2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class COUPE ESP

SmartKey positions in the ignition lock. This
is only the case if you are not depressing the
brake pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts
immediately.
The Start/Stop button can be removed from
the ignition lock. Then, you can insert the
SmartKey into the ignition lock.
i You do not have to remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock when you
leave the vehicle. However, you should
always take the SmartKey with you when
leaving the vehicle. The vehicle can be
started with the Start/Stop button if the
SmartKey is in the vehicle.:Start/Stop button;Ignition lockXInsert Start/Stop button : into ignition
lock ;.
i
When you insert Start/Stop button :
into ignition lock ;, the system requires a
detection time of approximately two
seconds before you can use Start/Stop
button :.
Start/Stop button
=USA only?Canada onlyXPosition 0: if Start/Stop button : has not
yet been pressed, this corresponds to the
SmartKey being removed from the ignition.XPosition 1: press Start/Stop button :.
You can now activate the windshield
wipers, for example.
i If you then open the driver's door when in
this position, the power supply is
deactivated.
XPosition 2 (ignition): press Start/Stop
button : twice.
i
If you press Start/Stop button : once
when in this position and the driver's door
is open, the power supply is deactivated
again.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light
up. If an indicator lamp does not go out after
the engine is started or if it lights up while the
vehicle is in motion, see ( Y page 229).
Starting the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
126DrivingDriving and parking

You can open the doors from the inside at
any time.
You can also deactivate the automatic
locking feature ( Y page 196).
i Upshifts take place at higher engine
speeds after a cold start. This helps the
catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature more quickly.
Hill start assist
Hill start assist helps you when pulling away
forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient.
It holds the vehicle for a short time after you
have removed your foot from the brake pedal.
This gives you enough time to move your foot
from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal
and depress it before the vehicle begins to
roll.
GWARNING
Never leave the vehicle when it is held by hill
start assist. After approximately one second,
hill start assist will no longer brake your
vehicle and it could roll away.
XTake your foot off the brake pedal.
i Once you have taken your foot off the
brake pedal, the vehicle is held for around
one second.
XPull away.
Hill start assist will not function if:
R you are pulling away on a level road or a
downhill gradient.
R the transmission is in position N.
R the parking brake is applied.
R ESP ®
is malfunctioning.
128DrivingDriving and parking

Problems with the engineProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard.R There is a malfunction in the engine electronics.
R There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.XBefore attempting to start the engine again, turn the SmartKey
in the ignition back to position 0 or press the Start/Stop button
repeatedly until all indicator lamps in the instrument cluster go
out.XTry to start the engine again ( Y page 126). Avoid excessively
long and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain
the battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor.The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak
or discharged.XJump-start the vehicle ( Y page 287).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.XAllow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two
minutes.XTry to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Driving129Driving and parkingZ

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.
! Rolling in neutral N can damage
the drive train.7Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
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 ( Y page 132)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed
Driving tips
AMG vehicles
When shifting down, the double-clutch
function is active regardless of the currently
selected drive program. The double-clutch
function reduces load change reactions and
is conducive to a sporty driving style. The
sound generated by the double-clutch
function depends on the drive program
selected.
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 and AMG vehicles:
depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
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.
Program selector button
General information
The program selector button allows you to
choose between different driving
characteristics.
Example: program selector button
132Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Clearing the shift range restrictionXPress and hold the selector lever towards
D+ until D is shown once more in the
multifunction display.
or
XPull 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
XPress the selector lever to the left towards
D– and hold it in position.
or
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter and hold it in position.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
gear which allows optimum 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
vehicles with the dynamic handling package
and for AMG vehicles.
Manual drive program M is different from
drive program S (in AMG vehicles, drive
programs S and S+) with regard to
spontaneity, responsiveness and
smoothness of gear changes.
Manual drive program M can be selected
using the drive program selector or the
program selector button. You can change
gears using the steering wheel paddle shifters
or the selector lever in manual drive program
M if the transmission is in position D.
XPress the program selector button
( Y page 132) repeatedly until M appears in
the multifunction display.XAMG vehicles: turn the drive program
selector (Y page 133) until M appears in the
multifunction display.
The indicator M on the drive program
selector lights up in red.
Upshifting
i Vehicles with the dynamic handling
package : if the maximum engine speed for
the shift range is reached and you continue
to accelerate, the automatic transmission
shifts up, except when manual drive
program M is selected.
XBriefly press the selector lever to the right
towards D+.
or
XPull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y page 133).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
Vehicles with AMG engines
! 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,
an upshift indicator appears in the
multifunction display.
:Gear indicator;Upshift indicatorAutomatic transmission135Driving and parkingZ

Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging to your
health.GWARNING
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gasoline
to spray back out when removing the fuel
pump nozzle, which could cause personal
injury.
! Do not switch on the ignition if you
accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines.
Notify a qualified specialist workshop and
have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
Gasoline
Fuel grade
! You should only refuel with unleaded
premium-grade gasoline as this avoids
damaging the catalytic converter.
If engine running problems are apparent,
have the cause checked immediately and
repaired. Excess unburned fuel can
otherwise enter the catalytic converter,
leading to overheating and possibly
causing a fire.
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
i Only refuel with premium-grade unleaded
gasoline with a specified minimum octane
number of 91 (average value of 96 RON/
86 MON).
You will usually find information about the
fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot find
the label on the pump, ask the staff for
assistance.
You can find more information under "Fuel"
( Y page 328), or by contacting an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Service Center
or visiting http://www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
Refueling
Fuel filler flap
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked
automatically when you open or close the
vehicle with the SmartKey or using KEYLESS-
GO.
The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed
in the instrument cluster 8. The arrow
next to the filling pump indicates the side of
the vehicle.
:To open the fuel filler flap;To insert the fuel filler cap=Tire pressure table?Fuel type
Opening
XSwitch off the engine.XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
KEYLESS-GO: open the driver’s door. This
switches the ignition to position 0, which
corresponds to having removed the138RefuelingDriving and parking

Using the SmartKeyXTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
i The SmartKey can only be removed if the
transmission is in position P.
Using KEYLESS-GO
XPress the Start/Stop button (Y page 125).
The engine stops and all the indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
i When the driver's door is closed, this
corresponds to SmartKey position 1. When
the driver's door is open, it corresponds to
SmartKey position 0 or "SmartKey
removed".
If you attempt to switch off the engine while
the selector lever is in a position other than
P , a message appears in the multifunction
display and you hear a tone.
Parking brake
GWARNING
Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle
is in motion can cause the rear wheels to 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.
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the parking brake and/or shift the
automatic transmission out of park position
P , either of which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
XTo apply: depress parking brake ; firmly.
When the engine is running, the $ (USA
only) or J (Canada only) indicator lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster.XTo release: depress the brake pedal and
keep it depressed.XPull release handle :.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the $ (USA only) or
J (Canada only) indicator lamp goes out
in the instrument cluster.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharge.
XConnect a trickle charger.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as
a result of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.Parking141Driving and parkingZ

Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roadsGWARNING
The layer of salt on the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly
longer braking distance, which could lead to
an accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without
putting other road users at risk, when you
are driving on salted roads. This helps to
remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake discs.
Servicing the brakes
! If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. This work
should be carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have the brake pads replaced and the brake
fluid renewed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
GWARNING
If brake pads or brake fluid other than those
recommended are used, the braking
properties of the vehicle can be degraded to
an extent that safe braking is substantially
impaired. This could result in an accident.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a 2-axle
dynamometer. If you are planning to have
the vehicle tested on such a dynamometer,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain further information first.
Otherwise, you could damage the drive
train or the brake system.
! 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.
! As the ESP ®
system operates
automatically, the engine and the ignition
system must be switched off (SmartKey in
position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock or Start/
Stop button in position 0 or 1) when:
R testing the parking brake on a brake
dynamometer.
R you intend to have the vehicle towed with
the front axle raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
If your brake system is subject only to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals by pressing firmly on the brake pedal
at high speeds. This improves the grip of the
brake pads.
144Driving tipsDriving and parking