
N
Reduces the airflow ( Y page 145)
O Reduces the temperature ( Y page 144)Information about using 3-zone
automatic climate control
The following contains instructions and
recommendations to enable you to get the
most out of your automatic climate control.
R Activate 
climate control using the  Ã and
¿ buttons. The indicator lamps above
the à and ¿ buttons light up.
R In automatic mode, you can also use the
ñ button to set a climate mode
(FOCUS/MEDIUM/DIFFUSE). The
MEDIUM level is recommended.
R Set the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
R Only use the "defrosting" function briefly
until the windshield is clear again.
R Only use "air-recirculation" mode briefly,
e.g. if there are unpleasant outside odors
or when in a tunnel. The windows could
otherwise fog up, since no fresh air is drawn
into the vehicle in air-recirculation mode.
R Use the ZONE function to adopt the
temperature settings on the driver's side
for the front-passenger side and the rear
compartment as well. The indicator lamp
above the á button goes out.
R Use the residual heat function if you want
to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior
when the ignition is switched off. The
"residual heat" function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition
switched off. Operating the climate control
systems
Activating/deactivating climate
control
Points to observe before use G
WARNING
When the climate control system is
deactivated, the outside air supply and
circulation are also deactivated. Only choose
this setting for a short time. Otherwise the
windows 
could fog up, impairing visibility and
endangering you and others.
i Switch on climate control primarily using
the à button ( Y page 143).
Activating/deactivating X
Turn the SmartKey to position  2 in the
ignition lock.
X To switch on:  press the à button.
The indicator lamp above the  Ã button
lights 
up. Airflow and air distribution are set
to automatic mode.
or
X Press the ^ button.
The indicator lamp above the  ^ button
goes out. The previously selected settings
are restored.
X To switch off: press the ^ button.
The indicator lamp above the  ^ button
lights up. 142
Operating the climate control systems
Climate control 

Activating/deactivating cooling with
air dehumidification
Points to observe before use G
WARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions 
are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. This may prevent you from
observing the traffic conditions, thereby
causing an accident.
The cooling with air dehumidification function
is only available when the engine is running.
The air inside the vehicle is cooled and
dehumidified according to the temperature
selected.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a
malfunction.
i The cooling with air dehumidification
function uses refrigerant R134a. This
coolant does not contain
chlorofluorocarbons, and therefore does
not damage the ozone layer.
Activating/deactivating X
To activate:  press the ¿ button.
The indicator lamp above the  ¿ button
lights up.
X To deactivate:  press the ¿ button.
The indicator lamp above the  ¿ button
goes out. The cooling with air
dehumidification function has a delayed
switch-off feature. Problems with the cooling with air
dehumidification function When you press the 
¿ button, the
indicator lamp in the button flashes three
times 
or remains off. You can no longer switch
on the cooling with air dehumidification
function.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Setting climate control to automatic
G
WARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions 
are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
In automatic mode, the set temperature is
maintained automatically at a constant level.
The system automatically regulates the
temperature of the dispensed air, the airflow
and the air distribution.
Automatic mode will achieve optimal
operation if cooling with air dehumidification
is also activated. If desired, cooling with air
dehumidification can be deactivated.
X Turn the SmartKey to position  2 in the
ignition lock.
X Set the desired temperature.
X To activate:  press the à button.
The indicator lamp above the  Ã button
lights up. Automatic air distribution and
airflow are activated.
i 3-zone automatic climate control: when
automatic mode is activated, you can
select a climate mode setting
(Y page 144).
X To deactivate:  press the air distribution
button.
Dual-zone 
automatic climate control: press
button  F(Y page 139). Operating the climate control systems
143
Climate control Z 

Rear window defroster
Activating/deactivating G
WARNING
Clear all windows of ice or snow before setting
off. Otherwise, impaired visibility could
endanger you and others.
The 
rear window defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the rear window is clear. Otherwise,
the rear window defroster switches off
automatically after several minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.
X Turn the SmartKey to position  2 in the
ignition lock.
X Press the ¤ button.
The indicator lamp above the  ¤ button
lights up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window
defroster The rear window defroster has deactivated
prematurely or cannot be activated.
X
Switch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window defroster is activated
again automatically. Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
G
WARNING
At low outside temperatures, only switch over
to air-recirculation mode for brief periods.
Otherwise, the windows could fog up, thus
impairing visibility and endangering yourself
and others. This may prevent you from
observing the traffic conditions and thereby
cause an accident. You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated.
The 
operation of air-recirculation mode is the
same for all control panels.
X Turn the SmartKey to position  2 in the
ignition lock.
X To activate:  press the g button.
The indicator lamp above the  g button
lights up.
i In 
 the event of high pollution levels 2
 or at
high outside temperatures, air-
recirculation mode is automatically
activated. When air-recirculation mode is
activated automatically, the indicator lamp
above the g button does not light up.
Outside air is added after about
30 minutes.
X To deactivate:  press the g button.
The indicator lamp above the  g button
goes out.
i Air-recirculation mode deactivates
automatically:
R after approximately five minutes at
outside temperatures below
approximately 
41 ‡ (5 †)
R after approximately five minutes if
cooling with air dehumidification is
deactivated
R after approximately 30 minutes at
outside temperatures above
approximately 41 ‡ (5 †) Activating/deactivating the residual
heat function
The 
residual heat function is only available in
vehicles for Canada with automatic climate
control.
It is possible to make use of the residual heat
of the engine to continue heating the
stationary vehicle for up to 30 minutes after
2 Automatic climate control only. Operating the climate control systems
147
Climate control Z 

the engine has been switched off. The heating
time depends on the temperature that has
been set.
X
To activate:  press the Ì button.
The indicator lamp above the  Ì button
lights up.
i The blower will run at a low speed
regardless of the airflow setting.
i If you activate the residual heat function
at high temperatures, only the ventilation
will be activated. The blower runs at
medium speed.
X To deactivate:  press the Ì button.
The indicator lamp above the  Ì button
goes out.
i It is possible that the residual heat
function 
may be activated automatically an
hour after the SmartKey is removed. The
vehicle is then ventilated for 30 minutes to
dry the air-conditioning system.
Residual heat is deactivated automatically:
R after approximately 30 minutes
R when the ignition is switched on
R if the battery voltage drops Setting the air vents
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Very hot or very cold air can flow from the air
vents. This could cause burns or frostbite to
bare skin in the immediate vicinity of the
vents. Keep bare skin away from these air
vents. 
If necessary, direct the airflow away to
a different area of the vehicle interior. In order to ensure the direct flow of fresh air
through 
the air vents into the vehicle interior,
please observe the following notes:
R keep the air inlet between the windshield
and the hood free of blockages, such as ice,
snow or leaves.
R never cover the air vents or air intake grilles
in the vehicle interior. Setting the center air vents
: Center air vent, left
; Center air vent, right
= Center vent thumbwheel, right
? Center vent thumbwheel, left
X
To open/close:  turn thumbwheels =
and ? up or down. Setting the side air vents
X
To open/close:  turn 
 thumbwheel = up or
down. 148
Setting the air vents
Climate control     

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 Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: ( Y page 25).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 1,000 miles (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 Ô of the way to the
red area of the tachometer.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select shift ranges 3, 2 or 1 when
driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain.
After 1,000 miles (1,500 km), you can
increase the engine speed gradually and
accelerate the vehicle to full speed. Additional breaking-in notes for AMG
vehicles:
R
Do not drive faster than 
85 mph
(140 km/h) for the first 1000 miles
(1500 km).
R Only allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4500 rpm briefly.
R Change gear in good time.
i You should also observe these notes on
running in if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
limits. AMG vehicles with rear axle locking
differential
Your vehicle is equipped with a self-locking
differential on the rear axle. To improve the
protection 
of the differential on the rear axle,
change the oil after a break-in distance of
2,000 miles (3,000 km). This oil change
extends the service life of the differential.
Have the oil change carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. Driving
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the
pedal travel or obstruct a depressed 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
sufficient 
clearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats. 152
Driving
Driving and parking 

G
WARNING
Unsuitable footwear can hinder correct 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. 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. G
WARNING
If the parking brake has not been fully
released 
 when driving, the parking brake can:
R overheat and cause a fire
R lose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release
the parking brake fully before driving off. G
WARNING
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions 
included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
!  Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to
the desired drive position when the vehicle
is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery roads. You could otherwise damage the
drive train.
!  AMG vehicles:  at low engine oil
temperatures below 
68 ‡ (+20 †), the
maximum engine speed is restricted in
order to protect the engine. To protect the
engine and maintain smooth engine
operation, avoid driving at full throttle when
the engine is cold. SmartKey positions
SmartKey g
To remove the SmartKey
(shift the transmission to position  P)
1 Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windshield wipers
2 Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position
3 To start the engine
i The SmartKey can be turned in the
ignition lock even if it is not the correct
SmartKey 
for the vehicle. The ignition is not
switched on. The engine cannot be started. Driving
153
Driving and parking Z   

Start/Stop button
=
USA only
? Canada only Starting the engine
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these 
exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces
without sufficient ventilation.
!  Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
General notes i
Vehicles with a gasoline engine:  the
catalytic converter is preheated for up to
30 
seconds after a cold start. The sound of
the engine may change during this time.
Automatic transmission X
Shift the transmission to position  P.
The transmission position display in the
multifunction display shows  P.
i You can also start the engine when the
transmission is in position N. Starting procedure with the SmartKey i
To start the engine using the SmartKey
instead of KEYLESS-GO, pull the Start/
Stop button out of the ignition lock.
X To start a gasoline engine:  turn the
SmartKey 
 to position  3 (Y page 153) in the
ignition lock and release it as soon as the
engine is running.
X To start a diesel engine: turn the
SmartKey 
to position  2 (Y page 153) in the
ignition lock.
The % preglow indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X When the preglow indicator lamp  %
goes out, turn the SmartKey to position  3 
(Y page 153) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.
i You 
 can start the engine without preglow
if the engine is warm.
Using KEYLESS-GO to start the engine G
WARNING
As long as the SmartKey is in your vehicle, the
vehicle 
 can be started. Therefore, never leave
children unattended in the vehicle, as they
could otherwise accidentally start the engine.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A
child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
i The Start/Stop button can be used to
start the vehicle manually without inserting
the SmartKey into the ignition lock. The
Start/Stop button must be inserted into
the ignition lock and the SmartKey must be
in the vehicle. This mode for starting the
engine operates independently of the ECO
start/stop automatic engine start function. Driving
155
Driving and parking Z   

X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X To start a gasoline engine:  press the
Start/Stop button  (Y page 154) once.
The engine starts.
X To start a diesel engine:  
 press the Start/
Stop button (Y page 154) once.
Preglow is activated and the engine starts.
i If 
 the engine is warm, the preglow time is
shortened. Pulling away
Automatic transmission G
WARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position  D or
R, 
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There
is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position  D or R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do
not simultaneously accelerate.
!  If a warning tone sounds and the
Release Park. Brake message appears
in the multifunction display, the parking
brake is still applied. Release the parking
brake.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the transmission to position  D or R.
X Release the parking brake ( Y page 176).
X Release the brake pedal.
X Carefully depress the accelerator pedal.
i It 
 is only possible to shift the transmission
from position P to the desired position if
you depress the brake pedal. Only then is
the parking lock released. If you do not
depress the brake pedal, you can move the
DIRECT SELECT lever but the parking lock
remains engaged. i
The 
 vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at
any time.
You can also deactivate the automatic
locking feature (Y page 240).
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 G
WARNING
After a short time, hill start assist will no
longer brake your vehicle and it could roll
away. 
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Therefore, quickly move your foot from the
brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. Never
leave the vehicle when it is held by 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 to depress it before the vehicle begins to
roll.
X Take your foot off the brake pedal.
The 
vehicle is then held for about a second.
X Pull away.
Hill start assist will not function if:
R you are pulling away on a level road or on
a downhill gradient.
R the transmission is in position N.
R the parking brake is applied.
R ESP ®
 is malfunctioning. 156
Driving
Driving and parking