
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 

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   

M Manual Manual gear shifting
RS RACE
START Optimal vehicle
acceleration from a
standstill
i
For further information on the automatic
drive program, see 
(Y page 166).
Only change from automatic drive program  C,
S or  S+ to manual drive program  M when the
vehicle is stationary.
i The automatic transmission shifts to
automatic drive program  C each time the
engine is started.
i RS cannot be selected during normal
driving. For further information on RACE
START, see ( Y page 198).Steering wheel paddle shifters
:
Left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
; Right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
You can restrict or derestrict the shift range
by using the steering wheel paddle shifters.
You can change gear yourself by using the
steering wheel paddle shifters in the manual
drive program.
In the automatic drive program, you can
restrict 
or expand the shift range by using the
steering wheel paddle shifters ( Y page 166).
i You can only change gear with the
steering wheel paddle shifters when the
transmission is in position D. Automatic drive program
Drive program E (drive program  C on AMG
vehicles) is characterized by the following:
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  S (drive programs  S and S+ on
AMG vehicles) is characterized by the
following:
R sporty engine and automatic transmission
settings
R the vehicle pulling away in first gear
R the 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 expand
the shift range (Y page 166).
The shift range selected is shown in the
multifunction display. The automatic
transmission shifts only as far as the selected
gear. 166
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking   

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.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident 
are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals G
WARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure that the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers,
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Rolling with the engine switched off G
WARNING
There is no power assistance for the steering
and 
 the brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion. Exhaust check G
WARNING
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.
Do 
not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if
they are serviced exactly in accordance with
the manufacturer's specifications. Only have
work on the engine carried out by qualified
and authorized Mercedes-Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed
under any circumstances. Furthermore, all
specific service work must be carried out at
regular intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Maintenance Booklet. ECO display
Example: ECO display
The 
ECO display gives you information on how
economical your driving style is. The ECO
display assists you in achieving the optimum
driving style in terms of consumption, taking
the actual and selected conditions into
consideration. Your driving style can 178
Driving tips
Driving and parking   

significantly influence the vehicle's
consumption.
The ECO display consists of three bars:
R
Acceleration
R Constant
R Coasting
The 
percent value is the average value of the
three bars. The three bars and the mean value
begin at the value of 50%. A higher
percentage indicates a more economical
driving style.
The ECO display does not provide any
information on the actual consumption. A
fixed percentage count in the ECO display
does not indicate a fixed consumption figure
in l/100 km.
Apart from driving style, consumption is
dependent on many factors such as, e.g.:
R Load
R Tire pressure
R Cold start
R Choice of route
R Electrical consumers switched on
These factors are not taken into
consideration by the ECO display.
The evaluation of your driving style is carried
out using the following three categories:
Acceleration (evaluation of all 
acceleration) The bar fills up: The bar empties:
Moderate
acceleration,
especially at high
speeds Sporty acceleration Constant (evaluation of driving style at 
any time)
The bar fills up: The bar empties:
Constant speed and
avoidance of
unnecessary
acceleration and
deceleration Speed variations
Coasting (evaluation of total 
deceleration)
The bar fills up: The bar empties:
Drive with care and
remove your foot
from 
the accelerator
pedal in good time:
the vehicle can
coast without
braking Frequent braking
i
An economical driving style specially
requires driving at moderate engine
speeds.
Achieving a higher value in the categories
"Acceleration" and "Constant":
R observe 
the gearshift recommendations.
R drive in drive program  E.
i On longer journeys, e.g. on highways, the
only the bar in the "Constant" category
changes.
i The ECO display calculates the driving
style from the start of the journey to the
end. For this reason, the bars change
dynamically at the beginning of the journey.
On longer journeys, there are fewer
changes. For more dynamic changes, carry
out a manual reset.
Further information on the ECO display
(Y page 231). Driving tips
179
Driving and parking Z 

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
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 365).Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle's speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only 
use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed. R
The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic 
because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The "Resume" function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed. G
WARNING
The cruise control brakes automatically so
that the set speed is not exceeded.
General notes Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed 
for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1, 2 or 3 in good time. By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine,
which relieves the load on the brake system
and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h). Driving systems
183
Driving and parking Z 

vehicle. In this way, the distance you have
selected is maintained.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle
in front is driving faster, it accelerates your
vehicle, but only up to the speed you have
stored.
Changing lanes
G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS and Active Blind Spot Assist
are only aids designed to assist driving.
They do not relieve you of the responsibility
of paying attention. The driver remains fully
responsible for the vehicle's distance from
other vehicles, the vehicle's speed and for
braking 
in good time. Always pay attention to
traffic conditions and your surroundings.
Otherwise, you may fail to recognize dangers
in time, cause an accident and injure yourself
and others.
If you change to the passing lane, DISTRONIC
PLUS supports you when:
R you are driving faster than
40 mph(60 km/h).
R DISTRONIC PLUS is maintaining the
distance to a vehicle in front.
R you switch on the appropriate turn signal.
R DISTRONIC PLUS does not detect a danger
of collision.
If these conditions are fulfilled, your vehicle
is accelerated. Acceleration will be
interrupted if changing lanes takes too long
or if the distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front becomes too small.
i When changing lanes, DISTRONIC PLUS
monitors the left lane on left-hand drive
vehicles and the right lane on right-hand
drive vehicles. Vehicles with COMAND/Audio 50
Example: traffic circle
i
The following function is not operational
in all countries.
DISTRONIC 
PLUS uses additional information
from your navigation system so that it can
react appropriately to certain traffic
situations. This is the case if, while following
a vehicle, DISTRONIC PLUS is active and you:
R approach or drive through a traffic circle
R approach a T-intersection
R turn off at a freeway exit
Even if the vehicle in front leaves the
detection range, DISTRONIC PLUS
temporarily maintains the current driving
speed and does not accelerate. This is based
on the current map data in the navigation
system.
The current speed is maintained:
R approximately 10 seconds before the
traffic circle/T intersection and
approximately 1.5 seconds when driving on
a traffic circle
R approximately 12 seconds before reaching
a freeway exit and approximately
4 seconds after the freeway exit
Afterwards, the vehicle accelerates back to
the set speed you specified.
Vehicles with COMAND
i The following function is not operational
in all countries. 190
Driving systems
Driving and parking   

You are responsible for safety at all times and
must continue to pay attention to the
immediate surroundings when parking and
maneuvering. This includes the area behind,
in front of, and beside the vehicle. Otherwise
you could endanger yourself and/or others.
G
WARNING
The rear view camera will not function or will
not fully function if:
R the tailgate is open
R it is raining or snowing strongly or if it is
foggy
R it is night or if you are parking/
maneuvering your vehicle in a very dark
area
R a very bright white light is affecting the
camera
R the immediate vicinity is illuminated with
fluorescent light (the display can flicker)
R temperature 
changes abruptly, for example
if you drive out of the cold into a heated
garage (condensation on the lens)
R the camera lens is dirty or covered
R the rear of your vehicle is damaged
In this case, have the position and the
setting of the camera checked at a
specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you consult a Mercedes-
Benz Center for this purpose.
Do not use the rear view camera in these
situations. You could otherwise injure
yourself and other people and/or cause
damage - including damage to your vehicle -
while parking/maneuvering.
The area behind the vehicle is displayed as a
mirror image, as in the rear view mirror.
Activating the rear view camera X
Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the rear view camera
function is selected in COMAND (see the separate operating instructions for
COMAND).
X Engage reverse gear.
The 
area behind the vehicle is shown in the
COMAND display with guide lines.
Guide lines in the COMAND display G
WARNING
Use of rear view camera can be dangerous if
you are color-blind or have impaired color
vision.
Only 
use rear view camera if you can see and
distinguish all colored guidelines shown by
rear view camera on the COMAND system
display. G
WARNING
Please note that objects that do not touch the
ground may appear to be further away than
they actually are, for example:
R the 
bumper of a vehicle parked behind you
R the trailer drawbar
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the rear end of a truck
R a slanted post
In such cases, you should not use the guide
lines to judge the distance. You may misjudge
the distance, which increases the risk of
impacting the objects.
Even if the object you approach is directly on
the ground, do not approach the object any
closer than the red guide line. Example: information in the COMAND display Driving systems
209
Driving and parking Z