2013 MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS SPORTS steering

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 23).Breaking-in notes
Important safety notes
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after
several hundred kilometers of driving.
Compensate for this by applying greater force
to the brake pedal. The first 1,000miles (1,500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
R You should therefore drive at varying
vehicle and engine speeds for the first
1,000 miles (1,500 km).
R Avoid heavy loads, e.g. driving at full
throttle, during this period.
R Change gear in good time, before the
tachometer needle is Ôof the way to the
red area of the tachometer.
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Ideally, for the first 1,000m iles (1,500 km),
drive in program E. After 1,000 miles (1,500km), you can
increase the engine speed gradually and bring
the vehicle up to full speed.
i
You should also observe these breaking-
in notes if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
limits. Driving
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restric tthe
pedal travel or obstruct adepressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle
is jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Install the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficien tclearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats. G
WARNING
Unsuitable footwear can hinde rcorrect usage
of the pedals, e.g.:
R shoes with thick soles
R shoes with high heels
R slippers
There is a risk of an accident.
Wear suitable footwear to ensure correct
usage of the pedals. G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect.Y ou will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. 126
DrivingDriving and parking

DIRECT SELECT lever
Overview of transmission positions The DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of the
steering column.
j
Parkposition with parking lock
k Reverse gear
i Neutral
h Drive
i The DIRECT SELECT lever always returns
to its original position. The current
transmission position P,R, Nor Dappears
in the transmission position display
(Y page 133) in the multifunction display.
Transmission position and drive
program display The current transmission position and drive
program appear in the multifunction display.
:
Transmission position display
; Drive program display
i The 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 Dand drive program
E or S.
Engaging parkp osition P X
Push the DIRECT SELECT lever in the
directio nofarrowP.
Transmission position display Pis show nin
the multifunctio ndisplay.
i When you engage park position P, make
sure that the transmission position display
shows Pin the multifunction display.
i You can only engage park position Pwhen
the vehicle is stationary.
i The automatic transmission shifts into
park position Pautomatically:
R if you open the driver's door while the
vehicle is stationary in transmission
position Dor R
R if you open the door while traveling at
very low speeds in transmission position
D or R
In addition, a warning tone sounds and a
display message is shown.
i Depressing the brake and pushing the
DIRECT SELECT lever up or down
disengages the parking lock .The
transmission is in Nneutral.
If the transmission oil temperature is below
Ò4 ‡ (Ò20 †), you can only shift from park
position Pwhen the engine is running.
In order to shift from park position P
directly into Ror D:
R depress the brake pedal and
R push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or
down past the first point of resistance
! If the engine speed is too high or the
vehicle is moving, do not shift the Automatic transmission
133Driving and parking Z

Only change from automatic drive program
E
or Sto manual drive program Mwhen the
vehicle is stationary.
X Press program selector button :
repeatedly until the letter for the desired
gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.
i The automatic transmission shifts to
automatic drive program Eeach time the
engine is started.
i For further information on the automatic
drive program, see (Y page 136).Steering wheel paddle shifters
:
Left steering wheel paddle shifter (shifts
down)
; Right steering wheel paddle shifter (shifts
up)
In drive program M, you can change gear
yourselfu sing the steering wheel paddle
shifters.
If you pull the left or right steering wheel
paddle shifter when in automatic drive
program Eor S, the automatic transmission
shifts into drive program Mfor a limited time.
Depending on which paddle shifter is pulled,
the automatic transmission immediately
shifts into the next gear down or up.
i You can only change gear with the
steering wheel paddle shifters when the
transmission is in position D.i
For further information on the manual
drive program, see (Y page 136). Automatic drive program
Drive program Eis characterized by the
following:
R comfort-oriented engine settings
R optimal fuel consumption resulting from
the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner
R the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully
R increased sensitivity. This improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for
example
R the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. This results in the vehicle being
driven at lower engine speeds and the
wheels being less likely to spin
Drive program Sis characterized by the
following:
R sporty engine settings
R the automatic transmission shifting up
later
R the fuel consumption possibly being higher
as a result of the later automatic
transmission shift points Manual drive program
Introduction In manual drive program
M, you can change
gear yourselfb y using the steering wheel
paddle shifters .For this, the transmission
must be in position D. The gear currently
selected and engaged is shown in the
multifunction display.
Manual drive program Mdiffers from drive
programs Eand Swith regard to spontaneity,
responsiveness and smoothness of gear
changes. 136
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Gear Driving situations
=
You can use the engine's braking
effect
5
To 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 conditions 4
To use the braking effect of the
engine on extremely steep downhill
gradients and on long downhill
stretches
Switching on the manual drive program
Activating permanently
X
Press the progra mselecto rbutton
(Y page 135) repeatedly until Mappears in
the multifunction display.
Manual drive program Mremains active
until drive program Eor Sis engaged.
Activating temporarily
X Pull the right or left steering wheel paddle
shifte r(Ypage 136).
M is shown in the multifunction display.
Manual drive program Mis temporarily
active. Depending on which paddle shifter
is pulled, the automatic transmission
immediately shifts into the nextg ear down
or up.
i When manual drive program Mis
activated via the steering wheel paddle
shifters, the temporarily active manual
drive program Mwill be deactivated
automatically after a limited time, if the
driving situation permits. In this case, the
automatic transmission shift sinto the
automatic drive progra mthat was last
engaged, i.e. Eor S.W hen driving on
downhill gradients, the temporarily active
manual drive program Mwill only be
deactivated if the accelerator pedal is depressed while the vehicle is rolling
downhill.
Upshifting X
Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (Y page 136).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
X Shift up a gear when the ^upshift symbol
appears in the display instead of M.
i To prevent engine damage the automatic
transmission shifts up automatically:
R if the maximum engine speed on the
currently engaged gear is reached and
R you continue to accelerate.
Downshifting X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (Y page 136).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
i If you slow down or stop without shifting
down, the automatic transmission
automatically shifts down.
i For maximum acceleration, pull the left-
hand steering wheel paddle shifter until the
transmission selects the optimum gear for
the current speed.
i If the engine exceeds the maximum
engine speed when shifting down, the
automatic transmission protects against
engine damage by not shifting down.
Kickdown You can also use kickdown for maximum
acceleration in manual drive program
M.
X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X Shift back up once the desired speed is
reached. Automatic transmission
137Driving and parking Z

i
During kickdown, you cannot change gear
using the steering wheel paddle shifters.
i If you apply full throttle, the automatic
transmission shifts up to the next gear
when the maximum engine speed is
reached. This prevents the engine from
overrevving.
Switching of fthe manual drive program X
Press the progra mselecto rbutton
(Y page 135) repeatedly until Eor S
appears in the multifunction display.
Deactivatin gthe temporary manual drive
program
X Pull and hold the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter until the automatic
transmission shifts into the last active
automatic drive program: Eor S.
i If manual drive program Mis deactivated,
the automatic transmission in automatic
drive program Eor Smay shift from the
current gea rinto a highe rorlower gear.
This is dependent on the position of the
accelerator pedal, speed and load. 138
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

When the vehicle has been braked to a
standstill, the electric parking brake is
engaged.
Parking the vehicle for
along period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as
a result of lack of use.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist
workshop. Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Always remembe rthat you must concentrate
primarily on driving the vehicle. The driver's
concentration must always be directed
primarily at road traffic. For your own safety
and that of others, we recommend that you
stop the vehicle at a safe place and in
accordance with the traffic conditions before
making or accepting a phone call.
Comply with all legal requirements if you use
the telephone while driving. Use the hands-
free system and only use the telephone when
road, weather and traffic conditions permit. In
some jurisdictions, it is forbidden for drivers
to use mobile phones while driving.
Only operate the audio system or COMAND
(Cockpit Management and Data System) in
compliance with all legal requirements and
when the road, weather and traffic conditions
permit. You may otherwise not be able to observe the traffic conditions, endangering
yourself and others.
Remember that your vehicle covers a distance
of 44 ft (approximately 14
m)a second when
it is traveling at only 30 mph (approximately
50 km/h). G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevan tfunctions are only available
with limitations, or no tatall. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect .You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
Drive sensibly –save fuel Observe the following tips to save fuel:
R
The tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Remove roof racks whe nthey are not
needed.
R Warm up the engine at low engine speeds.
R Avoid frequent acceleration or braking.
R Have all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or by the service
interval display.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic
and in mountainous terrain.
Drinking and driving G
WARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment. 144
Driving tipsDriving and parking

Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, eve
nif:
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 may
occur, you must drive in the following
manner:
R lower yours peed.
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 engin eorthe 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 G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y page 294).
Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y
page 294).
Slippery road surfaces G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. G
WARNING
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.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position N.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering Driving tips
149Driving and parking Z

Parking tips:
R
on narrow roads, drive past the parking
space as close as possible.
R parking spaces that are littered, overgrown
or partially occupied by trailer drawbars
might be identified incorrectly or not at all.
R snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately.
R pay attention to the PARKTRONIC
(Y page 162) warning messages during the
parking procedure.
R you can intervene in the steering procedure
to correct it at any time. Active Parking
Assist will then be canceled.
R when transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you should not use
Active Parking Assist.
R never use Active Parking Assist when snow
chains are installed.
R make sure that the tire pressures are
always correct. This has adirec tinfluence
on the parking characteristics of the
vehicle.
R the way your vehicle is positioned in the
parking space after parking is dependent
on various factors .These include the
position and shape of the vehicles parked
in front and behind it and the conditions of
the location. In some cases, Active Parking
Assist may guide you too far into a parking
space, or not far enough into it. In some
cases, it may also lead you across or onto
the curb. If necessary, you should abort the
parking procedure with Active Parking
Assist.
R you can also engage forward gear
prematurely. The vehicle redirects and
does not drive as far into the parking space.
Should the gear change occur too soon to
achieve a sensible parking position, the
parking procedure will be aborted. General notes Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking
aid with ultrasound. Ultrasound is used to
measure the road on both sides of the vehicle.
As
uitable parking space is indicated by the
parking symbol. Active steering intervention
can assis tyou during parking.
You may also use PARKTRONIC
(Y page 161). When PARKTRONIC is switched
off, Active Parking Assist is also unavailable.
Use Active Parking Assist for parking spaces:
R that are parallel to the direction of travel
R that are on straight roads, not bends
R that are on the same level as the road, e.g.
not on the pavement
Detecting aparking space Objects located above the height range of
Active Parking Assist will not be detected
whe
nthe parking space is measured. These
are not taken into account when the parking
procedure is calculated, e.g. overhanging
loads, tail sections or loading ramps of goods
vehicles. In some circumstances, Active
Parking Assist may therefore guide you into
the parking space too early. G
WARNING
If there are objects above the detection range,
Active Parking Assist may turn prematurely.
You may cause a collision as a result. There is
a risk of an accident.
If there are objects above the detection range,
stop and deactivate Active Parking Assist.
Active Parking Assist is automatically
activated when driving forwards. The system
is operational at speeds of up to
approximately 22 mph (35 km/h). While in
operation, the system independently locates
and measures parking spaces on both sides
of the vehicle. When driving at speeds below
19 mph (30 km/h), you will see the parking
symbol as a status indicator in the instrument
cluster. By default, Active Parking Assist only
displays parking spaces on the front- Driving systems
165Driving and parking Z