2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class CABRIOLET transmission

Rthe automatic transmission shifting up
later
R the fuel consumption possibly being higher
as a result of the later automatic
transmission shift points
Shift ranges
Introduction
When the automatic transmission is in
position D, it is possible to restrict or
derestrict the shift range ( Y page 153).
The shift range selected is shown in the
multifunction display. The automatic
transmission shifts only as far as the selected
gear.
Shift range=You can use the engine's braking
effect.5To use the braking effect of the
engine on downhill gradients and
for driving:
R on steep mountain roads
R in mountainous terrain
R in arduous conditions4To use the braking effect of the
engine on extremely steep downhill
gradients and on long downhill
stretches
Restricting the shift range
XPress the selector lever to the left towards
D– .
or
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The automatic transmission shifts down
one gear and restricts the shift range to the
relevant gear.
i If the engine exceeds the maximum
engine speed when shifting down, the
automatic transmission protects against
engine damage by not shifting down.
i If the maximum engine speed for the shift
range is reached and you continue to
accelerate, the automatic transmission
shifts up in order to prevent the engine
from overrevving, even if the shift range is
restricted.
Derestricting the shift rangeXBriefly press the selector lever to the right
towards D+.
or
XPull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The shift range is derestricted.
Clearing the shift range restriction
XPress 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.Automatic transmission153Driving and parkingZ

Manual drive program
Switching on the manual drive program
The manual drive program is only available for
vehicles with the dynamic handling package.
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 gears using the steering wheel paddle
shifters or the selector lever in manual drive
program M if the transmission is in position
D . The gear selected is shown in the
multifunction display.
XPress the program selector button
( Y page 151) repeatedly until M appears in
the multifunction display.
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 152).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
Downshifting
XBriefly press the selector lever to the left
towards D–.
or
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y page 152).
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 To avoid overrevving the engine when
downshifting, the automatic transmission
does not shift to a lower gear if this would
result in the maximum engine speed being
exceeded.
Kickdown
You can also use kickdown for maximum
acceleration in manual drive program M.
XVehicles for USA: fully depress the
accelerator pedal.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.XVehicles for Canada: depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure
point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
i During kickdown, you cannot change gear
using the steering wheel paddle shifters or
the selector lever.
Switching off the manual drive program
XVehicles with the dynamic handling
package: press the program selector
button ( Y page 151) repeatedly until E or
S appears in the multifunction display.154Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Problems with the transmissionProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe transmission has
problems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
immediately.The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear.The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse gear.XStop the vehicle.XShift the transmission to position P.XSwitch off the engine.XWait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine.XShift the transmission to position D or R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second gear; if R is
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
immediately.Releasing the parking lock manually
In the event of an electrical malfunction, it is
possible to release the selector lever lock
manually to move it out of position P, e.g. if
you wish to tow the vehicle away.
! Do not use any sharp-edged objects to
remove the selector lever gaiter from the
center console. This could damage the
selector lever gaiter.
XApply the parking brake.XPry off selector lever gaiter : with a flat,
blunt object, (e.g. a screwdriver wrapped in
cloth) from the right-hand edge, pulling it
up and out.XPress release buttons ; down and
simultaneously move the selector lever out
of position P.
The selector lever can now be moved freely
until it is returned to position P.
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline.
Refueling155Driving and parkingZ

Problems with fuel and the fuel tankProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFuel is leaking from the
vehicle.GRisk of explosion or fire
The fuel line or the fuel tank is defective.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0(Y page 145) in the ignition lock
immediately and remove it.XDo not restart the engine under any circumstances.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The fuel filler flap
cannot be opened.The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
or
The SmartKey battery is discharged.XUnlock the vehicle ( Y page 70).
or
XUnlock the vehicle using the mechanical key ( Y page 73).The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is
jammed.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.Parking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials can come into contact
with the hot exhaust system. Do not park the
vehicle on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields. Combustible materials, such as grass,
hay or leaves could be ignited by the hot
exhaust system and cause a vehicle fire.
Unintended vehicle movement can cause
serious personal injury or damage to the
vehicle or the vehicle drivetrain. To reduce
such risks, always do the following before
turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle:
R keep your right foot on the brake pedal.
R engage the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission to park
position P.
R slowly release the brake pedal.
Rwhen parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
R turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock, or press the KEYLESS-GO
Start/Stop button.
R take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. With the engine
not running, there is no power assistance for
the brake and steering systems. In this case,
it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
158ParkingDriving and parking

Vehicles with manual transmissionXShift to either first gear or reverse gear R.XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.XApply the parking brake firmly.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
XApply the parking brake firmly.XShift the transmission to position P.
Using the SmartKey
XTurn 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 145).
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.
Parking159Driving and parkingZ

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 62) or of BAS PLUS on
( Y page 62).
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.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning can occur
you must drive in the following manner:
R reduce your speed
R avoid ruts
R brake carefully
Driving on flooded roads
! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
General notes
GWARNING
If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow,
ensure that snow is kept away from the
exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as
long as the engine is running. Otherwise,
poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter
the vehicle, resulting in loss of consciousness
and even death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
At the onset of winter, have your vehicle
winterproofed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Driving with summer tires
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 310).
Slippery road surfaces
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.
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.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to position N.
i
For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 311).
Driving tips163Driving and parkingZ

iCruise control may be unable to maintain
the stored speed on uphill gradients. The
stored speed is resumed when the gradient
evens out. Cruise control maintains the
stored speed on downhill gradients by
automatically applying the brakes.
Storing the current speed or calling up
the last stored speedGWARNING
The set speed stored in memory should only
be set again if prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Possible
acceleration or deceleration differences
arising from returning to the preset speed
could cause an accident and/or serious injury
to you and others.
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ?.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The first time cruise control is activated, it
stores the current speed or regulates the
speed of the vehicle to the previously
stored speed.
Setting a speed
GWARNING
Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has made the necessary
adjustments.
Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to
a value that the prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden
and unexpected acceleration or deceleration
of the vehicle could cause an accident and/
or serious injury to you and others.
XPress the cruise control lever up : for a
higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.XKeep the cruise control lever pressed until
the desired speed is reached.XRelease the cruise control lever.
The new speed is stored.i Cruise control is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. For
example, if you accelerate briefly to
overtake, cruise control adjusts the
vehicle's speed to the last speed stored
after you have finished overtaking.
Making adjustments in 1 mph (Canada:
1 km/h) incrementsXBriefly press the cruise control lever to the
pressure point, up : for a higher speed or
down ; for a lower speed.
The last speed stored is increased or
reduced.
Making adjustments in 5 mph (Canada:
10 km/h) increments
XBriefly press the cruise control lever
beyond the pressure point, up : for a
higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.
The last speed stored is increased or
reduced.
Deactivating cruise control
There are several ways to deactivate cruise
control:
XBriefly press the cruise control lever
forwards =.
or
XBrake.
Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:
R you depress the parking brake.
R you are driving below 20 mph (30 km/h).
R ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
.
R you shift the transmission to position N
while driving.
If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear
a warning tone. You will see the Cruise
Control Off message in the multifunction
display for approximately five seconds.
i The last speed stored is cleared when you
switch off the engine.
Driving systems165Driving and parkingZ

Immediately brake the vehicle to increase
your distance to the preceding vehicle. The
warning sound is intended as a final caution
in which you should intercede with your own
braking inputs to avoid a potentially
dangerous situation. Do not wait for the
operation of the warning signal to intercede
with your own braking. This will result in
potentially dangerous emergency braking
which will not always result in an impact being
avoided.
Tailgating increases the risk of an accident.GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with a
maximum deceleration of 13 ft/s 2
(4 m/s 2
).
This is equivalent to approximately 40 % of
your vehicle's maximum possible
deceleration.
You need to brake yourself to prevent a
collision. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes the vehicle
to restore the set distance from the vehicle
ahead or the set speed.
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.
Cruise control lever:To store the current speed or a higher
speed;To store the current speed or a lower
speed=To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS?To store the current speed or to call up
the last stored speedATo set the specified minimum distance
Switching on DISTRONIC PLUS, storing
the current speed and maintaining it
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The vehicle can be braked when DISTRONIC
PLUS is activated. For this reason, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle is to be set in
motion by other means (e.g. in a car wash or
by towing).
In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the
following conditions must be fulfilled:
R the engine must be started. It may take up
to two minutes after pulling away before
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.
R the parking brake must not be applied.
R ESP ®
must be activated but not
intervening.
R the transmission must be in position D.
R the hood must be closed.
R the driver's door must be closed when you
shift from P to D or your seat belt must be
fastened.
168Driving systemsDriving and parking