2013 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class sport mode

i
If depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function,
wait briefly and then try again.
Deactivating the HOLD function G
WARNING
Never get out of the vehicle when the HOLD
function is activated.
The HOLD function must never be operated
or
deactivated by a passenger or from outside
the vehicle.
The HOLD function does not replace the
parking brake and must not be used for
parking.
The braking effect of the HOLD function is
canceled and the vehicle could roll away if:
R the HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal.
R there is a malfunction in the system or an
interruption in the power supply, e.g.
battery failure.
R the electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses are
tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected.
If you leave the vehicle or park it, deactivate
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
The HOLD function is deactivated
automatically if:
R you accelerate and the transmission is in
position D or R.
R you shift the transmission to position P.
R you depress the brake pedal again with a
certain amount of pressure until ë
disappears from the multifunction display.
R you activate DISTRONIC PLUS. When the HOLD function is activated, the
transmission is shifted automatically to
position P if:
R the driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.
R the engine is switched off.
R the hood is opened.
R a system malfunction occurs.
R the power supply is not sufficient. RACE START
Important safety notes G
WARNING
RACE START is only available when SPORT
handling mode is activated. SPORT handling
mode only stabilizes the vehicle to a limited
extent in the event of swerving or wheelspin.
RACE

START should only be used on specially
designated roads. Always adapt your speed
and driving style to the prevailing road and
weather conditions.
i RACE START is only available in AMG
vehicles.
RACE START enables optimal acceleration
from a standing start. The precondition for
this is a suitable high-grip road surface.
Conditions for activation You can activate RACE START if:
R
the doors are closed.
R the

engine is running and it has reached an
operating temperature of approximately
176 ‡ (80 †). This is the case when the
engine oil temperature in the multifunction
display stops flashing.
R SPORT handling mode is activated.
(Y page 67)
R the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
position. Driving systems
179
Driving and parking Z

R
the vehicle is stationary and the brake
pedal is depressed (left foot).
R the transmission is in position D.
Activating RACE START X
Depress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed.
X Turn the drive program selector clockwise
(Y page 149) until the RS lamp lights up.
The RACE START Confirm: Paddle UP
Cancel: Paddle DOWN message appears
in the multifunction display.
i If the activation conditions are no longer
fulfilled, RACE START is canceled. The
RACE
START Canceled message appears
in the multifunction display.
X To cancel: pull the left steering wheel
paddle shifter

(Y page 150).
or
X To confirm: pull the right steering wheel
paddle shifter

(Y page 150).
The RACE START Available Depress
gas pedal message appears in the
multifunction display.
i If you do not depress the accelerator
pedal fully within two seconds, RACE
START

is canceled. The RACE START Not
Possible See Operator's Manual
message appears in the multifunction
display.
X Fully depress the accelerator pedal.
The engine speed rises to approximately
3500 rpm.
The RACE START Release brake to
start message appears in the
multifunction display.
i If you do not release the brake pedal
within five seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The RACE START Canceled message appears in the multifunction
display.
X Take your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum
acceleration.
The RACE

START Active message appears
in the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle
reaches a speed of approximately
30 mph
(Canada: 50 km/h). Drive program S+ is
activated. SPORT handling mode remains
activated.
RACE START is deactivated immediately if
you release the accelerator pedal during
RACE START or if any of the activation
conditions are no longer fulfilled. The RACE
START Not Possible See Operator's
Manual message appears in the multifunction
display.
i If RACE START is used repeatedly within
a short period of time, it is only available
again after the vehicle has been driven a
certain distance. AIRMATIC
Vehicle level Important safety notes
Your vehicle regulates its height
automatically.

All-round level control ensures
the best possible suspension and constant
ground clearance, even with a laden vehicle.
When you drive fast, the vehicle is lowered
automatically to improve driving safety and to
reduce fuel consumption.
The following vehicle levels are possible:
R normal
R raised: the vehicle is raised by about
0.80 in (20 mm) when compared with the
normal level
R lowered: the vehicle is lowered by about
0.40 in (10 mm) when compared with the
normal level180
Driving systems
Driving and parking

i
These changes in level are so slight that
you are hardly aware of them.
The
"Normal" and "Raised" vehicle levels can
be set manually.
The "Lowered” vehicle level is set
automatically:
R at speeds above 70 mph (113 km/h)
R if you have selected "Sports tuning"
(Y page 181)
Setting the vehicle level G
WARNING
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road
surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow
chains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Setting raised level X
Start the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is not lit:
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. The vehicle
height is adjusted to raised level.
The Vehicle Rising message appears in
the display. The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you:
R
drive
at speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h)
R drive for about three minutes at speeds
above 50 mph (80 km/h).
The "Raised level" remains active when you
are not driving within these speed ranges.
Setting the normal level
X Start the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is lit:
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to normal level.
Suspension tuning General notes
The

electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.
The damping is tuned individually to each
wheel and depends on:
R your driving style, e.g. sporty
R the road surface condition, e.g. bumps
R your individual selection, i.e. sports or
comfort
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Sports tuning The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
Select this mode when employing a sporty
driving style, e.g. on winding country roads. Driving systems
181
Driving and parking Z

X
Press button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. Sports
suspension tuning is selected.
The AIRMATIC SPORT message appears in
the multifunction display.
Comfort tuning
In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable.
Therefore, select this mode if you favor a
more comfortable driving style. Select
comfort mode also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. on straight stretches of
freeway.
X Press button :.
Indicator
lamp = lights up. Comfort tuning
is selected.
The AIRMATIC COMFORT message appears
in the multifunction display. AMG adaptive sport suspension
system
General notes i
AMG
adaptive sport suspension system is
available for the CLS 63 AMG model.
Rear axle level control The vehicle automatically sets the vehicle
level at the rear axle. Rear axle level control
ensures the best possible suspension and
that the ground clearance remains constant
even when the vehicle is loaded. This
improves driving safety and fuel
consumption.
Suspension tuning
General notes
The

electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort. The damping is tuned individually to each
wheel and depends on:
R
your driving style, e.g. sporty
R the road surface condition, e.g. bumps
R your individual selection of Sport, Sport +
or Comfort
If you select Sport or Sport + mode and
restart the engine, the suspension setting
reverts to Comfort mode.
Sport mode :
Mode selector button
; Button for storing, calling up and
displaying the selected mode
= Sport + mode indicator lamp
? Sport mode indicator lamp
The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
Select this mode when employing a sporty
driving style, e.g. on winding country roads.
X Press the : button once.
Indicator lamp ? lights up. You have
selected Sport mode.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT
message appears in the multifunction
display.
Sport + mode
The very firm setting of the suspension tuning
in Sport + mode ensures the best possible
contact with the road. Select this mode only
when driving on race circuits. 182
Driving systems
Driving and parking

If indicator lamps = and ? are off:
X
Press button : twice.
Indicator lamps = and ? light up. You
have selected Sport + mode.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT +
message appears in the multifunction
display.
If indicator lamp ? lights up:
X Press the : button once.
Second indicator lamp = lights up. You
have selected Sport + mode.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT +
message appears in the multifunction
display.
Comfort mode
In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable.
Therefore, select this mode if you favor a
more comfortable driving style. Select
comfort mode also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. on straight stretches of
freeway.
X Press button : repeatedly until indicator
lamps = and ? go out.
You have selected Comfort mode.
The AMG Suspension System COMFORT
message appears in the multifunction
display.
Storing and calling up settings
Once the suspension tuning and drive
program have been selected, you can store
and call up your settings using AMG
button ;.
X To store: press AMG button ; until you
hear a tone.
X To call up: press AMG button ;.
The stored suspension tuning and drive
program are selected.
X To display: briefly press AMG button ;.
Your selection appears in the multifunction
display. 4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
G
WARNING
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
4MATIC cannot prevent accidents resulting
from excessive speed.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised.

This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP ®
, it
improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip. PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The PARKTRONIC is a supplemental system.
It is not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always remains with the driver. Driving systems
183
Driving and parking Z

SETUP
:
Drive program (C/S/S+/M)
; ESP ®
mode ( ON/OFF) or SPORT handling
mode ( SPORT)
= Suspension tuning (COMFORT/SPORT/
SPORT+)
SETUP shows the drive program, the ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) mode and the
suspension tuning.
X Press the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the AMG menu.
X Press the 9 button repeatedly until
SETUP is displayed.
or
X Briefly press the AMG button on the center
console (Y page 182).
RACETIMER Displaying and starting RACETIMER
G
WARNING
The RACETIMER feature is only for use on
roads and in conditions where high speed
driving
is permitted. Racing on public roads is
prohibited under all circumstances. The driver
is and must always remain responsible for
following posted speed limits. :
Lap
; RACETIMER You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or if the SmartKey is in
position 2 in the ignition lock.
X
Press the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the AMG menu.
X Press the 9 button repeatedly until the
RACETIMER is shown.
X To start:
press the a button to start the
RACETIMER.
Displaying the intermediate time X
Press the = or ; button to select
Interm. Time.
X Press a to confirm.
The intermediate time is displayed for five
seconds.
Starting a new lap :
RACETIMER
; Fastest lap time (best lap)
= Lap
X Press a to confirm New Lap.
i It is possible to store a maximum of
sixteen laps. Lap 16 can only be stopped
with Finish Lap. Menus and submenus
225
On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsÂ
Remove 'Start'
Button and Insert
Key The KEYLESS-GO key can continuously not be detected.
KEYLESS-GO is temporarily malfunctioning or is defective. A
warning tone also sounds.
X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock and turn it to the
desired position.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Â
Close Doors to
Lock Vehicle At least one door is open. A warning tone also sounds.
X
Close all doors and lock the vehicle again. Warning and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster
Warning and indicator lamps
overview
L Low-beam headlamps
(Y page 112)
T Parking lamps (Y page 112)
K High-beam headlamps
(Y page 113)
#! Turn signals (Y page 113)
ü Seat belts (Y page 256)
$ (USA) Brakes (Y page 257)
J (Canada) Brakes (Y page 257)
! ABS (Y page 258)
÷ ESP®
(Y page 260)
å ESP®
OFF (Y page 260)
M SPORT handling mode in
AMG vehicles (Y page 261)
6 SRS (Y page 263)
; Check Engine (Y page 264)
8 Reserve fuel (Y page 264)
? Coolant (Y page 264)
· Distance warning signal
(Y page 266)
h Tire pressure monitor
(Y page 267) Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
255On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions÷
The yellow ESP
®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion. ESP
®
or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
X When pulling away, only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: ( Y page 66).å
The yellow ESP
®
OFF
warning

lamp is lit while
the engine is running. ESP
®
is deactivated.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is switched off, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: ( Y page 66).
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
X Drive on carefully.
X Have ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. M
AMG vehicles only:
The yellow SPORT
handling

mode warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. SPORT handling mode is activated.
G WARNING
When SPORT handling mode is switched on, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Only switch to SPORT handling mode in accordance with the
conditions described in the "Activating/deactivating SPORT
handling mode" section ( Y page 67). Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
261
On-board computer and displays Z