes this and brakes the
wheels accordingly. The rear wheel torque
is increased and it is easier to pull away.
27 Vehicles with the AMG Sports package.
28 Vehicles with the AMG Sports package.170Driving tipsDriving and parking
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accident if you drive too fast. ESP®
cannot
override the laws of physics.
! When driving on extremely rough terrain,
select a high vehicle level in good time.
Make sure that there is always sufficient
ground clearance to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
! Remove the key from the ignition before
raising one or more wheels with the
appropriate equipment.
Information on "Off-road driving"; see
( Y page 166).
Level setting
Basic settings, excluding AMG vehicles
The extent to which the vehicle is raised or
lowered depends on the basic setting
selected. Select raised level for off-road
driving or highway/high-speed level for
normal roads.
The individual vehicle levels differ from
highway level as follows:
R +2.3 in (+ 60 mm) in raised level
R +/–0 in (+/–0 mm) in highway level
R –0.6 in (–15 mm) in high-speed level
i The high-speed level is not available when
you are towing a trailer. Observe the notes
on driving with a trailer ( Y page 198).
Basic settings for AMG vehicles
The extent to which the vehicle is raised or
lowered depends on the ADS setting
selected. Select raised level for off-road
driving or highway/high-speed level for
normal roads.
In raised level, the vehicle is 2.9 in (73 mm)
higher than in Highway level with ADS
AUTO .
Raised level
Only select raised level if this is appropriate
for the road conditions. Otherwise, fuel
consumption may increase and handling may
be affected.XStart the engine.XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes. The vehicle rises
to raised level.
While the adjustment is taking place, a
message appears in the multifunction
display, e.g.:
If you press the V, U , & or *
button on the multifunction steering wheel,
the message will disappear.
Once the vehicle has reached raised level,
indicator lamp ; remains lit. You will see a
message in the multifunction display, for
example:
If you want to select raised level at a speed
above 40 mph (64 km/h), the Level
Selection Not Permitted message
appears in the multifunction display.
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Highway/high-speed level
! Make sure that there is enough ground
clearance when the vehicle is being
lowered. It could otherwise hit the ground,
damaging the underbody.XStart the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is lit:
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes. The vehicle is
adjusting to highway/high-speed level.
While the adjustment is taking place, a
message appears in the multifunction
display, e.g.:
If you press the V, U , & or *
button on the multifunction steering wheel,
the message will disappear.
Once highway level has been reached,
indicator lamp ; goes out. You will see a
message in the multifunction display, for
example:
The vehicle is automatically lowered to high-
speed level if you are driving at speeds above
55 mph (88 km/h) or for approximately 20
seconds between 40 mph (64 km/h) and
55 mph (88 km/h).
AIRMATIC package
General notes
AIRMATIC enables a suspension tuning
setting to be selected and regulates the
damping behavior and level of your vehicle.
The system comprises two components: ADS
(Adaptive Damping System) ( Y page 184)
and level control ( Y page 181) .
Observe the notes on driving with a trailer
( Y page 198).
AMG vehicles
The AIRMATIC package is part of the standard
equipment. Due to the sportier suspension
tuning when compared to standard vehicles,
the level positions in the ADS settings and the
speed thresholds for raising and lowering the
vehicle are different.
The vehicle is lowered from highway/high-
speed level to ADS Sport level around 20
seconds after locking. The vehicle is not
lowered from raised level after locking. When
the engine is started, the previous setting,
e.g. ADS COMF , is restored.
! Always keep in mind the differences in
ground clearance and vehicle height when
compared to standard vehicles. You could
otherwise damage the vehicle.
You will find different values for ground
clearance and vehicle height with regard to:
R off-road fording ( Y page 164)
R the general vehicle dimensions in the
"Technical data" section
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